2010 proofs OK

This article was originally printed in the latest issue of Numismatic News.
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The Mint has succeeded in its race against the calendar to provide collectors with proof silver American Eagle coins with 2010 dates.

They will go on sale Nov. 19 and collectors should get delivery starting Dec. 1.

Deputy Director of the U.S. Mint Andy Brunhart telephoned Numismatic News Oct. 4 to make the announcement.

“The price is going to be $45.95, and you know why,” Brunhart said, citing a $22 price of an ounce of the metal.

This is a significant increase since the coin was last sold to collectors in 2008 for $31.95.

Order limitation will be 100 per household, a strong indication that the Mint feels it will be able to meet demand from all comers. Though when asked if he could provide a number for what the maximum production might be, Brunhart, replied,“I can’t do that. It’s all dependent upon the current situation of being off allocation for a while longer.”

Allocation refers to the Mint’s system of rationing the supply of the bullion American Eagle silver coins. Rationing ceased with a Sept. 3 notice to authorized purchasers, freeing up planchets for proof production.

“We’ve been working very hard with the silver planchet venders,” Brunhart explained. Supply has tripled since 2007, which in Brunhart’s view is “quite significant.”

Though the one-ounce planchet shortages are easing, three products will not be produced this year, Brunhart said, because supplies are still not ample. These products are the one-ounce uncirculated “W” mintmarked silver American Eagle, the one-ounce uncirculated “W” mintmarked gold American Eagle and the annual uncirculated dollar coin set that contains the silver Eagle.

The Mint will begin accepting orders on its website at noon Eastern Time Nov. 19. Orders can also be placed on that date by telephone at (800) USA-MINT.

Each order will be assessed a $4.95 shipping and handling fee.