Bullion sales take tumble in March

Has the interest in owning the new year’s bullion coins died down? Are investors shying away from gold and silver? Whatever the answer, gold and silver bullion coin sales are down at the Mint during March.

As of March 30, gold Eagle sales came in at 36,500 total ounces sold. Compared to the 83,500 total ounces sold in February, the March number represents a 56 percent drop. Gold Buffalo sales amount to 6,500 coins, a 66 percent loss. Silver Eagles fared a little better, with 4,106,000 coins purchased, a 14 percent reduction.

The National Park Service commemorative coins are available at the Mint as of March 24. Sales through March 27 are modest, with the three-coin proof set the top seller with over half its 15,000 mintage ordered. See the numbers below.

The 2016-W Betty Ford First Spouse gold coins went on sale March 25. Collectors bought 605 uncirculated and 960 proof coins by March 27.