Doubled in 23 years

With the news that one-ounce silver American Eagles will be sold by the U.S. Mint for $45.95 Nov. 19, my mind has cast itself back to 1986.

That was the very first year the proof silver Eagles were offered to collectors.

I was excited as anybody about the new bullion coin. I plunked down my $21. It was an enjoyable moment or two as I thought about it.

Then it hit me. The current price is about double the price of the first one and almost precisely double the $23 cost of the 1987.

So issue price has doubled in 23 years.

That doesn’t seem like much in today’s environment of record silver headlines.

If the proof silver American Eagle issue price doubles again in 23 years, I will see it reach $91.90 not all that long before I turn 80. I might not make it to 80.

Then I thought of Pat Heller. He would probably assure me that it will happen while I am still much younger – next year even.

That’s better. I want to be fit enough to still write a headline.