Eagle Demand Outpaces Supply

The U.S. Mint produced more than 1 million silver American Eagle (SAE) coins during March. One prominent coin dealer posted on Facebook that, despite this mintage, demand was outstripping supply. For that reason, he doesn’t see the present premium on SAEs changing anytime soon. The same is true for bullion gold American Eagle coins. While precious metal spot price fluctuations can be seen in bullion issues, the values of intrinsic metal-impacted, circulated, business strike, late 19th and 20th century coins have not changed in the past week. Demand remains strong in this market sector as well.

Collectors who have little interest in made-for-collector commemoratives should note that non-circulating legal tender coins are becoming increasingly more important to the overall expansion of the hobby. On April 8, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum announced that First Business Bank will be the “official bank” of the U.S. Mint Negro Leagues Commemorative Coin program. A marketing strategy is being formulated. More such targeted marketing of new coin issues will help expand the hobby while assisting in retaining those who might otherwise have lost interest in collecting.

Other areas to watch include exonumia and American bullion coins when offered at auction, more of which are appearing using this venue than in the past. A recent Heritage Showcase Auction of Modern Collectibles U.S. Coins and Bullion included a 1995-W SAE and a collection of hobo nickels. Truly rare coins also continue to cross the auction block. One of only 40 known 1907 Rounded Rim $10 eagles recently realized $1.14 million in a Stacks Bowers Galleries auction.

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