US Mint Sales: 2011 Proof Sets Beat Uncirculated Mint Sets

The 2011 Proof Set did it again. It outperformed its weekly sales increase for the second week in a row. Even more impressive was the fact that its sales beat out the uncirculated 2011 Mint Set that just launched on February 8.

According to the latest United States Mint sales figures, the Proof Set rose by 78,551. Previously it climbed 73,789. January 11 was its first selling date. The 2011 Mint Set, on the other hand, gained 20,053 during its second week on the charts. It debuted at 191,391.

Demand for the 2011 Silver Proof Set eased a little. Collectors took in 14,116 in this round versus 24,630 previously. The new total hit 271,264.

Also easing was demand for US Army Commemorative Coins. The proof Army silver dollars propelled the most with 7,951 after advancing 14,541 in the previous report. The proof clad half-dollar followed with 4,373. Its previous upward move had been 9,301.

US Mint 2011 Kennedy Half Dollar Bags & Rolls debuted on Tuesday, February 15. Between its launch and Sunday, February 20, opening sales were 2,114 for the 200-coin bags and 8,841 for the Two-Roll Sets. Although the 2010 strikes were pulled from the Mint's line-up, the old Two-Roll Set picked up 310 in its final days while the 200-coin bags declined by -2.

Two unusual events occurred in this report. First, the US Mint did not publish the latest total for the 2010 Proof Set for the second straight week. The set is still available on the Mint's website. The second interesting thing was the huge decline in Abraham Lincoln's Presidential $1 Coin Cover total. It was reduced by -787 and winded up at 28,165. Normally, Lincoln's covers grew by four or five hundred.

In the bullion arena, Silver Eagles showed no signs of slowing down. The US Mint sold 894,000 since last Tuesday to its Authorized Purchasers compared to the prior round's 768,500 jump. February's new total landed at 2,599,500, and annual sales rolled in at 9,021,500.

The first three columns of the table below provide weekly US Mint sales increases between the listed time periods, offering a sense of recent trends. The final column provides the latest US Mint sales totals as of Sunday, February 20, 2011. Bullion coin tables are found toward the bottom, with the most recent sales as of Tuesday, February 22. (NLA = No Longer Available.)

Unit
Increase

Jan 31-

Feb 6

Unit
Increase

Feb 7-

Feb 13

Unit
Increase

Feb 14-

Feb 20

2011 U.S. Army Commemorative Coins 2010 American Buffalo Gold ProofAbigail Fillmore Uncirculated (2010)Jane Pierce Uncirculated (2010)Buchanan's Liberty Proof (2010) Buchanan's Liberty Uncirculated (2010) Mary Lincoln Uncirculated (2010) 2011 United States Mint Silver Proof Set2011 United States Mint Proof Set2010 United States Mint Proof Set2010 America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Set2010 U.S. Mint Silver Proof Set™ (18-coin)2010 Presidential $1 Coin Proof Set™2010 America The Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set™2011 United States Mint Uncirculated Set2010 United States Mint Uncirculated Set2010 Presidential Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set™ (P&D)2010 America the Beautiful Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set 2010 QUARTERS CIRCULATING COIN SET 2010 AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 3-COIN SET GETTYSBURG QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSMOUNT HOOD QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSGRAND CANYON QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSYOSEMITE QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSYELLOWSTONE QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSHOT SPRINGS QUARTER BAGS & ROLLS2009 JAMES K. POLK $1 COIN ROLLS2009 ZACHARY TAYLOR $1 COIN ROLLS2010 MILLARD FILLMORE $1 COIN ROLLS2010 FRANKLIN PIERCE $1 COIN ROLLS 2010 JAMES BUCHANAN $1 COIN ROLLS2010 ABRAHAM LINCOLN $1 COIN ROLLSPRESIDENTIAL $1 COIN & FIRST SPOUSE MEDAL SETS™2011 KENNEDY HALF-DOLLAR BAGS & ROLLS2010 KENNEDY HALF-DOLLAR BAGS & ROLLS2010 NATIVE AMERICAN GOLDEN DOLLAR ROLLSUS MINT SALES: 2011 BULLION COINsAmerica the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins

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2011 Native American $1 Coin to Launch in Plymouth, Massachusetts

The United States Mint has chosen Plymouth, Massachusetts, as the site of its launch ceremony for the 2011 Native American $1 Coin.

2011 Native American $1 Coin Design: The obverse design, by Glenda Goodacre, remains the central figure of Sacagawea first produced in 2000. The reverse design, by Richard Masters, features hands of the Supreme Sachem Ousamequin Massasoit and Governor John Carver, symbolically offering the ceremonial peace pipe after the initiation of the first formal written peace alliance between the Wampanoag tribe and the European settlers. The reverse includes the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, $1, and WAMPANOAG TREATY 1621.

The public ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on January 12, 2011, at the Plimoth Plantation Henry Hornblower II Visitor Center.

Following the event, attendees 18 years old and younger will receive a newly minted 2011 Native American $1 Coin, while others may exchange paper currency for rolls of the new coin.

The Native American $1 Coin Program is authorized by Public Law 110-82, which requires the United States Mint to mint and issue $1 coins featuring designs celebrating the important contributions of Indian tribes and individual Native Americans to the history and development of the U.S.

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

[Coin Collecting News editor: For more information on the dollar, also check out this site's page: 2011 Native American Dollars.]

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US Mint Coin Mintages November: 2010 Quarters Known

Coin Mintages for Lincoln $1 and Mount Hood Quarter Revealed in November

American circulating coin mintages plunged last month, the latest November 2010 coin production figures from the US Mint reveal. The Mint produced a total of 531,460,000 coins in November 2010.

In contrast, coin mintages totaled more than 730 million during the previous month. In fact, the November drop marks the lowest level for the US Mint since April 2010 when nearly 452 coins were produced.

Only three denominations came out US Mint doors in November -- Lincoln pennies, Jefferson nickels and Roosevelt dimes. While America the Beautiful Quarters® and Presidential $1 coins were not struck, mintages for the final 2010 design issues for the coin series were reported.

The 2010 Mount Hood Quarter came in with a total of 68.8 million, split evenly with 34.4 million from Denver and 34.4 million from Philadelphia. How they compared to other America the Beautiful Quarter issues this year are shown in the following table:

Hot Springs National Park QuartersYellowstone National Park QuartersYosemite National Park Quarters

It should be noted that any of the quarter mintages above have the potential to change this year if the bulk buyers step in and order in quantity. However, given the lateness of the year, new numbers would be unexpected.

The Abraham Lincoln $1 coin finished with a total mintage of 97.02 million. Philadelphia produced slightly more at 49 million while Denver struck 48.02 million. The levels were the highest since the first issue in 2009. Again, a comparison with the other 2010 releases follow.

The next round of coin mintages will not be published until January 2011.

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Coin Collectors do all their own stunts USA Flag Hat / Baseball Cap

T-ShirtFrenzy offers over 30,000 designs on tons of products to offer millions of variations. You can search our store for something for everyone on your gift list or shop for yourself (our personal favorite). Please contact us with questions.

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US Mint 2011 Silver Proof Set Launches January 25

Collectors may begin ordering the 2011 United States Mint Silver Proof Set at noon Eastern Time (ET) on January 25.

US Mint 2011 Silver Proof Set

The dime, half-dollar and quarter-dollar coins in the set are all struck in lustrous 90 percent silver, commonly referred to as "coin silver."

This year's set includes the second group of commemorative quarter-dollars in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program honoring Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania; Glacier National Park in Montana; Olympic National Park in Washington; Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi; and Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma.

The 2001 Silver Proof Set also includes the fifth set of coins in the Presidential $1 Coin Program honoring Presidents Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes and James Garfield; one Native American $1 Coin; one Kennedy half-dollar; one Jefferson five-cent coin; one Roosevelt dime; and one Lincoln cent.

All coins bear the "S" mint mark of the United States Mint at San Francisco.  A Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Director of the United States Mint is included with each set.

The 2011 United States Mint Silver Proof Set is priced at $67.95.  Orders will be accepted at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT (6468).  A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders.

Collectors may also acquire the United States Mint Silver Proof Set by enrolling in the Online Subscription Program, through which specific products are charged and shipped to the customer automatically as each set is released.  For information about this convenient ordering method, visit http://www.usmint.gov/catalog.

Note:  To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of January 25, 2011, noon ET, shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored.  For more information, please review the United States Mint's Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage. Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

[Coin Collecting News editor: For more information on the 2011 Silver Proof Set, also check out this site's page:  2011 Silver Proof Set.]

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Statehood Quarter Album (Official Whitman Coin Folder)

This Whitman Classic Coin Folder Will Hold One of Each of the Commemorative Statehood Quarters Issued 1999 Through 2008 FEATURES: Blue hardback style folder. Five pages, each holding ten quarters. Clear sheets cover front and back of each coin. Contains information on statehood quarter act as well as information on each state. INCLUDES: Folder Five Pages Clear Sheets SPECS: 7-1/4"" x 8-3/4"" REQUIRES: State quarters

Price: $12.95

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US Presidential Dollar Coin Album Book 2007-2016

Beginning in 2007, the United States Mint is honoring the past Presidents of the United States with a unique series of Presidential $1 Coins.
The coins have a design of a former U.S. President on one side and the Statue of Liberty on the other.
These coins feature artwork with edge-incused inscriptions of the mint year or issuance, "E Pluribus Unum," "In God We Trust" and the mint mark.
There will be four coins issued each year from 2007 through 2016.
This Album provides a colorful way to collect all of these coins.38

Price:

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United States Army Commemorative Coins

The US Mint is now offering the 2011 United States Army Commemorative Coins in gold, silver and clad compositions and in proof and uncirculated collector qualities for introductory prices ranging from a low of $15.95 to a high of $449.95.

United States Army Commemorative Coins: Gold $5, Silver Dollar and Clad Half-Dollar in Proof and Uncirculated

The coins, authorized by Public Law 110-450 or the United States Army Commemorative Coin Act of 2008, were released by the United States Mint at noon Eastern Time on January 31, 2011.

The available face values and precious metals content include a $5 gold, a silver dollar and a clad half-dollar. Each of these commemorative coins features differing obverse and reverse designs, but all celebrate and honor the founding of the United States Army as the first American military branch in 1775.

"The designs for the 2011 U.S. Army Commemorative Coins unveiled today celebrate our magnificent Army's storied history and heritage and signify a remarkable public tribute to every American Soldier who has served our nation in war and in peace," said Secretary of the Army John McHugh following the initial unveiling of the designs on December 13 and the 111th Army-Navy football game.

The clad half dollar is composed of the same metals that are used in standard circulating change, the silver dollar is struck in 90% silver with a weight of 0.774 troy ounces and the $5 gold piece includes 90% gold with a weight of 0.242 troy ounces. While investors and collectors think of a coin's intrinsic value as their worth if melted down, that is not what Army Historical Foundation Executive Director Retired Brig. Gen. Creighton W. Abrams Jr. was talking about when he noted the coins' real worth.

"The intrinsic value of these commemorative coins is certain to resonate with our more than one million currently-serving Soldiers and their families and our 11-million surviving Army veterans across the country as sincere public appreciation of their selfless service and personal sacrifices," said Abrams. "On their behalf, I thank the Congress for enacting the coin legislation, the United States Mint for the stunning designs of the coins, and the American public for their continuing support of our Soldiers and Army veterans."

Surcharges for each coin sold will be paid to the Army Historical Foundation to support the construction of the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Va.

The United States Mint will issue a maximum of 100,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 silver $1 coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins.

Where to Buy

The commemorative coins may be found and purchased on the U.S. Mint Website at http://www.usmint.gov/. Purchases may also be made by calling the toll-free number 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing and speech-impaired customers may order by calling TTY 1-888-321-MINT (6468). All domestic orders will be assessed a $4.95 fee to cover shipping and handling costs.

A brief description of each coin design, as provided by the Mint, follows.

Half-Dollar Coin Design

The obverse design, by Donna Weaver, represents the significant contributions of the U.S. Army during peacetime and features a U.S. Army soldier surveying, two servicemen building a flood wall and a Redstone Army rocket used during early space exploration. It was sculpted by Charles L. Vickers.

The reverse design, by Thomas Cleveland, symbolizes the U.S. Army as the first military service to defend the country and its key role in the Nation's internal development. The design features an enlisted Continental soldier armed with a musket and 13 stars representing the original Colonies. It was sculpted by Joseph Menna.

Silver Dollar Design

The obverse design, by Richard Masters, depicts the busts of a male and female soldier, symbolizing worldwide deployment of the 21st century U.S. Army. It was sculpted by Michael Gaudioso.

The reverse design, by Susan Gamble, symbolizes the seven core values of the U.S. Army. The design features an image of the Great Seal of the United States, worn on U.S. Army dress and service uniforms since the early 1800's. It was sculpted by Don Everhart.

$5 Gold Coin Design

The obverse design, by Joel Iskowitz, represents the U.S. Army's war service from the Revolutionary War through today, symbolizing its continuity of strength and readiness. The design features, from left to right, Continental, Civil War, modern, World War II and World War I soldiers. It was sculpted by Phebe Hemphill.

The reverse design is based on the official U.S. Army emblem and represents the unbroken history of loyalty and commitment to defend the Nation. It was sculpted by Joseph Menna.

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2011 Koala Coins Released

The Perth Mint of Australia has made available its 2011 series of Koala coins, the gilded Koala and the standard Koala silver coins.

2011 Australian Koala 1 oz Gilded and Silver Coin

The new reverse design for the 2011 Koala coins features an adult and its offspring sitting within a fork of a eucalyptus tree. Inscriptions include AUSTRALIAN KOALA, 2011, 999 SILVER and the size of the coin -- 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 10 oz and 1 Kilo.

Each year the marsupial is presented in a different pose. Some years, as in 2010, only one is featured.

The obverse design, as in all Australian legal tender coinage, has the traditional portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Rank-Broadley. Inscriptions include ELIZABETH II, AUSTRALIA and the denomination of 30 DOLLARS, 10 DOLLARS, 1 DOLLAR or 50 CENTS.

The gilded coin comes in only the one ounce size ($1 dollar denominated). As it names implies, it features a 24-karat gilding of the two koalas. This gilding is the only variation from the other silver versions (other than size). They are also limited to a mintage of 10,000 while demand dictates how many of the others are produced until the next year issues are announced. The gilded coins are on their fourth year of release while the other silver coins are on their fifth year.

The 1 oz sizes are available directly from the Perth Mint (http://www.perthmint.com.au/) while others must be obtained from distributors/coin dealers.

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Silver Market Correcting or Crashing?

Despite predictions of the silver market’s strength, prices fell from an impressive 30 year high of $30.68 recently. As of the today, COMEX silver futures have fallen about 7% from their recent peak

Likewise, the silver ETF experienced a similar fall in higher volume. From its intraday high of $30.00, it has fallen below $28.00 on higher volume.

It seems like, for the moment at least, silver prices are falling. Will they rise again? And why?

In reality, the news is conflicting. After all iShares Silver Trust is the world’s largest silver backed exchanged traded fund and it has just reported reaching an impressive record. On the 7th, it announced that holdings had reached a record 10,941.34 tons, up from 10,816.69 tons on the 6th.

The question is: has silver regained its strength? Is the market simply correcting? Or are we about to experience a major collapse in silver prices despite expert predictions of strength and growth? In any case, how should investors respond to its new movements?

In the end, the best thing investors can do to protect themselves is to simply be careful. Its important to be mindful of the many pressures that the market is under, as well as the predictions of its potential long-term growth. Silver has been sold past the point of availability and as a result significant shortages of the physical metal are developing.

This is in part due to attempts at manipulation that have recently begun to turn on the manipulators. Companies that have traded silver futures in an effort to keep prices low are now being stressed by the rising investor interest in silver. As a result it seems clear that the short-term silver market is about to get truly exciting.

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Collectors Alliance Coins 11248 2005 Westward BUFFALO Nickel Roll of 40 - Denver

In 2005, the United States Mint brought back one of America's favorite coins...a new Buffalo Nickel design for the first time in 67 years! The new Buffalo Nickel is a limited edition commemorative coin celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the daring Lewis and Clark expedition. It's also the first nickel since 1938 with a new portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the front! Composition is copper-nickel and the diameter are 21.2 mm with a grade of uncirculated.

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Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins Debut

Officials from the United States Mint and the National Park Service marked the release of the Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin with a special ceremony held today at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site.

Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins were released in a public ceremony on Feb. 17, 2011. Designed and sculpted by Don Everhart, the $1 coin obverse features an image of Andrew Johnson with the inscriptions 'Andrew Johnson,' 'In God We Trust,' '17th President' and '1865-1869.'

Andrew Johnson was born in Raleigh, N.C., in 1808.  His mother apprenticed Andrew and his brother to a local tailor following the death of his father, which left the family destitute. 

Shortly thereafter, he and his family moved to Greeneville, Tenn., where he opened a tailor shop and married Eliza McCardle.  Johnson, an adept stump speaker, entered politics and served in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in the 1840s and 1850s.  In 1864, the Republican Party nominated him for vice president.

"Beginning today, millions of Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins will be released into circulation by Federal Reserve Banks across the Nation," said United States Mint Chief Counsel Daniel P. Shaver.  "During 2011, they will make their way into the hands and pockets of many Americans, connecting America through coins to Andrew Johnson and his Presidency."

Joining Shaver to commemorate the coin's release were Daniel Luther and Lizzie Watts from the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site and the first grade class of East View Elementary School.  Following the ceremony, attendees 18 years old and younger received an Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin, while adults exchanged their currency for 25-coin rolls of the new coin.

The Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin is the 17th released in the United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin Program.

The coin's obverse (heads side) features the portrait of former President Johnson by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart and the inscriptionsANDREW JOHNSON, IN GOD WE TRUST, 17th PRESIDENT and 1865 - 1869.

The coin's reverse (tails side), also by Everhart, features a dramatic rendition of the Statue of Liberty.  Inscriptions on the reverse are $1 and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with E PLURIBUS UNUM, 2011 and the mint mark (P or D) incused on the edge.

Johnson became President following President Abraham Lincoln's death in 1865.  Highlights of his term include the acquisition of the Alaska territory and the Midway Islands.  After leaving office, Johnson went back to Tennessee, remaining politically active.  In 1874, Tennessee returned Johnson to the Senate, making him the only former President to have served in the Senate.  He died a few months later, on July 31, 1875.

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.  The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

[Coin Collecting News Editor: For additional information, also check out this site's 2011 Presidential Dollars page.]

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iShares Silver Trust Holdings Continue to Skyrocket

Silver holdings in the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) continued to skyrocket, while holdings of gold in the SPDR Gold Shares Trust (GLD) experienced a modest increase.

The iShares Silver Trust (SLV) holdings increased by 209.54 tonnes in the latest week.  The prior two weeks have seen increases of 189.29 tonnes and 164 tonnes.  Total holdings of the SLV are now 52.49 tonnes higher than at the beginning of the year.  The SLV holds 352.8 million ounces of silver valued at $12.76 billion.

The holdings of silver in the iShares Silver Trust have now exceeded peak holdings reached at the beginning of the year.  Silver has moved relentlessly higher in price since last August.  After a brief price correction in January which brought silver down to the $26 level, silver prices have exploded to more than $36 per ounce, a gain of 38% in less than two months.

Given the huge run up in the price of silver, it is not surprising to see holdings of the SLV increase dramatically.  The SLV is a proxy for investors who chose to invest in silver without the cost and inconvenience of holding physical silver.  Purchasing the SLV allows an investor to take an immediate position in silver and without the markups associated with physically purchasing bars or coins.

The annual expense ratio of the SLV is only 0.5% compared to common markups of 5% to 10% when purchasing physical bullion or coins from a dealer.  The SLV has been wildly popular with investors since it was launched and has provided huge returns to patient investors.   The SLV has risen from below $10 in October 2008 to its closing price today of $35.27 for a gain of over 250%.  A purchase of a thousand shares of the SLV at the low of $9.13 in October 2008 would have resulted in profits of $26,140.

SLV - Yahoo Finance

It has been over 30 years since silver hit its all time high price of $48.70 in January 1980.  Huge investment and industrial demand as well as physical shortages of silver are all factors that could easily push silver to a new all time high.  Silver has been making up for lost time and has dramatically outperformed the price movement in gold.  A reversion to the centuries old gold silver ratio could easily push silver prices towards the $100 per ounce level.

Holdings in the SPDR Gold Shares Trust (GLD) saw a jump in holdings of nearly 7 tonnes on Monday of this week, which is the largest increase in daily holdings seen in the past two months.  The GLD increased holdings by over 6 tonnes for the week after modest declines in the previous two weeks.   Total GLD holdings are still lower than the beginning of the year by 63.42 tonnes.  The GLD currently holds 39.14 million ounces of gold valued at almost $56 billion.

Since its launch in November 2004 when gold was trading at $445 per ounce, the GLD has been an extremely profitable investment.  As the price of silver broke out and hit new highs, gold has still not decisively broken through its trading range in the low $1400's.   Gold made a strong move up from $1150 last August and has been consolidating sideways since breaching the $1400 level.

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US Mint Sales: 2011 Proof Set Opens at 253,144

For collectors, the spotlight was on the 2011 Proof Set. Opening sales hit 253,144 in the first six days, according to the latest US Mint product sales figures. As for the 2010 items, most of the sales were slower than the previous week.

The US Mint 2011 Proof Set was released on Tuesday, January 11. Compared to last year's launch, however, excitement for the new set was more subdued. The 2010 Proof Set debuted with 296,379 in its first four days, but it was not released until July 22, 2010. Perhaps coin enthusiasts had more pent up desire for last year's set because they had to wait half the year for it. Or, perhaps collectors just realize they have a longer time to make their purchase of the new one.

Sales of older sets took the backseat. The 2010 Proof Set was the second highest seller with 5,378, and the 2010 Silver Proof Set added 4,424. In the previous round, the two had advanced by 6,257 and 5,007 respectively.

There was a noticeable change to the 2010 Proof Gold Eagles. Their totals seemed to round into nice even numbers. The quarter-ounce coin rose 626 to end at 10,000, and the tenth-ounce version fell by -81 to arrive at a cool 20,000. The Mint withdrew the most from the Four-Coin Set. Its figure was reduced by 1,187 to make the final tally 35,000.

January has been an incredible month for bullion Silver Eagles. Authorized Purchasers grabbed another 1,181,000 since last Wednesday, moving the month to date total to an all time record-breaking 4,588,000. November 2010 used to hold that record at 4,260,000. The incredible part is that there are no signs of slowing down.

Gold bullion saw a jump as well. Another 30,500 one ounce gold Eagles sold, up from 29,000 previously. The fractional half-ounce and quarter-ounce gold Eagles finally hit the charts with 1,000 and 2,000 in coin sales. The tenth ounce surged too. Their number grew by another 5,000.

The first three columns of the table below provide weekly US Mint sales increases between the listed time periods, offering a sense of recent trends. The final column provides the latest US Mint sales totals as of Sunday, January 16, 2011. Bullion coin tables are found toward the bottom, with the most recent sales as of Tuesday, January 18. (NLA = No Longer Available.)

Unit
Increase

Dec 27-

Jan 2

Unit
Increase

Jan 3-

Jan 9

Unit
Increase

Jan 10-

Jan 16

2010 American Eagle Silver Proof2010 American Buffalo Gold Proof2010 American Eagle Platinum Proof2009 American Eagle Platinum Proof2009 American Buffalo Gold Proof2010 American Eagle Gold Proof Coins2010 American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar2010 Boy Scouts of America Centennial Silver DollarMargaret Taylor Uncirculated (2009)Abigail Fillmore Uncirculated (2010)Jane Pierce Uncirculated (2010)Buchanan's Liberty Proof (2010) Buchanan's Liberty Uncirculated (2010) Mary Lincoln Uncirculated (2010) 2011 United States Mint Proof Set2010 United States Mint Proof Set2010 America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Set2009 United States Mint Proof Set2010 U.S. Mint Silver Proof Set™ (18-coin)2009 U.S. Mint Silver Proof Set™ (18-coin)2010 Presidential $1 Coin Proof Set™2010 America The Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set™2009 DC/Territories Quarters Proof SetDC/Territories Quarters Silver Proof Set (6-coin)2010 United States Mint Uncirculated Set2010 Presidential Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set™ (P&D)2009 United States Mint Uncirculated Set2009 Presidential Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set™ (P&D)2010 Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set 2010 QUARTERS CIRCULATING COIN SET 2010 AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 3-COIN SET MOUNT HOOD QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSGRAND CANYON QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSYOSEMITE QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSYELLOWSTONE QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSHOT SPRINGS QUARTER BAGS & ROLLS2009 JAMES K. POLK $1 COIN ROLLS2009 ZACHARY TAYLOR $1 COIN ROLLS2010 MILLARD FILLMORE $1 COIN ROLLS2010 FRANKLIN PIERCE $1 COIN ROLLS 2010 JAMES BUCHANAN $1 COIN ROLLS2010 ABRAHAM LINCOLN $1 COIN ROLLSPRESIDENTIAL $1 COIN & FIRST SPOUSE MEDAL SETS™2010 KENNEDY HALF-DOLLAR BAGS & ROLLS2010 NATIVE AMERICAN GOLDEN DOLLAR ROLLSAmerica the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins

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CurrencyManage 2011 Paper Money Collecting Software For Numismatic Collectors - Manage Your Currency Collection

Use CurrencyManage to quickly catalog & value your paper money collection. Simply choose the notes you own from our comprehensive database of US Bank Note varieties, complete with images & indexed by Friedberg & Pick numbers. CurrencyManage also includes a separate database of all 14,400 National Bank Notes. CurrencyManage also let you:

* Generate Checklists and valuation reports of your collection using the many included pre-defined reports.
* Reports can be printed or exported to many different formats, including PDF, HTML, Excel and more.
* Print out bar code labels similar to those found on Certified Paper Money.
* Updated every year since 1999 with new data, values & new program features

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US Mint Ceremonial Release of Gettysburg National Military Park Quarter

Gettysburg National Military Park Quarter

The United States Mint released the Gettysburg National Military Park quarter today with a special ceremony held at the park's Museum and Visitor Center.

United States Mint Associate Director for Sales and Marketing B. B. Craig and Gettysburg National Military Park Superintendent Bob Kirby co-hosted the event, with Barbara Finfrock, vice chair of the Gettysburg Foundation, serving as master of ceremonies. 

The event also included appearances by Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Manbeck Corbett and the Gettysburg High School Civil War Ceremonial Brass Band.  Highlights included a coin exchange in which attendees swapped their cash for rolls of the new Gettysburg National Military Park quarter.  Those 18 years of age and younger received a new quarter to commemorate the event.

"The America the Beautiful Quarters Program connects America to our national parks, forests, fish and wildlife refuges, and other national sites," said Craig.  "The Gettysburg National Military Park Quarter commemorates the pivotal battle fought here in the American Civil War, and it recognizes Gettysburg's special place among our revered and protected national treasures."

The Gettysburg National Military Park quarter is the first to be released in 2011 and the sixth overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program.  The coin's reverse design depicts the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry Monument, which is located on the battle line of the Union Army at Cemetery Ridge.  Inscriptions are GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, 2011 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.  The reverse was designed by Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.

"We are happy to be honored with this beautiful quarter," Kirby said. "The coin can be a daily reminder of the sacrifices made at Gettysburg and a great way to start a conversation about national parks, national heritage and the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War."

The Battle of Gettysburg, the Union victory in the summer of 1863 that ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North, was a turning point in the Civil War.  Often referred to as the "High Water Mark of the Confederacy," it was among the war's bloodiest battles.  It also provided President Abraham Lincoln with the setting for his most famous speech.

Established by concerned citizens in 1864, the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association set out to preserve portions of the battlefield as a memorial to the Union troops that fought in the battle.  In 1895, the land was transferred to the federal government and Gettysburg National Military Park was established.

Gettysburg National Military Park Quarter Bags and Rolls

Beginning January 27, the United States Mint will offer to the public collectible bags and rolls containing the Gettysburg National Military Park quarter at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog and 1-800 USA-MINT (872-6468).  Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT (6468).  Information about additional America the Beautiful Quarters Program product options, including subscriptions, is also available at the site.

The United States Mint is also offering free lesson plans based on the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, which are available at http://www.usmint.gov/kids/teachers/.  Created and reviewed by teachers to meet national curricular standards, the plans draw on the new quarter reverse designs to inspire students to learn about the culture, geography and unique heritage and natural beauty of our national parks and sites.

ADDITIONAL US MINT RESOURCES:

*Additional information about the America the Beautiful Quarters Program is available at http://www.americathebeautifulquarters.gov/.

*Information about the United States Mint is available at http://www.usmint.gov.

*Additional information about Gettysburg Military National Park is available at http://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm.

* Information about the Gettysburg Foundation is available athttp://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/index.html.

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage. Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

[Coin Collecting News editor: For more information on the Gettysburg National Military Park Quarter, also check out this site's page: 2011 Gettysburg Quarter.]

Related posts:

Gettysburg National Military Park Quarter Available January 25Gettysburg National Military Park Quarter Launch Ceremony DetailsTagged as: Quarters, United States Mint

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Odyssey Comments on WikiLeaks Revealed Cables About Black Swan Shipwreck Coins

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NasdaqCM: OMEX) a pioneer in the field of deep ocean exploration, was named in several U.S. State Department cables obtained by WikiLeaks and furnished to the media worldwide. [Coin Collecting News editor: read about the WikiLeaks and Black Swan.]

Some of the released cables suggest that the State Department offered special assistance in the “Black Swan” case to Spanish officials in exchange for assistance in acquiring a French painting confiscated by the Nazis during World War II and now controlled by Spain.

The cables indicate that the U.S. Government also provided confidential documentation on Odyssey to Spain. Other State Department cables contradict Spain’s claims and support Odyssey’s previously stated version of events relating to the company’s activities in Spain, including the HMS Sussex project and the boarding of Odyssey’s vessels.

“While we are obviously concerned about these implications regarding the 'Black Swan' case, we are attempting to obtain additional information before taking any specific actions. I have personally sent a letter to the Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, requesting additional information and a review of the position taken by the U.S. in the ‘Black Swan’ legal case,” stated Greg Stemm, Odyssey CEO. “The possibility that someone in the U.S. Government came up with this perfidious offer to sacrifice Odyssey, its thousands of shareholders, and the many jobs created by the company in exchange for the return of one painting to one individual is hard to believe. The WikiLeaks cables clearly show that we have worked cooperatively and transparently with both Spain and the State Department for many years, in spite of claims to the contrary. That fact makes the revelations all the more disappointing. The cables also make us wonder what other agreements may have taken place between U.S. Government officials and Spain regarding the amicus brief filed in support of Spain’s position in the ‘Black Swan’ case.”

“We’ve wondered why the United States changed its long standing position on sovereign immunity, which prior to this case was consistent with U.S. law, international law and U.S. naval regulations that in order for a foreign country’s ships and cargo to be immune from the jurisdiction of the U.S. courts they must be engaged in military, non-commercial activities,” stated Melinda MacConnel, Odyssey Vice President and General Counsel. “These released cables do call into question the motivation behind the amicus brief filed by the Executive Branch supporting Spain in the ‘Black Swan’ case.”

Additional cables released support Odyssey’s statements that, contrary to allegations of certain Spanish officials, the company always cooperated with the Spanish Government and that permits from the Spanish government were granted for work on the HMS Sussex project. The cables also demonstrate the obstructionist activities carried out by certain Spanish officials who had personal reasons for trying to prevent Odyssey from working on the Sussex.

These obstructions took place even though Odyssey has an exclusive contract for the archaeological excavation of this UK sovereign immune warship (which was on a strictly military mission when it sank in 1694 off the coast of Gibraltar). Odyssey filed an affidavit in 2007 with a chronology of Odyssey’s interactions with the Spanish Government since 1998. It can be accessed at http://shipwreck.net/pdf/ExhibitE.pdf. The document contains entries that are corroborated by information in the State Department cables, which directly contradict claims by some Spanish officials and the Spanish media.

In May 2007, Odyssey announced the discovery of the "Black Swan," a Colonial-period site located in the Atlantic Ocean which yielded over 500,000 silver coins weighing more than 17 tons, hundreds of gold coins, worked gold, and other artifacts. Odyssey completed an extensive pre-disturbance survey of the "Black Swan" site, which included recording over 14,000 digital still images used to create a photomosaic of the site.

The coins and artifacts were brought into the United States with a valid export license and imported legally pursuant to U.S. law. Odyssey brought the artifacts under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court by filing an Admiralty arrest action. This procedure allows any legitimate claimant with an interest in the property to make a claim.

The Kingdom of Spain filed a claim to the treasure alleging that the coins originated from the Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes, a Spanish naval vessel which sunk in 1804. Spain claimed that it owned all of the coins and that the treasure was immune from the jurisdiction of the U.S. Court under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA). Although it has not been conclusively proven the recovered cargo came from the Mercedes, Odyssey presented clear evidence to the trial court (including the ship’s manifest) that shows the primary purpose of the Mercedes’ last voyage was commercial in nature and the vast majority of coins on board were owned by private merchants, not by Spain. The United States filed an amicus brief in the case changing its previous position and supporting Spain in the “Black Swan” case by setting forth a re-interpretation of the language in the Sunken Military Craft Act (SMCA) to allow government owned vessels on commercial missions to enjoy sovereign immunity.

A number of individual private descendants (whose ancestors were transporting goods on the Mercedes) as well as the country of Peru have filed claims in the case.

Without conducting a hearing, the district court sided with Spain and ruled that the treasure should all be turned over to Spain. The case is currently on appeal at the Eleventh Circuit.

For more information on the "Black Swan," visit www.shipwreck.net/blackswan.php.

Odyssey’s significant legal filings in the "Black Swan" case can be viewed at http://www.shipwreck.net/blackswanlegal.php.

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NasdaqCM: OMEX) is engaged in the exploration of deep-ocean shipwrecks and uses innovative methods and state-of-the-art technology to conduct extensive search and archaeological recovery operations around the world. Odyssey discovered the Civil War era shipwreck of the SS Republic® in 2003 and recovered over 50,000 coins and 14,000 artifacts from the site nearly 1,700 feet deep. In May 2007, Odyssey announced the historic deep-ocean treasure recovery of over 500,000 silver and gold coins, weighing 17 tons, from a Colonial era site code-named "Black Swan." In February 2009, Odyssey announced the discovery of Balchin's HMS Victory. Odyssey also has other shipwreck projects in various stages of development around the world.

Odyssey offers various ways to share in the excitement of deep-ocean exploration by making shipwreck treasures and artifacts available to collectors, the general public and students through its webstore, exhibits, books, television, merchandise, educational programs and virtual museum located at www.odysseysvirtualmuseum.com.

Odyssey's operations are the subject of a Discovery Channel television series titled "Treasure Quest," produced by JWM Productions. The 12-episode first season aired worldwide in 2009.

Following previous successful engagements in New Orleans, Tampa, Detroit, Oklahoma City and Charlotte, Odyssey's SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure exhibit is currently on display at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore. Additional information is available at http://www.mdsci.org/.

For details on Odyssey's activities and its commitment to the preservation of maritime heritage please visit www.shipwreck.net.

Odyssey Marine Exploration believes the information set forth in this Press Release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. Certain factors that could cause results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are set forth in "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Related posts:

Odyssey Files to Strike US Amicus Brief Supporting Spain in Black Swan Shipwreck Coins CaseWikiLeaks Reveals State Department Slant for Spain Against Odyssey

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1965 Churchill Commemorative Crowns Sir Winston Churchill Five Shilling Piece

A sombre-looking portrait of Sir Winston Churchill, in a siren suit.
We are sure that Churchill himself would have been the first to admit that he was not pretty, his portrait on this crown is not exactly flattering. It is in quite low relief, and we believe it to be one of the least attractive British coins ever issued.
What Churchill would have made of our comments, we will never know, but this is a very popular collector coin.

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2011 US Mint Proof Set Launches January 11

Collectors may begin placing their orders for the 2011 United States Mint Proof Set at noon Eastern Time (ET) on January 11, 2011.

US Mint images of 2011 Silver Proof Set, 2011 Mint Set, and 2011 US Mint Proof Set

This year's set, priced at $31.95, includes the second set of coins to be released through the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program.

These quarters feature reverse designs honoring Gettysburg National Military Park (Pennsylvania); Glacier National Park (Montana); Olympic National Park (Washington); Vicksburg National Military Park (Mississippi); and Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahoma).

The annual set also includes Presidential $1 Coins honoring Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes and James Garfield; a new Native American $1 Coin; and the Kennedy half-dollar, Jefferson five-cent, Roosevelt dime, and Lincoln one-cent coins.

The popular United States Mint Proof Set contains coins that are manufactured using specially prepared, highly polished dies.  The coins are extraordinarily brilliant, with sharp relief and a mirror-like background.  A frosted, sculpted foreground gives them a special cameo effect.  The coins are sealed in three protective lenses to showcase and maintain their exceptional finish.  A Certificate of Authenticity is included with each set.

Orders will be accepted at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468).  All domestic orders will be assessed a shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order.

The United States Mint Proof Set is also available through the Online Subscription Program.  For more information about this convenient ordering method, please visithttp://www.usmint.gov/catalog.

Note:  To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of January 11, 2011, noon ET shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored.  For more information, please review the United States Mint's Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.

Information about the United States Mint is available at http://www.usmint.gov.

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

[Coin Collecting News editor: For more information on the Gettysburg National Military Park Quarter, also check out this site's page: 2011 US Mint Proof Set.]

Related posts:

US Mint 2011 Silver Proof Set Launches January 25US Mint 2011 Presidential $1 Coin Proof Set Launches February 22Tagged as: Proof Sets, United States Mint

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Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Professor Layton and the Curious Village DS

Price: $29.99

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Three New Artists Join U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program

The United States Mint today announced that three new artists have been selected to participate in the Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) as associate designers. They are William C. Burgard of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Bill Gibbons of Bronx, N.Y.; and Ron Sanders of North Port, Fla.

The United States Mint issued a call for artists in August 2009, seeking up to ten associate designers to supplement the current pool of artists under contract in the AIP.

The bureau accepted applications on a rolling basis with three deadlines. Nearly 250 professional visual artists nationwide submitted applications. Four new AIP artists were selected after the November 2009 deadline and three after the March 2010 deadline. Burgard, Gibbons and Sanders were selected after the July 2010 deadline.

After all three application deadlines, official panels were convened at United States Mint Headquarters to review the qualifying applications. The panels were composed of representatives from the National Endowment of the Arts, the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian and National Gallery of Art, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

The Artistic Infusion Program, established in 2003, is specifically designed to develop and train a pool of talented external artists ready to work with the United States Mint's in-house staff of sculptor-engravers to create new coin and medal designs. United States Mint Sculptor-Engravers model the designs submitted by the AIP artists.

There are two levels of artists who may participate in the AIP-master designers and associate designers. Associate designers are eligible for direct promotion to the master designer level after two years in the program. Under AIP provisions, master designers receive $2,500 for each design submitted for consideration and associate designers $2,000. Each artist receives an additional $5,000 per design if that design is selected for a coin or medal. All AIP artists are invited to create and submit at least one candidate design annually for a coin or medal program.

In the past, AIP artists have submitted successful designs for several United States Mint programs, including the 50 State Quarters® Program, American Eagle Platinum Coin Program, Presidential $1 Coin Program, First Spouse Gold Coin and Medal Program, and America the Beautiful Quarters® Program.

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage. Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

Related posts:

Seven New Artists Join U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion ProgramUS Mint Calls for New Coin and Medal ArtistsTagged as: United States Mint

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Gold and Silver Recap: Silver Price to $50?

Another Precious Week

Usually we start this column with some guff about gold.  And then after talking mostly about gold we may hit the other metals.  Let’s face it, gold is usually the most exciting metal there is.  If the world collapses about us, we will be using gold as the currency that helps us rebuild civilization.  And after all, what could be more exciting than that.

But the real action has been in the silver market.  Not all up, it must be said as silver took a real pounding on some days, but there’s some real excitement that J.P. Morgan may be about to bite it on silver.

Gold-Silver Ratio: 47.77 (was 48.83)

First let’s look at some history.  Bunker Hunt and a few friends tried to corner the silver market by buying silver and buying silver futures.  They drove the silver price skywards, to a level that’s not been reached since.  Then the authorities did some dirty tricks with the silver futures contracts, the price of silver fell, and everyone brushed themselves off and got on with life.

Now J.P. Morgan has been accused of doing the same thing, but in reverse.  Instead of buying silver they are selling it short, that is they are selling it now to buy in six months time.  They have, it has been alleged, sold far more silver than they can possibly have.  This has meant that the rise in the silver price is going to kill them if we all buy physical silver.  You see, someone may want to see all this silver they’ve been sold, and then J.P. Morgan will have to buy it and up shoots the price.

The core idea here is that the gold silver ratio is ridiculously high.  Historically (going back to Biblical times) it has been 16:1, now it is around 48:1, although this week it fell quite fast.  A return to historical norms would mean that silver would get to $87 per ounce.

So there’s some correction that’s due.  Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that silver has to go up.  There could be a new paradigm, or if not, the correction could be postponed for a very long time. If the correction does happen, then it could be that gold would go down to around $500 – where it was only a few years ago.

Gold could keep going down, but there’s enough uncertainty and inflation to suggest that it won’t get all the way to $500 per ounce.  The correction could be delayed by decades or muted, but the collection will come.  You could still lose money betting on it.

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Gold and Silver Prices Higher as Platinum and Palladium Sell Off

As turmoil reigned in the Middle East and worries mounted over the reduction of oil supplies, gold and silver proved their safe haven status as both moved higher in price.

After a very solid gain of $1.94 per ounce last week, silver continued its upward move with another gain of $.60.  The closing London Fix Price for silver was $32.54 for a gain of 1.88% on the week.   The normal price consolidation and pullback in silver that extended from the beginning of the year into the end of January was the setup for a solid breakout into new highs.  Silver has now advanced over 20% from the lows of January.

SILVER - COURTESY STOCKCHARTS.COM

Besides the safe haven/currency alternative lure of silver, the fundamentals in silver are forecasting further dramatic price gains.   There have been numerous reports documenting physical shortages of silver as well as huge investment demand in the U.S., India and China.

One solid indication of the huge demand for physical silver is evidenced by the backwardation in prices.  Typically, the forward price of a commodity will exceed the cash price due to the expenses of insurance, warehousing and inventory financing.  When a commodity has a normal upward pricing curve to reflect a higher futures cost, the situation is termed contango.  Backwardation, the unusual case where the cost of the physical commodity is higher than future prices, is a classic indicator of surging demand.  Another indicator of the great demand for physical silver is the four year low of Comex warehouse silver.

Gold also continued its upward move with a gain of $19 per ounce after an advance of $19.50 in the previous week.  To understand the wealth preservation appeal of gold, one needs only to look at the exponentially increasing level of  U.S. debt.  Ultimately, the staggering amount of sovereign debt can be serviced only through inflation and dollar debasement which is what the Federal Reserve is currently orchestrating through quantitative easing (money printing).

US NATIONAL DEBT - THE ROAD TO FINANCIAL OBLIVION

The U.S. dollar also appears to be losing its cache as the "safe haven" currency.  Despite the unprecedented turmoil in the Middle East and the rise in oil prices, the U.S. dollar has weakened over the past two weeks.  By comparison, during the financial crisis of 2008, the U.S. dollar appreciated 24% against other major currencies.

The surge in oil prices has led to concerns that the U.S. and world economies will see much lower growth as higher oil prices devastate consumer disposable income.  A weakened world economy would probably lead to lower demand for industrial metals such as platinum and palladium which both declined this week.  Platinum sold off by $45 and palladium was rocked by a $62 loss from the prior week.

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100 Assorted Pokemon Cards with Foils & Bonus Mew Promo!

100 Assorted Pokemon Cards with Foils & Bonus Mew Promo! [Toy]

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2011 Australian Koala Silver Coin and Canadian Grizzly Silver Coin Available

Two new bullion coins have recently been released by major world mints. The Perth Mint of Australia has launched a smaller sized 2011 Koala Silver Coin and the Royal Canadian Mint has issued a 2011 Canadian Grizzly Silver Coin.

Reverses of the Canadian Grizzly silver coin and the Australian Koala silver coin

Both coins are composed of at least 99.9% pure silver and each features a unique reverse design that will only be used in 2011.

The Australian Koala 1/10 oz Silver Coin is advertised by the Perth as "a fantastic and affordable opportunity to own an iconic 99.9% pure silver coin."

Koala silver coin designs change annually. Like the sister 2011-dated 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 10 ounce, and 1 kilo sizes that have been available for some time, the reverse of this smallest coin features a mature koala and juvenile resting in the fork of a eucalyptus tree.

Inscriptions include "AUSTRALIAN KOALA," "2011 1/10 oz 999 SILVER" and The Perth Mint's "P" mint mark.

The 1/10 oz coin, which includes 3.135 grams of silver, has a face value of 10 cents. Due to its size, the coin is easily the most affordable offered by a world mint at a price below $14.

Until replaced by the 2012 issue, demand dictates how many will be produced.

The 1/10 oz Australian Koala Silver Coin may be purchased directly from The Perth Mint's website at http://www.perthmint.com.au/.

The Canadian Grizzly Silver Bullion Coin is not sold directly by the Royal Canadian Mint but instead through its distributors. The selling process (and pricing methodology) is similar to that used by the Mint for its popular Silver Maple Leaf bullion coin.

The Grizzly silver coin is the second issue in the Mint's Canadian Wildlife series and follows the previous 2011-dated issue which features an image of a Wolf. The Mint expects to issue a total of six different wildlife coins at a rate of two each year until 2013.

Inscriptions on the Grizzly coin include "CANADA," "9999," "FINE SILVER, 1 OZ," "ARGENT PUR" and the initials WW for the designer, William Woodruff. The "9999" denotes the purity of silver within the coin, making it one of the purest in the world.

The coin has a denomination of $5 and is limited to a mintage of 1 million.

Both coins also have an obverse bearing a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The Canadian coin obverse was created Susanna Blunt. The Australian obverse was designed by Ian Rank-Broadley.

Related posts:

2011 Australian Koala Silver Coins Available Oct. 42011 Koala Coins ReleasedTagged as: Silver Coins

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Roman Holiday (Special Collector's Edition)

Maybe it doesn't quite live up to its sterling reputation, and maybe the leading man and director were slightly miscast. But who cares? Roman Holiday is the film that brought Audrey Hepburn to prominence, and the world movie audience went weak at the knees. The endlessly charming Hepburn had her first starring role in this sweet romance, playing a European princess on an official tour through Rome. Frustrated by her lack of connection to the real world, she slips away from her protective handlers and goes on a spree, aided by a tough-guy news reporter (Gregory Peck). Director William Wyler, more at home with such heavy-going, Oscar-winning classics as The Best Years of Our Lives and Ben- Hur, doesn't always keep the champagne bubbles afloat, and the Peck role would have fit Cary Grant like a silk glove. But the film is great fun, the location shooting is irresistible, and Hepburn embodies an image of chic style that would rule for the rest of the fifties. No coincidence: she won an Oscar, and so did veteran costume designer Edith Head. --Robert Horton

Price: $9.98

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Super Mario Bros Nintendo Character Collage Video Game Zip Up Hoodie

Super Mario Bros Nintendo Character Collage Video Game Zip Up Hoodie

BRAND NEW ITEM!

Officially Licensed

Color: Black

This is a zip-up hoodie for adults featuring the characters of Super Mario Bros. 3. Hoodie is 80% cotton and 20% polyester.

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Super Mario Bros Nintendo Old School Cast Video Game T-Shirt

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Silver ETF Holdings Soar as Gold ETF Holdings Decline

The SPDR Gold Shares Trust (GLD) holdings declined slightly on the week, while the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) increased its holdings by a substantial 164 metric tonnes

Holdings in the GLD declined by 5.77 tonnes compared to a decline of 2.43 tonnes in the previous week.  Total holdings have declined by 4.9% or 62.48 tonnes since the start of the year.  The GLD currently holds 1,218.24 tonnes or 39.17 million ounces of gold valued at $55.2 billion.

The price of the GLD has traded between $128 and $139 since last October after running up from approximately $110 from the start of 2010.   The GLD was originally launched in November 2004 when the price of gold was trading at $445 per ounce.

GLD - COURTESY STOCKCHARTS.COM

Silver holdings in the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) increased by 164 tonnes over the past week compared to an increase in the previous week of 41.01 tonnes.  The year to date decline of 346.34 tonnes represents a 3.2% drop in silver holdings since the beginning of the year.

The Trust is structured so that the value of the iShares will reflect the price of silver owned by the trust.  The price of an iShare should closely track the price of one ounce of silver, less the Trust's expenses.  However, the price of the SLV will fluctuate during the day as traders buy and sell shares.  If there are many buyers purchasing SLV, the price can rise to a premium over the underlying value of silver as seen in the chart below comparing silver to the SLV.

The amount of silver held by the SLV will vary due to the mechanism by which shares are created or redeemed by the Trust via Authorized Participants.   Authorized Participants are typically large Wall Street Investment firms that will either deliver or take silver from the SLV as they arbitrage to take advantage of premiums or discounts of physical silver to the value of the SLV.  The GLD operates similarly to the SLV which is why an increase in the price of gold and the price of the GLD may not necessarily result in greater gold holdings by the GLD.

SILVER/SLV - COURTESY STOCKCHARTS.COM

The SLV's closing price of $32.71 on February 23th is 9.2% above last weeks closing price on February 16th and reflects silvers large price increase over the past week as prices broke out to new highs.  Since 2010, the price of silver has more than doubled from the $16 range to the current price of $33.70.

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Coin Collectors do all their own stunts Adult T-Shirt Various Colors

The Design/Saying is printed on the front of the product, we use the newest & best technology to print the design with great inks that are cured into the product. This new high tech way of producing garments is very fade resistant. WE DO NOT USE TRANSFERS. It is great, since you dont have that thick transfer feeling. The feel is very smooth and comfortable. T-ShirtFrenzy offers over 30,000 designs on tons of products to offer millions of variations. You can search our store for something for everyone on your gift list or shop for yourself (our personal favorite). Please contact us with questions.

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Historical Gold Silver Ratio Predicts $100 Silver Price

The gold silver ratio chart below shows the dramatic fashion in which silver has been outperforming gold since last August.  The gold silver ratio is calculated by dividing the price of gold by the price of silver.  A declining gold silver ratio indicates that silver has been outperforming gold.   The gold silver ratio has declined from 65 last summer to a current level of 41.

Since August 2010 gold has moved up 22% from the $1,175 level while silver has soared 92% from the $18 range.  Does the declining gold silver ratio indicate that silver prices are due for a correction or is this a fundamental change in the price relationship?

The gold silver ratio has averaged around 60 since the mid 1970's.  In January 1980, as silver hit its peak price of $48.70, the gold silver ratio briefly hit 16, but rapidly rose as the Hunt brother's attempt to corner the silver market came undone and silver prices collapsed.

Gold Silver Ratio - Courtesy Stockcharts.com

Will the current decline in the gold silver ratio continue?  From a very long term historical perspective, a gold silver ratio in the 16 range has been the norm.  Since ancient times, it has typically taken 16 ounces of silver to purchase one ounce of gold.  Interestingly, the earth's  reserves of silver exceeds that of gold by roughly 16 times.  If this ultra long term relationship were to reassert itself, silver would sell for approximately $90 per ounce based on the current price of gold.  With gold at $2,500 per ounce, silver would have a value of $156 per ounce at the historical gold silver ratio of 16.

The fundamental reason that may drive the gold silver ratio back to the 16 range is growing demand by small investors.  Silver, known as the poor man's gold has seen a huge surge of public demand, as evidenced by record sales of the Silver Eagles.

Increasing public recognition of the need to preserve wealth against paper currencies will continue to propel silver to historic highs.  Simply put, silver is more affordable to the average buyer who cannot afford the higher priced Gold Eagles.  Silver has a lot of catching up to do and we are probably in the early stages of a fundamental reversion to a lower gold silver ratio which will send silver prices soaring past $100 per ounce.

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US Mint Sales: America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins Slows

Overall, sales were down in the latest US Mint product figures. Silver Eagles and America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins fell compared to the previous week, and so did gold bullion.

Authorized Purchasers picked up another 67,000 America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins, but it was not enough to sell out. 23,000 of the five ounce coins remained. 75,000 were purchased previously. Not all of the Authorized Purchasers decided to buy the .999 fine silver coins. The remaining five ounce coins will be allocated to those who did.

The Mint has not yet announced when the five 2011 America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins will be available.

Bullion Silver Eagles advanced another 350,000 during the past week to move December's total to 1,772,000. In the prior round, the Silver Eagles surged more than one million. The slowdown might prevent December from ranking in the top half of the best selling months for 2010. In fact it is still in last place with one week left. November was the best month ever -- dating back the series launch in 1986.

Only 13,000 one ounce American Gold Bullion Eagles were bought in this period versus 38,000 before. Authorized Purchasers did order two fractional Eagles, on the other hand. 1,000 one-half ounce coins and 2,000 one-quarter ounce coins sold.

In the numismatic market, the 2010 Proof American Gold Eagles made the most news. As of Sunday, the total for the one-half ounce Gold Eagles was 10,131 but the remaining 4,869 had sold by Wednesday, December 22. The US Mint posted the sold out sign on its web site. The next product closest to a sellout is the Four-Coin Set. Its total was 31,846 so only 7,154 remained.

2010 Proof Silver Eagles gained 38,066 in their fourth week. Their tally hit 834,879 which is the fourth highest total in its series.

As for sets, the 2010 Mint Proof Set rose 18,403 versus 22,086 previously, and the 2010 Silver Proof Set climbed 9,480 compared to 11,475. Even the Uncirculated Set dropped back from 13,244 to 8,418 in this round.

The first three columns of the table below provide weekly US Mint sales increases between the listed time periods, offering a sense of recent trends. The first unit increase column is for a two-week period. The final column provides the latest US Mint sales totals as of Sunday, December 19, 2010. Bullion coin tables are found toward the bottom, with the most recent sales as of Thursday, December 23. (NLA = No Longer Available.)

Unit
Increase
Nov 22-
Dec 5Unit
Increase
Dec 6-
Dec 12Unit
Increase
Dec 13-
Dec 192010 American Eagle Silver Proof2010 American Buffalo Gold Proof2010 American Eagle Platinum Proof2009 American Eagle Platinum Proof2009 American Buffalo Gold Proof2010 American Eagle Gold Proof Coins2010 American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar2010 Boy Scouts of America Centennial Silver DollarLetitia Tyler Uncirculated (2009)Julia Tyler Uncirculated (2009)Sarah Polk Uncirculated (2009)Zachary Taylor Uncirculated (2009)Abigail Fillmore Uncirculated (2010)Jane Pierce Uncirculated (2010)Buchanan's Liberty Proof (2010) Buchanan's Liberty Uncirculated (2010) Mary Lincoln Uncirculated (2010) 2010 United States Mint Proof Set2010 America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Set2009 United States Mint Proof Set2010 U.S. Mint Silver Proof Set™ (18-coin)2009 U.S. Mint Silver Proof Set™ (18-coin)2010 Presidential $1 Coin Proof Set™2010 America The Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set™2009 DC/Territories Quarters Proof SetDC/Territories Quarters Silver Proof Set (6-coin)2010 United States Mint Uncirculated Set2010 Presidential Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set™ (P&D)2009 United States Mint Uncirculated Set2009 Presidential Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set™ (P&D)2010 Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set 2010 QUARTERS CIRCULATING COIN SET 2010 AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 3-COIN SET MOUNT HOOD QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSGRAND CANYON QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSYOSEMITE QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSYELLOWSTONE QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSHOT SPRINGS QUARTER BAGS & ROLLS2009 JAMES K. POLK $1 COIN ROLLS2009 ZACHARY TAYLOR $1 COIN ROLLS2010 MILLARD FILLMORE $1 COIN ROLLS2010 FRANKLIN PIERCE $1 COIN ROLLS 2010 JAMES BUCHANAN $1 COIN ROLLS2010 ABRAHAM LINCOLN $1 COIN ROLLSPRESIDENTIAL $1 COIN & FIRST SPOUSE MEDAL SETS™2010 KENNEDY HALF-DOLLAR BAGS & ROLLS2010 NATIVE AMERICAN GOLDEN DOLLAR ROLLSAmerica the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins

*Includes 51,000 of the one ounce 2009-dated Gold Eagles sold in January. **Includes 367,500 of the 2009-dated Silver Eagle coins sold in January.

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US Mint Sales: America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins StartUS Mint Sales: America the Beautiful Silver Bullion and Prooof Silver Eagles Sell OutTagged as: United States Mint, United States Mint Stats

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