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BookmarkDespite slower monthly sales in December, annual sales for all of the United States Mint’s bullion programs rose compared to the prior year. American Silver Eagle bullion sales finished the year at a new annual sales record.
For the month of December, American Gold Eagle bullion sales reached 56,000 troy ounces. The majority of sales occurred for the one ounce size, with small contributions from the one-quarter ounce and one-tenth ounce sizes. Monthly sales were down from the year ago period when sales had reached 76,000 troy ounces.
For the full year, Gold Eagle bullion sales reached 856,500 troy ounces across all options. This represents an increase of 13.75% compared to the prior year. It also breaks a streak of three consecutive years of sales declines for the gold bullion series.
December and Full Year 2013 US Mint Bullion Coin Sales
| December 2013 | Full Year 2013 | |
| American Gold Eagle 1 oz | 53,500 | 743,500 |
| American Gold Eagle 1/2 oz | 0 | 58,000 |
| American Gold Eagle 1/4 oz | 4,000 | 122,000 |
| American Gold Eagle 1/10 oz | 15,000 | 535,000 |
| American Gold Buffalo 1 oz | 7,000 | 239,000 |
| American Silver Eagle 1 oz | 1,200,000 | 42,675,000 |
| America the Beautiful Silver 5 oz | 4,300 | 184,000 |
In December, American Silver Eagle bullion sales were just 1,200,000 ounces, representing the lowest monthly sales total of the year. The lower sales are not a reflection on lower demand, but rather the production planning of the US Mint. In order to prepare for the initial burst of demand for the 2014-dated coins, the US Mint had been offering only limited allocations of 2013-dated coins for several weeks, with the final allocation made available on December 9, 2013.
For the full year, Silver Eagle bullion sales reached 42,675,000 ounces. This represents an increase of 26.47% from the prior year. It also establishes a new annual sales record, exceeding the previous record of 39,868,500 established in 2011.
The US Mint’s two remaining bullion programs also experienced a slower December, yet achieved higher annual sales. The American Gold Buffalo bullion coins had sales of 7,000 ounces in December and 239,000 ounces for the full year. The full year total represents a significant gain of 81.06% compared to the prior year when sales had reached 132,000 ounces.
The America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Bullion Coins had monthly sales of 4,300 coins or 21,500 ounces. All five of the 2013-dated designs have now sold out of the entire production amounts. Full year sales of 184,000 ounces represent an increase of 55.80% compared to the prior year.
Looking ahead, the US Mint will begin accepting orders for the 2014-dated Gold Eagle and Gold Buffalo bullion coins on January 2, 2014.
