How much longer with Gold Eagles be available from the US Mint?

Gold watchers had reason for a small celebration on Friday when the price of gold closed at $806.00 per ounce. This is the highest spot price gold has reached in the last 28 years.

Whenever the price of gold, silver, or platinum has risen dramatically, the US Mint has suspended offerings of coins containing those metals. Most recently, the Mint had suspended sales of Gold and Platinum Eagle coins. Sales had only recently resumed with prices adjusted higher to reflect the increased spot prices of the metals. Notably, the American Eagle Platinum Uncirculated Coins are still unavailable for sale.

Based on the recent price movement of gold, I am guessing that the US Mint may be preparing to once again suspend sales of Gold Eagle coins. The Mint prices products based on the price of the metal plus a premium for the manufacturing and packaging costs. Right now, for example the 2007 Gold Eagle One Ounce Uncirculated Coin is priced at $831.95. This is only a 3% premium over the spot price of the gold content. This is already historically on the very low end for the premium charged by the Mint. Also, if the recent surge in the price of gold continues, the premium will continue to drop.

I had written some previous posts about the mintages for Burnished Gold Eagles, which are quite low for some coins. I believe that on again/off again nature of the offering this year will continue to contribute to a low overall mintage, which should drive prices higher once production stops. If you were thinking about picking some up, take another look this weekend while they are still available for sale.