By Walter Pehowich,
As of Monday morning Oct. 12th, the U. S. Mint total production for 2015 Silver Eagles was 37,129,500 coins. With the end of the 2015 Silver Eagle production year upon us, I wanted to share my estimate of how many more coins will be produced before the Mint starts producing the 2016 edition. Please understand this is only my best estimate.
I expect that the U. S. Mint will average approximately 950,000 silver eagles each week until they reach 45,000,000 coins and start minting the 2016 edition. Unlike the Royal Canadian Mint that can start selling 2016 Silver Maples in 2015, the U. S. Mint can only offer 2016s after the first of the year.
So I will estimate that over the next 9 weeks (thru December 7th), the U. S. Mint will produce 8,550,000 coins, ending the year at approximately 45,679,500 total. I expect that if there is strong demand for Silver Eagles, the U. S. Mint might go with one more week of production thru Dec. 14th, increasing the year’s production to 46,629,500. Whether they stop production on December 7th or the 14th, the 2015 Silver Eagle will be the most the U. S. has ever minted, topping the 44,000,000 produced last year. Way to go Uncle Sam.
My best guess for when the 2016 Silver Eagle will be available is January 11, 2016. The reason I use this date is to give the Mint enough time to have an ample supply available to offer sufficient quantities to its AP‘s (Authorized Purchasers). To put a figure on it, whether they end on Dec. 7 or the 14th, I think 950,000 coins over 5 weeks = 4,750,000 coins on first delivery day, which should give the Mint a level of comfort that they will all be sold on day one.
I have an idea. Hey Uncle Sam, it’s your 30th Anniversary for the Silver Eagle in 2016. What do think about producing a 30th Anniversary Silver Eagle? Everyone would love it. After all, don’t you think it’s time to change your wardrobe? After all, You’ve been wearing the same clothes for over 30 years.
Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Walter Pehowich is the executive vice president of precious metals investment services for Dillon Gage with over 38 years of experience in precious metals investment services. His career began in 1977 at Bache (which evolved to Prudential-Bache Securities and then Jefferies Investment Bank). While at Jefferies, he served as senior vice president with oversight of investment grade precious metal products. Pehowich holds a National Futures Association (NFA) Series 3 license, authorizing him to advise and sell alternative investments in commodities and futures markets.