Another Record Year for U.S. American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin Sales

Global Silver Coin Minting Expected to Post All-Time Record

(Washington, D.C. – November 24, 2010) The American Eagle Silver Bullion coinage program has already posted another record year, with over 32 million of the U.S. Mint’s 1-ounce coins sold through today. Sales thus far in 2010 have surpassed last year’s record of 28 million coins sold. Should the current pace continue, sales will surpass 35 million coins by year’s end.

Silver coin minting globally is projected to rise a robust 23 percent this year, to an all-time record, according to data released last week by GFMS Ltd., the precious metals consultancy, at the Silver Institute’s Annual Silver Industry Dinner in New York City.

Leading national mints are reporting exceptional growth this year. The Royal Canadian Mint has reported an increase of 50 percent in silver Maple Leaf bullion coin sales over 2009 figures. Similar strong growth is expected for the Australian Perth Mint’s silver Kookaburra bullion coin, and the silver Philharmonic bullion coin issued by the Austrian Mint.

U.S. Mint sales of American Eagle Silver Bullion coins have increased by 223% over the past five years as indicated in the chart below.

Silver bullion coins provide investors with a convenient and affordable way to add physical silver to their investment portfolios. “While primarily purchased by investors, we expect to see continued growth in silver Eagle sales through the end of the year, especially with the holiday season approaching,” stated Michael DiRienzo, Executive Director of the Silver Institute. “A leading silver bullion dealer has repeated to us that they have seen a nearly 40% increase in silver bullion demand this year for products ranging from 1-ounce coins to 100-ounce bars,” DiRienzo added.

For more information on how you can purchase silver bullion coins, please visit the Silver Institute’s web site at www.silverinstitute.org.

The Silver Institute is a nonprofit international industry association headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established in 1971, the Institute serves as the industry’s voice in increasing public understanding of the value and many uses of silver.

For Further Information Contact:
Mike DiRienzo
The Silver Institute
888 16th Street, N.W., Suite 303

Washington, D.C. 20006
Tel: (202) 835-0185
Fax: (202) 835-0155