The U.S. Mint will release 2009-dated fractional-ounce Gold Eagles in early December, and CMI Gold & Silver Inc. is now taking orders. We expect to have the coins for shipment about December 11.
Pricing on the coins will be in line with historical markups, although mintages for the coins are not expected to be large in comparison with past years’ mintages. Other reasons large mintages of the coins are not expected: it is late in the year and the Mint is already making preparations for minting 2010-dated Gold Eagles, as well as 2010-dated Gold Buffalos and various commemorative coins.
As are the 1-oz Gold Eagles, fractional ounce Gold Eagles are 22-karat. The 1/2-oz and the 1/4-ounce Gold Eagles come forty coins to a tube, but the 1/10-oz come fifty coins to a tube.
As noted in our September 21 article, fractional-ounce Krugerrands recently became available for the first in twenty-five years. As of this writing, fractional-ounce Gold Eagles and fractional-ounce Krugerrands carry the same premiums. However, availability of fractional-ounce Gold Eagles may put downward pressure on fractional-ounce Krugerrand premiums when the Gold Eagles become readily available and if they are available in large quantities.
Fractional-ounce Gold Maple Leafs are also available for investors who like 24-karat gold coins. Unlike fractional-ounce Gold Eagles and Krugerrands, which come in tubes, fractional-ounce Gold Maple Leafs come in sheets of Mylar, each coin individually sealed.
The U.S. Mint has never been open with its production plans, and at this time it is not known when 2010-dated fractional-ounce Gold Eagles will be available next year. They could be available as soon as the 1-oz Gold Eagles, which will probably be early next year, or it may be later in the year before they are released.
If you would like to discuss investing in fractional-ounce gold coins, or talk any aspect of investing in gold, call us at 800-528-1380. We take calls 7:00 am to 5:00 pm MST, Mondays through Fridays.