The 2010 ATB bullion coins (33,000 mintage) have attracted great interest and therefore very high prices in the secondary market. What surprises me is that the Uncirculated, and lower mintage (27,000), coin with the W mint mark does not appear to be attracting the same level of interest or lofty prices. Why? Aren't the Uncirculated W mint mark coins "more" collectible? The 2011 ATB bullion coins with a mintage of 126,500 (low mintage), are not attracting much interest even though they are selling at bullion prices. What is so magical about the 2010 bullion coins that makes they so valuable in the secondary market? :rollling:
Good question and I'm sure other's will have a good response. Personally, the whole 5 ounce ATB program is a definite mis-step made by the US Mint and they know it. That's why they're doing what they should have done in the first place, selling directly to the public. Me, I'm not interested. I'd rather have ASE's, oh and this is just my 2 cnts but the "W" on any silver piece is nice to have but defintiely not needed to turn a profit.
I think first of everything will attract more interest, as time goes by, the interest will drop, look at spouse gold, the first couple sold out, then interest drops a lot. I think mintage will be lower and lower.
Good point, But the thing that really surprised me is that the 2011 ATB 5 oz bullion coins are selling for LESS than 5 ASE! The premium and availability of the 2011 ATB is often has a lower price and is easier to find! I bought some 2011 ATB Bullion, because I didn't like the current premiums and wait times to get Silver Eagles.
I believe that's a P mint mark, not a W on the uncs. The 2010 bullions have a much lower mintage than the 2011, thus they will probably always carry a higher numismatic premium. The demand for the 2011's, with their higher mintage, is probably hurt by the recent volatility (decline) in the silver market. The 2010 bullions, with their slightly lower mintage than the uncs, may be viewed as a better value, if their current price is closer to market silver than the uncs.
As said before, the first of anything is always a popular item. It was also unique because both collectors and investors were going after it. What is happening is the majority of collectors are leaving the competition and the secondary market is suffering. With Silver going the wrong way for many of the vest pocket investors, the secondary market is taking another bad hit. In the past, it wasn't uncommon for investors to tread into the collector area and obtain coins and drive prices up on rarities. I think this is one of the few times the tables were turned and bullion was sought after as a collectors item. Many times investors can't understand why a MS70 bullion piece sells for more than bullion pricing. The collectors can't understand why the investors are flipping their coins at inflated prices. No one seems to realize there are two different markets out there with two different approaches and totally different objectives. Many others try to play both ends against the middle, forgetting that even for a partner ship to work, someone must own 51% of the business. Which side controls you when you make the decision to buy? It also controls your thinking about what is going on in the market.
I believe a stigma has been attached to the 5 oz.'ers Since it's inception the program has been plagued with mis-steps by the mint. This IMO has caused a large number of collectors to aqcuire a bad taste in their mouths in regard to the 5 oz ATB Even the mint itself had no idea what it was doing for weeks.
