Not sure where to put this as we don't really have a Bullion or PM section <hint><hint> ... But here goes.. I'm curious about an article I stumbled on while searching Google for Links discussing Silver values... In part, it read, ""Few Americans realize that the U.S. Treasury makes silver coins since they are not sold at any bank where most Americans do business. These coins sell at a premium of one to two dollars more. So if the regular silver minted coin (Sun Shine minted stamp) went for $6.50 plus $1.00, the U.S. Treasury Silver Eagle would add $1-2.00 more. Again, these same countries mint gold coins along with the South African. You must remember the government and the Federal Reserve Bank are creating credit and money out of thin air, making paper money worthless."" After reading that I wonder Why do they mint them and not have them at banks??? Why mint them??? I'm sure they aren't doing it because Coin collecters think its cool..
I don't know how it works in the US, but in Russia, yes you can buy silver commemorative coins straight off. Perhaps in the US, you have to order them from the Mint since they are the ones responsible minting such silver bullion "coins". Don't forget, we are a minor community compared to the rest of the world - ask some normal people and see if they know anything about such coins. If they don't, why bother especially if they have to be transported to the banks and it adds up extra dollars for you?
To think, it was only about two years ago that silver rounds could be purchased for $7.50 and silver eagles for about $8.00. I guess those were the good old days!
I think its because the mint wants to make money"period". There is a market for bullion silver and also for coins. I think the U.S. Mint is trying to cash in on these markets. I love the ASE's and I love the fact that they are bullion. The walking liberty is one of my favorite designs, and it is also for a lot of coin collectors. I think it is no small coincidence that the mint choose this design for the observes of this coin. They must have known it would get the attention of bullion collectors/investors world wide. I believe that it has. Just like now the mint is preparing to mint or already has started a gold bullion coin to compete with the world gold bullion market. THEY"RE IN IT FOR THE MONEY.
