The global bullion market in 2024 saw a stark divergence in the performance of some of the world’s leading mints. While the Royal Mint in the UK experienced a substantial increase in gold and silver bullion sales, the US Mint reported significant declines.
Declining Sales at the US Mint
In 2024, the US Mint sold 412,000 ounces of gold in its American Eagle coin program, a sharp decline of over 59% compared to the one million ounces sold in 2023. This drop in gold bullion sales is a notable departure from the strong demand in prior years. The Mint sold 24.862 million ounces of silver, marking a modest increase from 24.75 million ounces in 2023.
The declines in gold coin sales come despite vigorous secondary market activity. According to an article from Kitco, Danielle Oliari, Chief Operating Officer of CNT Depository, highlighted this trend at the London Bullion Market Association’s Association’s Precious Metals Conference. She noted that weak primary market production by the US Mint forced the secondary market to meet consumer demand.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the US Mint has faced a sales slump. In 2008, the Mint experienced a sharp drop in sales and removed approximately 300 products from its portfolio. At the time, the Mint shifted its focus to larger one-ounce coins, moving away from fractional gold Eagles, which had historically been popular.
Impact on Specific Coins
Several collector and investment-grade coins have seen declining sales in 2024. The one-ounce gold uncirculated Eagle coin sold 2,750 units, while the proof gold Buffalo reached only 8,859 units. Even the 2024 one-ounce silver uncirculated Eagle failed to break 100,000 sales, at 93,253. Commemorative coins, such as the Harriet Tubman gold coin, also recorded historically low mintages.
This broad decline could influence the Mint’s strategy for 2025, potentially leading to lower mintages across its product lines. While reduced supply may negatively impact the secondary market for 2024 coins, it could result in higher future premiums for collectors if these issues become recognized as scarce.
The Royal Mint’s Bullion Boom
In contrast to the US Mint, the Royal Mint in the UK reported record-breaking growth in bullion sales during 2024. Stuart O’Reilly, Market Insights Manager at the Royal Mint, revealed that total revenue from bullion coin sales rose by 47% compared to 2023. The Mint also saw a 56% increase in sales during the final quarter of 2024, building on a strong performance throughout the year.
The Royal Mint’s website attracted a growing number of investors, with a 9% year-over-year increase in customers buying bullion online. Between October and December, the Mint reported a 41% rise in customer activity compared to the same period in 2023. Overall, the total volume of bullion transactions rose 12% year-over-year.
Driving Factors for Growth
Economic uncertainty and heightened geopolitical risks likely drove investors toward gold and silver bullion as safe-haven assets. The Royal Mint also emphasized tax-efficient investing, making its bullion products particularly attractive in the UK and Europe. These factors combined to position the Royal Mint as a preferred choice for investors seeking security amidst economic volatility.
Lessons for the U.S. Mint
In the US, higher bullion prices deterred many new investors, while collectors turned to secondary markets due to limited primary production.
While primary market sales faltered in the US, secondary market activity was robust, particularly for American Gold Eagles. Dealers reported strong demand as investors sought to capitalize on high prices. This dynamic underscores the importance of both primary and secondary markets in meeting investor needs.
What Lies Ahead for 2025?
The trends of 2024 suggest a complex outlook for 2025. For the US Mint, the continued decline in sales could lead to lower mintages, potentially increasing the rarity and future value of certain coins. However, a reduced product portfolio may diminish overall interest in US Mint offerings.
Sustained growth indicates a strong position for the Royal Mint heading into 2025. If geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties persist, demand for its bullion products will likely remain high.
Investors should pay close attention to mints’ production data and market trends. Understanding these dynamics will be key to the bullion market’s evolution in the coming year.
As we look ahead to 2025, these trends may shape investment opportunities for both collectors and investors. The Royal Mint’s focus on customer engagement and tax-efficient investing positions it for continued success, while the US Mint may face pressure to adapt to shifting demand. For investors, staying informed and responsive to market dynamics will be essential for success in the gold and silver bullion markets.