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Silver Eagle Sales Down Year over Year in January

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2023 American Eagle 1 oz Silver Coin Obverse

The US Mint produces bullion coins annually based on investor demand. The mint has started to recover from the supply chain and production issues that impacted sales last year.

However, year-over-year sales of silver eagles are down so far in 2023.

For January, the mint posted sales of Silver Eagles, with 3,949,000 coins sold. This is substantially lower than the same period the previous year, when the mint posted sales of 5,001,000.

For the first week of February, the mint posted sales of just 450,000.

In recent weeks dealer we’ve seen premiums on current year silver eagles have been dropping.

However, some silver investors have found suitable lower premium replacements with silver coins from other mints.

Most dealers have 2023 Silver Eagles in stock and ready to ship in single quantity, tubes of 20 coins and 500 troy ounce monster boxes.

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2022 Chinese Panda Coin Now Available in Silver & Gold

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2022 Chinese Panda 30 gram gold coin

A new design of The Chinese Panda coin is released annually. The Panda Bullion Coin represents China in the global bullion market.

The Chinese Panda coin has been minted by The People’s Bank of China, since 1982. The design of the reverse changes annually as is adorned by depictions of the Panda Bear, a national symbol of the People’s Republic of China.

Chinese Panda coins are minted in Silver and Gold from bullion mined in China.

2022 Chinese Panda Series Design

The reverse design of the coin highlights two panda cubs playing gleefully in the snow. They appear to be having fun, sliding down a hillside in the snow with arms and legs outstretched.

The reverse also displays the denomination in yuan, China’s primary currency, the weight of 30 grams.

The obverse design of the 2022 Silver Panda coin has remained unchanged since the coins debut.

The obverse contains a depiction of the Temple of Heaven, located in Beijing, China.

Minting of the China Panda Coin Series

The People’s Bank of China is the central bank for the People’ Republic of China and is responsible for managing monetary policy and regulation of financial institutions throughout China.

Since 2016, the People’s Bank of China changed the weight of the China Gold Panda and Silver Panda coins to metric weights.

In 2015 and prior, the coins were minted in 1 oz and fractional ounce coins.

Beginning in 2016, the China Silver Panda and China Gold Panda coins have been minted as 30 gram coins, which is slightly less than 1 troy ounce.

Switching their silver and gold bullion coins to metric weights has not yet had much influence on other government mints.

The majority of government and private mints continue to use the traditional Roman Monetary System or British Imperial troy ounce denominations for which has been in use by the Bretton Woods system most Western Nations.

2022 Chinese Panda Coins Collection

The 2022 China Panda Coin collection consists of 14 coins that feature the same design.

  • 2022 Chinese Panda 30 gram gold coin2022 Chinese Panda 30 gram Gold Coin – The 30 gram circular gold coin, is minted from .999 pure gold and with a bullion finish. The coin has diameter of 32mm and face value of 500 yuan (500 元). The maximum mintage is 1,000,000 coins.
  • 2022 Chinese Panda 15 gram gold coin2022 Chinese Panda 15 gram Gold Coin – The 15 gram circular gold coin, is minted from .999 pure gold and with a bullion finish. The coin has diameter of 27mm and face value of 200 yuan (200 元). The maximum mintage is 250,000 pieces.
  • 2022 Chinese Panda 8 gram gold coin2022 Chinese Panda 8 gram Gold Coin – The 8 gram round gold coin, is minted from .999 pure gold and with a bullion finish. The coin has diameter of 22mm and face value of 100 yuan (100 元). The maximum mintage is 250,000 pieces.
  1. 2022 Chinese Panda 3 gram gold coin2022 Chinese Panda 3 gram Gold Coin – The 3 gram round gold coin, is minted from .999 pure gold and with a bullion finish. The coin has diameter of 18mm and face value of 50 yuan (50 元). The maximum mintage is 500,000 pieces.
  1. 2022 Chinese Panda 1 gram gold coin2022 Chinese Panda 1 gram Gold Coin – The 1 gram round gold coin, is minted from .999 pure gold and with a bullion finish. The coin has diameter of 10mm and face value of 10 yuan (10 元). The maximum mintage is 500,000 pieces.
  1. 2022 Chinese Silver Panda 30 gram coin2022 Chinese Panda 30 gram Silver Coin – The 30 gram round silver coin, is minted from .999 pure silver and with a bullion finish. The coin has diameter of 40mm and face value of 10 yuan (10 元). The maximum mintage is 10,000,000 pieces.
  1. 2022 Chinese Panda 30 gram Platinum Coin – The 30 gram round platinum coin, is minted from .999 pure platinum and with a bullion finish. The coin has diameter of 32mm and face value of 1000 yuan (1000 元). The maximum mintage is 10,000 pieces.
  1. 2022 Chinese Panda 1 gram Platinum Coin – The 1 gram round platinum coin, is minted from .999 pure platinum and with a bullion finish. The coin has diameter of 10mm and face value of 30 yuan (30 元). The maximum mintage is 100,000 pieces.
  1. 2022 Chinese Panda 1 kilogram Gold Coin – The 1 kilogram round gold coin, is minted from .999 pure gold and has a proof quality finish. The coin has diameter of 90mm and face value of 10,000 yuan (10,000 元). The maximum mintage is 1,000 pieces.
  1. 2022 Chinese Panda 150 gram Gold Coin – The 150 gram round gold coin, is minted from .999 pure gold and with a proof quality finish. The coin has diameter of 60mm and face value of 2,000 yuan (2,000 元). The maximum mintage is 10,000 pieces.
  1. 2022 Chinese Panda 100 gram Gold Coin – The 100 gram round gold coin, is minted from .999 pure gold and with a proof quality finish. The coin has diameter of 55mm and face value of 1,500 yuan (1,500 元). The maximum mintage is 20,000 pieces.
  1. 2022 Chinese Panda 50 gram Gold Coin – The 50 gram round gold coin, is minted from .999 pure gold and with a proof quality finish. The coin has diameter of 40mm and face value of 800 yuan (800 元). The maximum mintage is 30,000 pieces.
  1. 2022 Chinese Panda 1 kilogram Silver Coin – The 1 kilogram round silver coin, is minted from .999 pure silver and with a proof quality finish. The coin has diameter of 100mm and face value of 300 yuan (300 元). The maximum mintage is 20,000 pieces.
  1. 2022 Chinese Panda 150 gram gram Silver Coin – The 150 gram round silver coin, is minted from .999 pure silver and with a proof quality finish. The coin has diameter of 70mm and face value of 50 yuan (50 元). The maximum mintage is 60,000 pieces.

2022 Chinese Silver Panda Coins

The 2022 Chinese Panda Silver Coin has a new design for the 40th Anniversary of the Chinese Panda Coin Series.

The reverse design of the coin highlights two panda cubs playing gleefully in the snow. They appear to be having fun, sliding down a hillside in the snow with arms and legs outstretched.

The reverse also displays the denomination in yuan, China’s primary currency, the weight of 30 grams. A special 40th anniversary privy mark is also incorporated into the reverse design.

The obverse design of the 2022 Silver Panda coin has remained unchanged since the coins debut.

The obverse contains a depiction of the Temple of Heaven, located in Beijing, China.

At the center of the obverse is The Hall of Prayer for Abundant Harvests, which is located in Beijing’s Temple of Heaven.

The tiered circular building is an example of traditional Chinese architecture. 

Legend has it that all of the Emperors from China’s Ming & Qing dynasties would visit the temple annually and pray to the gods for an abundant harvest.

At the top of the obverse is the name of the issuing country in native Chinese characters (中华人民共和国), while at the bottom is the date, “2022”.

The 2022 Chinese Gold Panda Coins are available from online bullion dealers in 1 bullion finish denomination:

2022 Chinese Gold Panda Coins

The 2022 Chinese Panda Gold Coin has the same new design for the 40th Anniversary of the Chinese Panda Coin Series.

The reverse design of the gold coins highlights two panda cubs playing gleefully in the snow. They appear to be having fun, sliding down a hillside in the snow with arms and legs outstretched.

The reverse also displays the denomination in yuan, China’s primary currency, the weight of 30 grams and the 40th Anniversary Privy mark.

The obverse design of the 2022 30 gram Gold Panda coin has remained unchanged since the coins debut.

The obverse contains a depiction of the Temple of Heaven, located in Beijing, China.

At the center of the obverse is The Hall of Prayer for Abundant Harvests, which is located in Beijing’s Temple of Heaven.

At the top of the obverse is the name of the issuing country in native Chinese characters (中华人民共和国), while at the bottom is the date, “2022”.

The 2022 Chinese Gold Panda Coins are available from online bullion dealers in 5 bullion finish denominations:

People’s Bank of China

The 2022 Chinese Panda gold and silver coins are minted by the People’s Bank of China (中国人民银行). The gold and silver Panda coins are distributed by China Gold Coin Incorporation (CGCI).

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What is a Silver Monster Box?

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best place to buy American Silver Eagles online

A Monster Box is a plastic container used to simplify the storage and security of bullion coins. Monster boxes are used by the US Mint, the Canadian Mint, the Austrian Mint, the Perth Mint and private mints to hold large orders of their minted coins, rounds and bars.

The coins are divided into ‘rolls’ or ‘stacks’ of coins with each roll neatly encased in a plastic tube.

The tubes are arranged in the monster box casing and typically make up a total of 500 coins, with the rolls stacked vertically side-by-side next to each other to form a symmetric layout of rows. For some coin releases, a smaller monster box containing 250 coins is used.

The lid of the box features a raised seal with the logo of the mint issuing the coins, and an untampered-with box is sealed with tape, also bearing official information from the issuing mint.

Investors looking for the lowest dealer premiums that buy silver in bulk will seek out a Monster Box. When you buy a monster box of silver you will often get the best price.

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Investing in Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coins

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Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coins

The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coin is a pure silver bullion coin featuring .9999 fine silver with a beautiful design. Investors and collectors around the world seek out the Silver Maple Leaf due to its high quality and global recognition.

The Maple Leaf coin was first minted in a gold bullion version in 1979 by The Royal Canadian Mint.
Minting of the silver version of the Maple Leaf coin began in 1988.

Silver Maple Leaf Coin Specifications:

  • Each silver maple leaf coin contains one full ounce of pure silver
  • It has a certified purity of .9999 fine silver
  • Its diameter measures 38.0 mm
  • It has a thickness of 3.29 mm
  • The obverse of the coin features a sculpture of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
  • The coins reverse displays a maple leaf, which is Canada’s national symbol
  • It carries a face value of $5.00 Canadian dollars

The profile effigy of Queen Elizabeth II that is featured on the 2019 Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coin was designed by Susan Blunt.

Reasons to Buy Canadian Silver Maple Leafs

Silver Maple Leaf Coins make a great investment for anyone looking to diversify with precious metals. The coin’s purity, global recognition, low premiums and backing by the sovereign government of Canada are all reasons that investor demand for Silver Canadian Maple Leaf coins is high.

The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf makes a fine addition to any collection or investment portfolio.

Whether you’re in the market for a few or an entire Monster Box, shopping around to multiple dealers is the best way to find the most competitive prices.

Wading through all the places to buy Silver Maple Leaf Coins is a challenge. Instead, begin by browsing FindBullionPrices.com to find the best Silver Maple Leaf prices from trusted and reputable online bullion dealers. Chances are that at least one or more will suit your needs.

Cheapest Silver Maple Leaf Coins

When you buy Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins it is important to pay the lowest possible price for your investment. Many Silver Maple Leafs are prone to a condition called “Milk Spotting”, particularly coins minted prior to 2018.

Milk Spotting occurs as a result of the minting process in which the bullion coins are rinsed using a special cleaning agent. Residue left on the coins can cause a whitish, milky looking haze to develop on the faces of the coin over time.

Milk spots on Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins can be troubling for investors that buy numismatic coins. However, the majority of Silver Maple Leafs are bullion coins which have only intrinsic value due to their silver content. Milk Spots on bullion coins to do effect their intrinsic value.

Smart investors looking to buy the cheapest Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins will find that the best prices can be found with secondary market coins that may have milk spots, tarnish or be in cull condition.

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What determines Silver Eagle prices?

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2018 American 1 oz Silver Eagle

Silver eagle prices are consistently higher per ounce than generic rounds. Investors that are new to buying silver and other precious metals are often confused by the prices of what seem to be the same or similar items. At the end of the day both are still 1 troy ounce of silver.

Some of this confusion is due to the lack of transparency from dealers who rely on customers paying high premiums over spot price to pad their profit margins.

After all, isn’t 1 troy ounce of silver bullion the same no matter who makes it? Whether it is a generic bullion round from a private mint like the Sunshine Mint, or a 1 oz American Silver Eagle coin.

So why are silver eagle prices higher?

The US Mint is responsible for the minting and manufacturing of American Silver Eagle coins. There is a cost to to manufacture and distribute Silver Eagles.

To recover the manufacturing and distribution costs the US Mint charges wholesale distributors, referred to as “Authorized Purchasers”, a $2.00 premium on every newly minted Silver Eagle. The added premium by the Mint is passed along by the dealers to the end buyer or investor as part of the cost.

Dealer prices for Silver Eagles

Online bullion dealer prices for current year Silver Eagle coins are most often priced relative to the “Ask” spot price, plus the premium cost that the dealer has incurred from the wholesaler and the US Mint.

The price per American Silver Eagle coin will typically range from $2.50 to $3.50 over spot price per one ounce coin. With current spot price floating around $15.40 per troy ounce, this premium range is 16%-22% over spot per ounce.

You can save money on dealer premiums if you buy Random Year American Silver Eagle coins. Random Year Silver Eagles are often secondary market coins that dealers have bought back in tubes from investors in BU condition. Since dealers will buy back Silver Eagles at a lower premium than is charged by the US Mint, the lower premium is passed along to investors.

How much over spot should i pay for silver eagles?

American Silver Eagle coins always carry a premium over spot price.

Current year Silver Eagles will typically carry the highest premium from online dealers and local coin shops. This is because of the premium that the US Mint charges to Authorized Purchasers (Wholesale Distributors). The premium charged by the US Mint ultimately gets passed along to the investors and silver stackers.

American Silver Eagle coins from recent previous years will typically have a slightly lower premium than current year coins depending on dealer inventory.

Older American Silver Eagle coins that are in uncirculated condition often carry a premium as they are often considered semi-numismatic because they are dated. However, aside from specific years where the mintage of Silver Eagle coins was limited such as 1996, back-dated coins have little to no numismatic value. They are simply date silver bullion coins.

Silver Eagles that are in circulated, tarnished or cull condition will have the lowest premiums. These coins may show some signs of wear and tear from handling such as scratches, dings or surface marks. They may also show signs of tarnish from being exposed to air, have smudges or may have been painted with enamel or acrylic paint. Even Cull Condition or tarnished Silver Eagles will maintain their value relative to spot price, often carry a premium above spot price on the secondary market.

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What is a Silver Monster Box?

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best place to buy American Silver Eagles online

The US Mint ships bullion coins, including American Silver Eagle coins in bulk to authorized wholesale distributor in special packaging called a Silver Monster Box.

After minting, the US Mint packages bullion coins in plastic tubes. Each standard tube holds twenty 1 oz coins. The tubes are then fitted into the Silver Monster Box 25 tubes at a time. The tubes have a relatively snug fit to reduce movement and vibration during shipping.

Each Silver Monster Box contains 500 troy ounces. Both Government Mints and private manufacturers have adopted the practices of shipping bulk product in quantities of 500 troy ounces in Silver Monster Boxes.

A Silver Monster Box of American Eagle coins is green. Other Governments Mint use different colors to identify their Monster Boxes. Some have different colors and sizes for different series’ of coins.

For example, there are some special series’ of coins from the Perth Mint that are shipped in Monster Boxes that contain only 250 troy ounces of silver coins. Some bullion distributors have adopted the term as a way to offer yet smaller quantities, as little as 100 troy ounces, with the term Mini-Monster Box.