Is there really that high of a demand for silver bullion this year?

Almost every collector of Proof and Uncirculated Silver Eagles has been patiently waiting for the Mint to announce the release dates for these coins. The Mint has stated that the production of all collector strikes of the Silver Eagles have been put on hold due to the high of a demand for silver bullion this year.

I don?t think so!

There is always a high demand for bullion Silver Eagles every year. The Mint produces millions of bullion Silver Eagles every year and has never had to make excuses for delaying the release of Proof and Uncirculated Silver Eagles.

The Mint always strikes the collectors Silver Eagles within the last several months of the previous year to ensure that they are some of the first coins released the next year. I do not believe that the process has changed this year.

I believe the Proof and Uncirculated Silver Eagles were struck during the end of 2008 when the price of silver was around $19 - $20 an ounce and as 2009 approached, silver had dropped to around $10 - $11 an ounce. The Mint could not justify that kind of loss on coins that are not mandated by law to supply to the public.

And it is my belief that they are setting in storage somewhere, waiting for the price of silver to go back up to support the elevated price that they want to charge us for them this year.

This is just my opinion and should not be mistaken as fact.

What do you think? Conspiracy Theory or is the Mint trying to cover their rear ends?

2008 W Silver Eagle MS-70, I look forward to adding a 2009 at the same grade.