| One of the results of the current economic | | | | priced at high premiums to the spot price of |
| downturn has been an increased interest in | | | | silver. |
| precious metals. People have sought to purchase | | | | The reason behind the rationing is that the United |
| precious metals for the purpose of hedging | | | | States Mint has been unable to obtain a sufficient |
| against inflation, diversifying assets outside of | | | | supply of precious metals blanks to manufacture |
| world currencies and financial products, and | | | | enough coins to meet public demand. The US Mint |
| investing in a store of value that has existed since | | | | must compete with other world mints for the |
| ancient times. World mints have struggled to keep | | | | limited supply which remains available amidst the |
| up with the increased demand. A case in point has | | | | booming demand. |
| been the shortage of American Silver Eagle Bullion | | | | In 2009, the situation has continued. The 2009 |
| coins experienced in the United States. | | | | Silver Eagle coins continue to be subject to |
| At the end of February 2008, the increasing level | | | | rationing, although the blank supply situation may |
| of demand finally exceeded the supply of silver | | | | be slowly abating. The US Mint managed to |
| bullion coins that the United States Mint was able | | | | produce a near record number of Silver Eagles |
| to produce. A suspension of Silver Eagle bullion | | | | during the month of March. Several other bullion |
| coins was announced until the Mint could replenish | | | | coins have had their releases delayed. |
| its inventory. The suspension was in place for less | | | | Coin collectors, who purchase coins for their |
| than one month, but when sales resumed in April, | | | | collectibility of aesthetic features, have also been |
| the number of bullion coins that could be ordered | | | | impacted by the shortage. Under United States |
| was rationed. | | | | law, the Mint must produce bullion coins to meet |
| The rationing process allocated a certain number | | | | public demand. They are not required to produce |
| of coins to each authorized purchaser. An | | | | coins for collectors. This has forced the Mint to |
| additional amount of coins were allocated amongst | | | | prioritize production to silver bullion coins and delay |
| the dealers based on historical sales levels. This | | | | the launch of collector coins. The collector coins |
| rationing often made it difficult for individuals to | | | | expected to be released later in 2009 include the |
| find the silver bullion coins available for sale. Often | | | | 2009 Proof Silver Eagle and 2009 Uncirculated |
| when the coins were available for sale, they were | | | | Silver Eagle. |