Posted 12/12/2025 12:22 pm
I agree with you that the current Silver Eagle story is not exactly the same as the mid-1930s United States ("US") commemorative market. I also agree that parallels can still be drawn to the series' decline in popularity.
Most notably, to me, is the explosion in volume. Suddenly, the volume of new releases has grown to a point where some collectors are being left behind due to financial reasons or simple "collector fatigue." Yes, I recognize there is still a frenzy that surrounds each new Eagle release, but I also recognize that the Mint is now using a "Limited Mintage" model to keep excitement levels high. At some point, the mintage levels may have to drop even further to generate the same level of excitement due to a declining collector base..
The "Canada Experience" is an interesting one. For years, the Royal Canadian Mint produced huge varieties of non-circulating legal tender "NCLT") coins for collectors. After awhile, collectors began to complain about the volume of new issues and began to abandon the new issues. Eventually, the Canadian Mint reduced the number of its new releases, but it was largely too late - the number of active collectors of Canada's NCLT issues is noticeably smaller today vs. 10 years ago. (Just check out the current low activity level over in the Canadian NCLT forum if you need convincing.)
I think the Silver Eagle is a very attractive coin - both Types - but I don't collect them. Once the Mint began to view the coins as "products" vs. coins, I was out!
Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.
Most notably, to me, is the explosion in volume. Suddenly, the volume of new releases has grown to a point where some collectors are being left behind due to financial reasons or simple "collector fatigue." Yes, I recognize there is still a frenzy that surrounds each new Eagle release, but I also recognize that the Mint is now using a "Limited Mintage" model to keep excitement levels high. At some point, the mintage levels may have to drop even further to generate the same level of excitement due to a declining collector base..
The "Canada Experience" is an interesting one. For years, the Royal Canadian Mint produced huge varieties of non-circulating legal tender "NCLT") coins for collectors. After awhile, collectors began to complain about the volume of new issues and began to abandon the new issues. Eventually, the Canadian Mint reduced the number of its new releases, but it was largely too late - the number of active collectors of Canada's NCLT issues is noticeably smaller today vs. 10 years ago. (Just check out the current low activity level over in the Canadian NCLT forum if you need convincing.)
I think the Silver Eagle is a very attractive coin - both Types - but I don't collect them. Once the Mint began to view the coins as "products" vs. coins, I was out!
Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
Edited by commems
12/12/2025 12:25 pm
12/12/2025 12:25 pm
