Initial sales figures for platinum Eagles arrive

Editor's note: Boxes are unavailable currently due to technical problems. We are working to fix them.

It?s a balmy 50 degrees outside here at Numismatic News headquarters in Iola, Wis. ? actually, it might even be pushing 60.

Around the office, some people ? not me, of course, but some people ? are grumbling about having to work on such a nice day.

To be honest, I?ve got a raging case of spring fever ? had it for months, actually. It got worse when I registered my fantasy baseball team for the upcoming season.

But now spring is finally here, barring any last-minute freak April snowstorm.

For numismatists and Mint product enthusiasts, spring means new platinum proof American Eagles. Released March 24, the coin features an inspired new reverse design.

In honor of the legislative branch of government, the design features pillars and a muse scribbling down the nation?s law as two eagles look on as if to say, ?Don?t even think about bothering the lady. She?s busy.? It?s a classically beautiful image, one that?s in keeping with traditional U.S. coinage designs. I like it a great deal.

The gold and silver American Eagles went on sale Feb. 2 and we?ve been reporting sales numbers on them for weeks now. It?s nice to have something new to report.

Which brings me to the platinum Eagles. We have initial sales figures for them and they are listed in the boxes.

Prices for the platinum coins have risen, which is understandable considering how expensive the cost per ounce for the metal is now. Funny how that works, isn?t it?

In other Mint news, prices for bags and rolls of the Nebraska quarter have been set. The second state quarter to be released this year, the Nebraska will be available for 10 weeks.

It comes in two-roll sets for $32, bags of 100 coins for $35.50 and bags of 1,000 coins for $300.

They went on sale April 3, which came as a surprise to me because I?d been told they would be released April 7, the same day of the launch ceremony.

Featuring the historic Chimney Rock landmark and an ox-drawn covered wagon carrying pioneers, Nebraska quarters can be purchased through the U.S. Mint via its Web site, www.usmint.gov, or by calling (800) USA-MINT (872-6468).

There is a shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order. An additional charge of $7.95 will be added for quarter bags of 1,000 coins due to the weight of the bags.

I guess the added charge goes to pay for a truss or hernia surgery for anyone who has to lug those bags for transport.

Coin cover enthusiasts, rejoice! The 2006 ?Return to Monticello? Official First-Day Coin Cover was released on March 28 and we should get initial sales figures for the April 18 issue.

Included on the cover is a Jan. 12, 2006, Charlottesville, Va., postmark. That was the day the Return to Monticello nickel was released to the Federal Reserve.

Just as a reminder: they cost $19.95 and can be purchased through the Mint Web site and phone number listed elsewhere in this article.

Don?t forget the shipping and handling fee of $4.95. That goes to my personal account (just kidding).

Anyway, I hope you?re as excited for spring as I am. As always, send questions to peter.lindblad@fwpubs.com.