Silver eagles pass 12 million mark

Though the Mint has not been able to keep up with demand for American Eagles in 2008, it is not for lack of trying.

Production of the silver American Eagle passed through the 12-million mark at 12,125,000 near the end of August. This figure is already higher than that for any full year since the program began in 1986 when the mintage total was 11.4 million.

The Mint is ramping up to produce even more. The constraining factor is the supply of blanks, which are privately produced.

Production of gold American Eagles is lower. It is currently 307,500, but here too production is being ramped up.