As expected, the United States Mint has confirmed that some upcoming products will have sale date changes or limited supplies due to COVID-19 Pandemic. The Mint, like much of the Federal government, State government, and business throughout the United States, has sent virtually all of their staff to work from home when possible. Minting of coins continues but in lower capacities.
The Mint issued an email to customers yesterday indicating that some products will have modified availability as it copes with changes in production schedules due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the global impacts of COVID-19 continue to evolve, the U.S. Mint has had to modify its product availability to ensure the health and safety of its employees across the nation
United States Mint
Many in the Numismatic community were expecting this news based on Mint Director Ryder’s email earlier in the week indicating that delays could happen.
The biggest news coming in this new email from the Mint is that all numismatic products beyond the 2020 American Buffalo One Ounce Gold Proof and the 2020-S Silver Proof Set are now TBD. Effectively it means the Mint has no real grasp as to when products on the Product Schedule will be released. Given how rapidly the situation with Coronavirus is evolving, it is simply an unknown how long the impact to production will last.
First, the 2020 American Buffalo One Ounce Gold Proof. This coins was originally slated for release on May 7, 2020. The Mint has moved up the sale date to April 9, 2020. You’ll be able to find that coin here on the Mint’s site.
Second, the 2020-S Silver Proof Set will go on sale as scheduled on April 17, 2020. However, only 190,000 of them will be available initially due to production cutbacks. You can find that set here on the Mint’s site.
From there on out, everything it “To Be Determined”
During these difficult times, the Mint will continue to fulfill its mission to protect our nation’s strategic assets and produce trusted coinage (circulating and bullion) while, at the same time, taking appropriate precautions given current public health risks.
United States Mint