The United States Mint has confirmed that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing restrictions, it has stopped production of Numismatic products. The news came via an email to customers of the Mint and is confirmation of what Mint Director Ryder had indicated was a possibility in an email last month.
The Mint will continue to produce circulation coinage and bullion to support day-to-day operations of the Mint financially.
We continue to produce our congressionally-mandated circulating coinage and bullion to support day-to-day commerce, but production of our numismatic products has been suspended for the time being.
United States Mint
How long this suspension will last is not clear as it largely depends on the recovery time of the United States once the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic subsides. The immediate impact will be on products slated for April and May releases such as the Air Force Silver Medal and the Basketball Hall of Fame commemoratives. Further, the 2020 Silver Proof Set, which is set to be released on April 17th will only have 190,960 available and it is unclear when or if the Mint will produce more sets.
Numismatic products are a money maker for the Mint so their suspension will have a financial impact, the ramifications of which are unclear as they are for many businesses across the country.
For now, readers are encouraged to follow the Mint’s Production Schedule page on its site. It will remain the best source for when the Mint will have products available. Currently, the page lists every product after the 2020 Silver Proof Set as being “TBD”.
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