2009 Mint Set, Louis Braille Education Set Sales Figures

Sales figures are available for some recently issued US Mint products, most notably the 2009 Mint Set and the Louis Braille Education Set.

The 2009 Mint Set went on sale October 1, 2009. Expectations for the set were high for a variety of reasons, including the 95% copper Lincoln Cents, the expanded scope of the set to 36 coins, and the 2009 nickels and dimes. As of October 11, 2009, the US Mint has sold 392,007 sets.

This positions the set as one of the most swiftly selling Mint Sets in recent years. By comparison, last year's 2008 Mint Set had taken approximately six weeks to reach this level of sales. The 2008 Mint Set eventually sold a total of 745,464 sets.

Even though the popularity of the 2009 Mint Set will cause it to have a higher mintage, I think the longer term prospects remain positive. The inclusion of the unique satin finish 95% copper 2009 Lincoln Cents should keep the sets in steady demand and support prices.

The sales of the Braille Education Set were surprising. Since going on sale October 8, 2009, the US Mint has sold 2,719 units. Before the sets went on sale, I expressed the opinion that they would not be hot sellers (like the upcoming Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set is expected to be), but I didn't expect sales to come in this low. Ironically, these low initial sales figures might draw some new attention to the set. Recently, some collectors have been paying big premiums for low production US Mint products after they are no longer available for sale directly.

Across all options, the US Mint has now sold 192,784 of the Louis Braille Silver Dollars, with a split of 123,899 proof coins and 68,885 uncirculated coins. The maximum authorized mintage across all coins is 400,000. Commemorative coins and related products usually remain on sale until mid-December unless the maximum mintage is met sooner.

For a complete report of US Mint sales figures through October 11, 2009, including the latest numbers on the Ultra High Relief, First Spouse Gold Coins, and others, visit Coin Update News.