Opinions on 2008-W Uncirculated Platinum Eagles

The most recent sales figures for the 2008-W Uncirculated Platinum Eagles show figures for most coins falling between the levels set for 2006-W and 2007-W coins.

With the fractional "W" coins slated for discontinuation, will the low mintage coins of the past few years eventually become something akin to the 1995-W Proof Silver Eagle? Or will the distinction of the "W" mint mark lose significance as time moves on?

Factors to consider (point and counterpoint):

On an absolute basis, the sales numbers are incredibly low. In comparison, the US Mint sold over 10,000 of each denomination of the Platinum eagle bullion coins. If you look at any other modern series, figures this low would be shocking.
On a relative basis, the sales numbers for the 2008-W Unc Platinum Eagles fall closely between the 2006 and 2007 numbers. They failed to create a new key date.
The 2008-W Unc Platinum Eagles were on sale for an extremely short period of time. First from July 1, 2008 to August 7, 2008. And recently from October 17, 2008 to sell out date. In the most extreme example, the 1/10 oz. coin was on sale for only 43 days. Since the coins were available for a brief space of time, there might be unmet demand.
Speculators may have made many of the recent purchases. If they all attempt to sell in the same time frame, this might put a temporary damper on price appreciation.

Tags: platinum-eagles, usmint

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Permalink Reply by Sev on December 2, 2008 at 6:57pm: The fractionals were great buys and were good for collectors on a budget. All of these numbers are extremely low. My gut feeling is that when PM prices start to rise again the premiums will start goin up fast. Any ideas as to why the GEagles have not sold out in comparison to the other coins. The mintages here are WICKED low compared to the other fractional W and non W gold eagles. I think the best returns will be on the gold eagles followed by the Buffs and then the plats. The Unc's will definitely be a better return than the Proofs. Compare these mintages to the reverse proof 2006 w gold mintage of 10,000 and I see some SERIOUS key date potential.And, if you compare the burnished to the regular issue bullion, the Burnished in my opinion are a much better looking coin.

Permalink Reply by jraytinkey on December 2, 2008 at 9:14pm: I don't think they will carry the same premium as the 1995-W Silver Eagle, but I think they will have a healthy premium. I wish I would have gotten one while I had the chance. I was worried that the price of platinum would continue to drop due to the decrease in industrial demand, so I decided to wait and perhaps pick one up later...oops!