for the first time since 1986, there will be no proof silver eagle this year. today the us mint released a statement to the effect that they have canceled both the proof silver eagle and the uncirculated silver eagle (among other things) because they have diverted all production to bullion coins. as a business decision, this is as dumb as it gets. proof silver eagles sell for $32, while bullion coins are only a smll amount over the spot price. but the mint is determined to try to satisfy the demand for silver, which is completely impossible.

so after 24 years, we will have a hole in our albums where the 2009 coin should be. thanks again, mint! but all good things must come to an end, and from the looks of things, either 2009 or 2010 will be the end of the silver eagle program in its entirety. lately, dealers have been offering to pay $35-41 for backdated proof silver eagles, and those prices have nowhere to go but up now that the mint has made it official that no more will be produced, at least not this year.

Today at Noon, the United States Mint issued a press release with some shocking and disappointing news. The collectible 2009 Proof and Uncirculated Gold and Silver Eagles will not be offered this year. As partial consolation, the press release also announced plans to offer the 2009 Proof Gold Buffalo, the 2009 Proof Platinum Eagle, and fractional weight Gold Eagle bullion coins.

As it now stands, the following collector coins are now canceled:
- 2009 Proof Silver Eagle
- 2009-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle
- 2009 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set
- 2009 Proof $50 Gold Eagle (one ounce)
- 2009 Proof $25 Gold Eagle (one-half ounce)
- 2009 Proof $10 Gold Eagle (one-quarter ounce)
- 2009 Proof $5 Gold Eagle (one-tenth ounce)
- 2009 Proof Gold Eagle 4 Coin Set

http://mintnewsblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/2009-proof-and-uncirculated-gold-and.html