2015 American Silver Eagle Bullion CoinAt the end of my last report on how the recent transportation bill will have an effect on coin collectors, I said that I would discuss how the new law will impact American Silver Eagle collectors. After taking a little time off for holiday festivities, we are going to look at the impact and unintended consequences of congress.

To review, earlier this month congress passed and the president signed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act or the “FAST Act” (H.R. 22; now Public Law 114-94). It is a comprehensive transportation bill that is over 490 pages long with one third of those paged dedicated to items other than transportation. Buried deep in the document is Title LXXIII, “Bullion and Collectible Coin Production Efficiency and Cost Savings” section. For today’s post, we look at Section 73002:

Sec. 73002. American Eagle Silver Bullion 30th Anniversary
Proof and uncirculated versions of coins issued by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to subsection (e) of section 5112 of title 31, United States Code, during calendar year 2016 shall have a smooth edge incused with a designation that notes the 30th anniversary of the first issue of coins under such subsection.

If you are not familiar with “subsection (e) of section 5112 of title 31, United States Code” (31 U.S.C. § 5112(e)), it is the part of the law that authorizes the American Silver Eagle program. It says that these coins are to 40.6 millimeters in diameter containing 31.103 grams (one troy ounce) of .999 fine silver with a symbolic design of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.

Along with the prescribed elements the coin will have a reeded edge. It is this reeded edge requirement that may be causing a problem.

As written, Section 73002 does not say that the 2016 coin with a smooth edge with an inscription designating as the 30th anniversary of the first issue is for a special collectible. It is written as a blanket statement for all coins issued in 2016. Because of the word issued, the U.S. Mint is going to cancel the 2015 Limited Edition Silver Proof set.

2014 Limited Edition Silver Set (LS3) will be on sale until December 30, 2015 at noon.

2014 Limited Edition Silver Set (LS3) will be on sale until December 30, 2015 at noon.

The Limited Edition Silver Proof set consists of a dime, all five quarters, and a Kennedy Half-dollar struck in 90-percent silver. The set also includes an American Silver Eagle packaged in a special case. Originally, the 2015 Limited Edition Silver Proof set was to be released on November 23. It was reported that issues with packaging has delayed the issuance of this set. Because of the delay, the U.S. Mint was supposed to start selling the set on December 30 in order to meet its legal requirement to sell the coins in the same year as issued. While they can carry over the sets to subsequent years, they have to start selling them in 2015.

However, that word “issued” causes a problem. If the coins are part of a packaging production, the coins may not have been struck in 2016 but the sets are being issued in 2016, then the 2015 could be violating the law. It is that ambiguity in a law passed by congress that will cause the 2015 Limited Edition Silver Proof set from being released.

Sausage making at its finest!

Images courtesy of the U.S. Mint

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