In May 2012, silver and gold coin sales jumped radically from April 2012 sales figures. However, these volumes represent far lower figures than the US Mint had experienced by the same time last year. Interest in precious metals coins has waned since 2011, as prices have failed to measurably appreciate in 2012. According to US Mint sales figures, 2011 was a banner year for coin sales, as precious metals experienced a “record-breaking rally” through year end.
May 2012 silver coin sales figures indicated a rise of nearly ninety percent over their April sales of 1,520,000 troy ounces. The 2,875,000 ounces sold in May 2012 showed a decline of more than twenty-one percent, from one year ago. May 2011 sales were 3,653,500 troy ounces. 2012 January through May sales showed a similar decline, year-over-year from 2011 to 2012. Despite this, 2012 could still prove to be a strong year in precious metals, as the European financial crisis deepens.
http://bullionstreet.com/news/us-mint-sold-more-gold-silver-coin-in-may/1991
