On Tuesday, June 22, the United States Mint announced that it would delay the release of the United States Mint Air Force Silver Medal, originally scheduled for June 22, until mid-July.
On Thursday, July 1, the Mint announced that the 2.5 oz medal will be released at noon EST on Tuesday, July 13.
The total number of “Remind Me” email/text notifications received by the Mint indicates that demand for the Mint’s Air Force 2.5 Ounce Silver Medal—the first in its new Armed Forces Silver Medal Series— will exceed inventory, as the projected demand is greater than supply.
Other recent silver product offerings have resulted in an extraordinarily high volume of “bot” traffic. These bots were programmed to conduct technology-driven transactions that interfered with the transactions of many Mint customers.
The Mint has identified a solution that is expected to mitigate most of the issues caused by bot traffic. We are working diligently to put that solution in place, as it will enable our website to function more smoothly. Even this robust effort to improve product access remains limited by demand, which continues to outpace our supply of silver blanks. As a result, not everyone will be able to purchase this medal.
A one-ounce version of the Air Force Silver Medal (SAF1) will be available next year, and customers may now request “Remind Me” notifications for that medal.
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About the United States Mint
The US Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.
The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The Mint’s numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.
