This obtained from Michael Kosares at usagold.

My question follows article.

Article.

There are rumors, not yet fully substantiated, that U.S. Mint has once again run out of blanks. Without question, the U.S. Mint has put the market on allocation and what “allocation” amounts to is that all of the production, and more, is spoken for by distributors. One prominent wholesaler/distributor — with whom we have a strong relationship going back many years — was allocated 6000 U.S. Gold Eagles (1 oz) in late December and another 7000 pieces the first week in January. Their allocation dropped the second week of January to 1000 pieces.

At the moment some dealers have inventory and premiums have come down because they are selling off the late December and January week one allocations. What we might construe from that piece of information is once the earlier allocations are bought off that the supply will drop and premiums could begin to rise again. Right now our premiums have come down. Keep in mind that this is a guessing game, and we are projecting based on current information and a review of past history.

We offer the information in your best interest and you will have to make your own decisions about what is best for you and yours. When gold popped this afternoon, the phones immediately went into full tilt as a great many have been waiting for the market to show signs of a bottom. When you add the problems at the top of the banking industry into the mix and deficits expected to run more than a trillion dollars, gold market supplies can become suddenly volatile as people and institutions globally move to shore up their finances.

One more point: If the U.S. Mint is having a blank problem, you can be reasonably assured that other mints might be feeling the pinch as well since all tap the same supply line.

At the moment, we have secured a new supply of Gold Eagles and Maple Leafs (1 oz) and they are now available for purchase.

Stay in touch with your broker for the latest.

Semper aurum,

Michael J. Kosares
The ABCs of Gold Investing: How to Protect and Build Your Wealth with Gold
Owner, USAGOLD-Centennial Precious Metals, Inc.

Comment (Question):

Does anyone know if there is any allocation or limit on the amount of gold ETF"s that can be purchased?

Good Luck to all!