The Gold Anti-Trust Action Committee is reporting at their website that The U.S. Mint has suspended sales of American Eagle one ounce gold coins and is refusing orders from dealers.

GATA reports that two coin and bullion dealers have confirmed the suspension by the Mint. This news was initially reported by American Precious Metals Exchange.

Chris Powell, Secretary/Treasurer of GATA, says in a website posting, "The suspension is overwhelming evidence that the futures contract price of gold on the commodities exchanges is substantially below the physical market price and that, indeed, the commodities exchanges are being used as GATA long has maintained - as part of a massive scheme of manipulation of the precious metals, currency, and bond markets."

As of today, fractional gold (1/10 oz, ¼ oz and ½ oz Gold American Eagles) remain unaffected by the shortage. The mint web site is currently not reporting any suspensions of sales and one ounce uncirculated coins are still for sale at the web site.