The United States mint has issued some very disappointing news for numismatists.

The collectible 2009 Proof and Uncirculated Gold and Silver Eagles will not be offered this year, as the US Mint has again cut-back its production of collectible coins.

The Mint previously cut-down its list of collectible products from 550 items to 200, following complaints from collectors that there were too many things on offer.

But the latest reduction is not a response to collectors' complaints.

Instead, it is down to the large global demand for Gold and Silver American Eagle bullion coins.

The Mint is legally required to produce as many bullion coins as the public wishes to buy. But collectible coins are not supported by these laws.

The thirst for bullion coins amongst collectors worldwide - notably in Australia and India - is keeping the price of rare coins buoyant.

So the following collectible coins have been discontinued, for 2009 at least:

Proof Silver Eagles, W Uncirculated Silver Eagles, Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Sets, Proof $50 Gold Eagles (1oz), Proof $25 Gold Eagles (0.5oz), Proof $10 Gold Eagles (0.25oz), Proof $5 Gold Eagles (0.1oz) and Proof Gold Eagle 4 Coin Sets.

The American Platinum Eagle bullion coins will not be available either, at any weight.

However, the Proof $50 Gold Buffalo and Proof $100 Platinum Eagle will be released on October 29 and December 3, respectively.

Previous discontinuations by the US Mint have included:

American Platinum Eagle Uncirculated ('W') Coins (all weights), American Platinum Eagle Proof Coins (all weights except 1oz), American Gold Eagle Uncirculated Coins (all weights except 1oz), 50 State Quarter First Day Coin Covers and Presidential Dollar Individual Proof Coins.

Of course, for collectors lucky enough to own the above coins, this is very good news indeed: they are now more collectible, sought-after and will appreciate in value.