If you’re a gold or silver investor in the U.S., you already know that the Perth Mint is one of the most closely watched indicators of real-world bullion demand. In August 2025, the Mint released new data showing a split in performance between gold and silver—one strengthening, the other continuing to lag. For investors searching for clarity in a complex market, these numbers offer important insight into global demand, pricing trends, and where bullion may be heading next.
In this deep-dive analysis, we break down the Perth Mint’s gold and silver sales, explore what the data means for bullion buyers and coin investors, and offer expert context to help navigate today’s volatile precious-metals landscape.
TL;DR Summary
- Gold bullion sales at the Perth Mint surged 37.6% month-over-month in August.
- Silver bullion sales fell for the fourth straight month, down 6% from July.
- Year-to-date, gold is outperforming 2024, while silver remains significantly behind.
- Rising metal prices in August (gold +3.9%, silver +7.1%) influenced demand dynamics.
- New Lunar Series releases helped drive gold demand earlier than usual.
Why Perth Mint Gold and Silver Sales Matter Right Now
The Perth Mint plays an outsize role in global bullion markets. As one of the world’s largest producers of investment-grade gold and silver products—and the processor of roughly 75% of Australia’s newly mined gold—its sales data is a key barometer of real investor demand.
Understanding these numbers is especially important in 2025, a year marked by:
- persistent inflation,
- shifting U.S. interest rate expectations,
- geopolitical uncertainty, and
- rising central bank gold buying.
For U.S. investors deciding whether to add to their gold or silver positions, the Mint’s report helps signal whether demand is strengthening, normalizing, or weakening.
As one senior metals strategist recently noted, “The Perth Mint’s bullion sales often move ahead of price changes. When you see consistent demand shifts at the Mint, it’s usually reflecting investor behavior before it shows up in the U.S. retail market.”
Perth Mint Gold and Silver Sales: August 2025 Overview
Gold Bullion Demand Surges: Up 37.6% in August
August was a strong month for gold bullion sales at the Perth Mint, reaching 30,125 ounces, a notable:
- +37.6% increase from July, and
- +16.4% year-over-year increase compared to August 2024.
This jump stands out for two reasons:
1. Strong Wholesale Pre-Orders
Neil Vance, General Manager of Minted Products at the Perth Mint, highlighted that wholesalers rushed to secure allocations ahead of the Lunar Series III – Year of the Horse launch.
“This strong, early demand demonstrates both the continued appeal of our Australian Lunar Series and the market’s confidence in precious metals,” Vance explained.
The Lunar Series is famously popular among collectors and bullion investors, especially in the U.S. Asian-themed Lunar coins often outperform traditional coin programs during their launch months.
2. Rising Gold Prices Boost Investor Sentiment
According to LBMA August data, gold climbed 3.9% to $3,429.15 per ounce. When prices rise in a stable uptrend—rather than a sharp spike—it often increases retail and wholesale demand as buyers gain confidence.
Year-to-Date Gold Sales Strength
Gold sales in 2025 through August reached 241,063 ounces, up 10.2% from the same period last year. That’s a strong signal of global preference for gold as a hedge during uncertain times.
Silver Bullion Struggles: Fourth Straight Monthly Decline
Silver bullion sales fell to 424,949 ounces in August:
- –6% month-over-month,
- –34.4% year-over-year, and
- the fourth consecutive monthly decline.
Why is silver demand falling even as prices rise?
Silver Prices Climbed Faster Than Gold
LBMA data shows silver rose 7.1% in August, reaching $38.80 per ounce.
While rising prices sometimes boost demand, silver investors tend to be more price-sensitive. Rapid price increases can temporarily suppress physical demand, as buyers wait for pullbacks.
Year-to-Date Silver Sales Lagging
Through August, the Perth Mint recorded 4.17 million ounces, down 32.7% compared to the same period in 2024.
This indicates structural softness in retail silver demand—consistent with U.S. mint sales data, which also show lowered appetite for silver bullion in 2025.
Historical Patterns: Understanding the Bigger Trend
Gold and silver sales have been volatile since 2022, fluctuating sharply as investors react to global events. The monthly table (2022–2025) shows:
- Silver tends to experience extreme spikes during fear-driven periods (e.g., March–May 2023).
- Gold shows more stable demand with smaller but steadier peaks.
This matches long-term historical behavior. Gold remains the premier safe-haven asset, while silver behaves as a hybrid metal influenced by both industrial demand and investor flows.
An economist from the University of Western Australia summarized it well:
“Gold’s demand curve is far more predictable. Silver moves with investor psychology, manufacturing cycles, and speculative activity, making it more volatile.”
Bullion Coin Releases: A Major Driver of Demand
Bullion releases significantly influence monthly sales—especially the Lunar Series and popular wildlife coins like the Kookaburra, Koala, Kangaroo, Wedge-tailed Eagle, and Emu.
In 2025, standout launches included:
Major Gold Releases
- 2025 Dragon 1oz Gold Rectangular Coin
- Australian Emu 2025 1oz Gold Coin
- Pillar Dollar Gold Bullion
- Lunar Snake 1oz Gold Minted Bar
- Kangaroo 2025 Gold Series (multiple sizes)
Major Silver Releases
- Brumby 2025 1oz Silver
- Lunar Snake 10 kg Silver Coin
- Koala 2025 1oz & 1 Kilo
- Chinese Myths & Legends Double Phoenix
- Double Phoenix 1oz Silver
- Kookaburra 2025 Silver Series
- Swan 2025 Silver
Sold-Out Items Signal Strong Collectible Demand
The Mint reported several sellouts, including:
- 2023 Casino Royale Poker Chip 1oz Silver
- 2024 Year of the Dragon 10 Kilo Silver
- 2024 Emu 1oz Silver
- 2025 Wedge-tailed Eagle 1oz Silver
Sellouts often precede secondary-market price increases, which can attract additional investor attention.
What This Means for Gold and Silver Investors in the U.S.
Gold Outlook: Positive momentum continues
Gold’s rising price, strong year-to-date demand, and robust pre-order activity suggest a healthy market. Investors continue to treat gold as a defensive asset in an uncertain economy.
Bullish factors:
- Central bank gold buying remains historically high.
- U.S. interest rate expectations are leaning dovish.
- Persistent geopolitical risk in multiple regions.
Potential risks:
- Short-term profit-taking if prices rise too quickly.
- Reduced wholesale demand after Lunar release cycles.
Investor takeaway:
Gold remains well-positioned for long-term holders seeking stability.
Silver Outlook: Opportunity or warning sign?
Silver’s situation is more nuanced.
Bullish factors:
- Industrial demand (especially solar) is hitting all-time highs.
- Prices are rising again after summer stagnation.
- If physical demand rebounds, premiums may tighten.
Bearish factors:
- Perth Mint silver sales falling despite rising prices.
- U.S. Mint silver sales also remain weak.
- Investor sensitivity to price spikes remains a recurring trend.
Investor takeaway:
Silver may present buy-the-dip opportunities, but volatility will remain higher than gold.
Pros and Cons of Buying Gold vs Silver (2025 Snapshot)
| Factor | Gold | Silver |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | Low | High |
| Industrial Demand Impact | Minimal | Heavy |
| Affordability | More expensive | More affordable |
| Liquidity | Extremely high | High |
| Recent Sales Trend | Rising | Falling |
| Best For | Long-term wealth protection | Growth-oriented or speculative investors |
Expert Summary: What Investors Should Watch Next
1. U.S. interest rate decisions
Gold and silver respond sharply to policy changes.
2. Wholesale Lunar Series trends
If pre-orders remain strong, Q4 could show continued gold strength.
3. Industrial silver demand
Solar expansion may tighten supply in late 2025.
4. Mint production and sellouts
Secondary markets tend to move quickly after a sellout is announced.
5. Macro uncertainty
War, elections, and currency shifts all push investors toward bullion.
Conclusion: Perth Mint Sales Reinforce a Clear Trend
August 2025’s Perth Mint gold and silver sales paint a clear picture:
Gold demand is healthy and strengthening, while silver remains weak but potentially poised for a rebound.
For U.S. gold and silver investors, the data reinforces long-term patterns: gold as the cornerstone of a defensive metals portfolio, and silver as the high-volatility tactical position that can outperform during economic recoveries or industrial booms.
As always, investor strategy should align with:
- long-term financial goals,
- risk tolerance, and
- market conditions—not month-to-month fluctuations.
Call to Action:
If you publish this article on a bullion or investment site, consider linking internally to pages like:
- Gold vs Silver Investing Guide
- Lunar Series Bullion Explained
- How to Buy Gold and Silver Bars
- Historical Perth Mint Sales Data
FAQ
1. Why did Perth Mint gold sales rise while silver sales fell?
Stronger pre-orders for the Lunar Series and stable rising gold prices boosted gold demand, while silver investors hesitated after rapid price increases.
2. Is now a good time to buy gold?
For long-term investors, rising demand and macroeconomic uncertainty make gold an attractive hedge.
3. Why is silver more volatile than gold?
Silver’s price is heavily influenced by industrial demand and investor sentiment, making it more reactive to short-term market shifts.
4. Which Perth Mint bullion coins sell best?
Lunar Series coins, Kangaroos, Kookaburras, Koalas, Wedge-tailed Eagles, and Emus are consistent top performers.
5. Does rising spot price mean bullion sales always rise?
Not always. Higher prices can sometimes suppress physical demand—especially in silver.
Meta Description
Perth Mint gold and silver sales diverged in August 2025. Gold demand surged, silver fell again. Explore what this means for bullion investors today.