WASHINGTON – The United States Mint today announced the new Bulk Purchase Program for registered purchasers. A five percent discount will be applied to all purchases of $5,000 or more of qualifying products. An additional five percent rebate will be given to those who purchase a minimum of $50,000 or more of qualifying products annually.

The rebate will automatically be processed at the close of the year. The annual sales period begins January 1, 2003, and runs through December 31, 2003. Qualified purchasers must apply to be eligible for this program. Applications will be accepted anytime during the year. Rebate calculations will begin from the day the United States Mint confirms approval of the signed agreement.

“We appreciate dealers’ support of the genuine United States Mint brand and we hope this will encourage continued participation in our programs,” said United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore.

To become a Registered Bulk Purchaser, applicants must have worked as a full-time coin dealer for at least five years, and possess a current state resale number and business license. Registration forms can be faxed to (202) 756-6585 or mailed to the United States Mint. If registration forms are mailed, please allow an additional two to three weeks for processing. Registration forms that are mailed through other overnight services will arrive within the scheduled delivery time.

Individual qualifying purchases for the immediate five percent discount must be at least $5,000 or more. Orders may combine any assortment of United States Mint Proof Sets, United States Mint Silver Proof Sets and all American Eagle Proof Coins. A one percent shipping and handling charge for all domestic orders, and a two percent charge for international orders will be added to the retail price of all qualifying purchases.

At the end of 2003, total qualifying purchases will be combined and, for those registered purchasers with an annual total of $50,000 or more, an automatic five percent rebate on the total purchase price will be issued. In addition to meeting the $50,000 requirement, Registered Bulk Purchasers must have purchased during the year a minimum of 100 units each from the categories of United States Mint Proof Sets, Silver Proof Sets and American Eagle Proof Coins.

For more information about the program, including complete terms and conditions and registration forms, please visit www.usmint.gov/consumer or call (202) 354-7500 and ask for the Bulk Purchase Program Manager.