The recently released 2012-W Uncirculated $50 Gold Eagle received a strong and surprise opening, as from the release date of June 28 to July 2, orders have been received for 1,949 coins. This has push back the sales of other most popular proof versions. Last year, the 2011-W Unc $50 Gold Eagle had recorded debut sales of 1,098 coins, meaning this year's opening is 77.5% higher. The total sales of the last year's coin were 8,822. The price of gold climbed by $40 after one day of coin official release.  Gold is currently above the $1,600 level, which creates the possibility of a price increase for next week. The rapid rise in the market price of gold had made it possible to purchase the coins for practically the same price as the bullion version, since the Mint only updates prices weekly.

http://mintnewsblog.com/2012/07/2012-w-unc-gold-eagle-sales-at-1949/