On the face there seems to be no underhandedness here, but something comes to mind. The collector coins that are being suspended are sold at premium meaning you pay more than the value of the spot price for its collector value. Since premium is paid no taxes are levied on gains in value due to rising spot prices. So here's my take - 1)only bullion is being produced which is taxable and 2)bullion is subject to confiscation should the govt wish to pull an fdr devaluation of the dollar to inflate away the massive debt being incurred by our benevolent lords and masters. a rider to number 2 is that collectors coins are not subject to confiscation. enjoy.

http://goldandsilverblog.com/us-mint-suspends-production-of-more-gold-and-silver-coins/