text: A visiting U.S. Mint official told reporters that American Eagle gold coins took the largest share of the world bullion coin market in 1986 despite the fact sales only began in October last year. She said the U.S. Coins accounted for 37 pct of the world market share against 31.9 pct for Canadian coins and 18.6 pct for South African. She gave no sales volume figures for 1986. Sales of the U.S. Coins in the first six months of issue totalled 2.32 mln ounces exceeding the target of 2.2 mln in the first year she said. Japan alone has imported 140000 ounces of the coins since November the official said adding that the U.S. Mint sees Japan as a major market. Sumitomo Corp and Tanaka Kikinzoku KK already distribute the coins in Japan she said. Nissho Iwai Corp has just been appointed a distributor she added. The U.S. Started issuing gold bullion coins following the ban on imports of South African Krugerrands to the U.S. In a bid to offer investment grade coins to investors the Mint said in a statement. REUTER
target: U.S. OFFICIAL SAYS EAGLE GOLD COIN HAS MAJOR SHARE