Huge spike in gold sales at the U.S. Mint

Zero Hedge had this chart. Should I be encouraged that more people see the madness of our current economic situation? Or alarmed that this kind of volume may signal an end is near?

I'm surprised Silver Eagles aren't making a stronger showing. Who can afford Gold Eagles these days?

From ZeroHedge.com

Update: Here's another chart from Zero Hedge. This one shows how many Google searches have been done for "bulk ammo."

From Zero Hedge

And people are apparently buying. Have you checked inventories of .223 rounds at online sellers? We posted some links on Saturday.

Updated 5:27 am EST 12/3/2012