Here is alternative way to spend $1,000 at the Mint...buy 5 $200 E-Gift Cert's they now offer which never expire, and can be used for anything including the $1 direct ship coins.
Perhaps this is less risky...I confirmed the above with the US Mint CS rep. There is also no 10 day limit as w/ coins! Thus, a great way to activate multiple cards quickly and place the actual coin orders in a staggered fashion.