Proof American Silver Eagle Coins

First released in 1986, Proof American Silver Eagles are made out of silver bullion and stamped multiple times to showcase extremely fine details and bring the face of the coin to a mirror-like polish. Coins are made exclusively at the United States Mint and are handled by employees with white gloves so as to not smudge or obscure their surface. They’re sealed to preserve their value and are sold from the United States Mint in a velvet box with a certificate of authenticity.

Exclusive Production

The United States Mint is the only producer of authentic Proof Silver Eagles. Beginning production in 1986, each coin is made out of high-quality silver bullion. Coins are made out of one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and are stamped with extraordinarily fine detail.

The dies used to stamp the coins are examined under a microscope and polished by hand using three different types of diamond dust to ensure sharp detailing. The blanks for the coins are then washed and hand-inserted into the press, one by one, where they’re stamped multiple times to bring out the finest points of the iconic design. They also come with a frosted design with a glass-like background for the highest contrast.

Historic Design

There is only one design for the coin, and it is reused every year to preserve a sense of continuity. The only variation is the year of the coin, and any damage incurred by its removal from the seal it comes in. All the coins are made from the same silver purity, and weigh the same. This means that all the coins made have, in theory, the same value, though some are sold for higher amounts depending on many factors such as mintage numbers, key dates, or other variations.

The obverse design features a full-length profile of Lady Liberty in stride, designed by noted artist Adolph A. Weinman. She’s enveloped in the folds of the United States Flag, with her right hand outstretched, and the other clutching branches of laurel and oak. The rays of the sun are shown in the background. On the other side is the iconic heraldic eagle perched behind a shield, with arrows in the left talon and olive branches in the right. This was designed by United States Mint Sculptor and Engraver John Mercanti.

A New Reverse Design – 2021 Brings Change

For the 35th anniversary of the Proof American Silver Eagle, the United States Mint is prepared to introduce new designs on the reverse of all versions of the coin. The first coins to receive these new designs, created by Artistic Infusion Program artist Emily Damstra, will be the Brilliant Uncirculated versions of the Silver Eagle and Gold Eagle. Each coin will get its own unique design for the reverse, with the Silver Eagle’s new image from Ms. Damstra offering a powerful depiction of the American bald eagle. Details of the design include:

• The new reverse features an American bald eagle coming to land at its nest. The eagle has its wings opened behind its figure to slow its descent as it clutches a large oak branch in its talons, a branch that it is likely to use to add in building up its nest. With a new design comes a new arrangement of the inscriptions on this field. You will find “United States of America” along the left side, with “One Dollar” and “1 oz. Fine Silver” in the lower right. Inside of the design field, above the inscription of the weight and metal content is the inscription “E Pluribus Unum.”

The 2021 release of the Proof American Silver Eagle will eventually feature the new design element, but the first coins to include this design are the Brilliant Uncirculated versions of the coin.

Collectability

For collectors, Proof Silver Eagles are one of the most sought out coins available. Each year, only a limited amount are minted, and they’re only available through the US Mint during the year they’re produced. Afterward, they can be sold by private collectors and dealers. Coins still with the original box and certificate of authenticity can be sold for larger sums of money than they’re actually worth — the coin itself only has a face value of $1. Since they’re small, they’re easy to collect, and their beauty makes them desirable for both serious and small-time collectors alike.

Public Availability

Proof American Silver Eagles are available the year of their minting through the US Mint only, but after that, coin sellers and collectors, both private and corporate, are able to buy and resell the coins to investors and collectors alike. Because of that, the coins are typically easy to find and buy, however, those still in the original casing with the certificate of authenticity are much more valuable, and tend to sell at higher rates.

Collecting Proof American Silver Eagles with JM Bullion

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