Background
American Eagle Silver Proof Coins are collector versions of the official United States bullion coins and are only available in the one ounce size. American Eagle Silver Proof Coins are minted at the U.S. Mint at West Point and bear the “W” mint mark.
The obverse design of the American Eagle Silver Proof Coins is based on Adolph A. Weinman’s 1916 Walking Liberty half dollar. In 2021, the U.S. Mint marked the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program with a refreshed design. Thanks to technological advancements in the design and minting process, the design now encompasses some of Weinman’s original details that were not previously possible. The design also adds his traditional artist mark.
Since 2021, the reverse shows an eagle coming in for a landing, carrying an oak branch as if to add it to a nest. To give the new coins an added level of security, they have also been updated with enhanced security features, including a reeded edge variation.
From 1986 to 2021, the reverse depicted a heraldic eagle with a shield, grasping an olive branch in the right talon and arrows in the left. The design, by John Mercanti, symbolized strength and endurance.
Characteristics
The obverse shows a refreshed depiction of Adolph A. Weinman’s full-length figure of Liberty in full stride, enveloped in folds of the flag. Her right hand is extended and she carries laurel and oak branches in her left. The design also includes Weinman's traditional artist mark.
The reverse features, since 2021, an eagle as it approaches a landing. It carries an oak branch, as if to add it to a nest.
Obverse Inscriptions
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- Year
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- 1 OZ. FINE SILVER
- ONE DOLLAR
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
Composition: 99.9% silver
Weight: 1.000 troy oz. (31.103 grams)
Diameter: 1.598 inches (40.60 mm)
Edge: Reeded
Artist Information
Obverse- Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
Reverse- Sculptor: Michael Gaudioso, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Emily Damstra, Artistic Infusion Program
Related Information
Content last reviewed June 14, 2021
FAQs
American Eagle Silver Proof Coins are minted at the U.S. Mint at West Point and bear the “W” mint mark. The obverse design of the American Eagle Silver Proof Coins is based on Adolph A. Weinman's 1916 Walking Liberty half dollar.
What mint marks are on proof silver eagle? ›
American Eagle Silver Proof Coins are minted at the U.S. Mint at West Point and bear the “W” mint mark. The obverse design of the American Eagle Silver Proof Coins is based on Adolph A. Weinman's 1916 Walking Liberty half dollar.
Are American Eagle silver proof coins a good investment? ›
Many folks continue to ask are silver eagle coins a good investment, and our answer is a resounding yes! The American Silver Eagle Coins feature lady liberty walking toward the rising sun. They are often considered one of the most beautiful American coins out there.
Are silver proof coins worth it? ›
Proof coins are better suited to collectors or as presents. The premiums you would pay for buying a proof coin set is more or less the same as that of a commemorative issue. One needs to bear in mind that the higher price being charged for a proof coin is simply on account of production costs and limited availability.
What if a silver eagle has no mint mark? ›
The chief distinction is the bullion coins are not offered by the US Mint, only authorized distributors. The US Mint issued uncirculated coins have a mint mark depicting where they are created and the bullion versions have no mint mark.
What is the lowest mintage Silver Eagle proof? ›
Which American Silver Eagle has the lowest mintage? The lowest-minted mint state American Silver Eagle is the 2011-S Silver Eagle, which has a mintage of 99,882. The lowest-minted Proof American Silver Eagle is the 1995-W Proof Silver Eagle, which has a mintage of 30,125.
Do silver proofs go up in value? ›
Collectibility and Rarity:
The limited mintage of silver proof coins means that as time passes, the availability of these coins diminishes, making them increasingly sought after by numismatists and investors alike.
What does 1 oz silver proof mean? ›
Silver proof coins are silver blanks that undergo hand polishing, chemical treatments, and cleaning before they're ever struck. They then go through the striking process at least twice. The differences may not be obvious from online images, but they really stand out in person.
Is it better to buy bullion or proof coins? ›
While bullion and proof coins can appreciate over time, proof coins have the potential for greater price appreciation due to their collectability and limited mintage.
What does a fake Silver Eagle look like? ›
When some fakes were struck, they were made primarily with copper and a very thin layer of silver plating on top. Using a magnifying glass or microscope, look closely at the edges of the coin. Many forgers don't extend the silver to the edge of the coin, and copper is visible in places.
Background. American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins are coins whose weight and purity are guaranteed by the United States Government. They're also allowed in an IRA. Each coin contains a minimum of one troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver.
What year should I buy a Silver Eagle? ›
It's well known within the industry that American silver eagles minted in 1999 or earlier, with the exception of 1987, are better date and more valuable silver coins than their post-1999 counterparts.
What mint mark do proof coins have? ›
In 1968, proof coin production moved from the Philadelphia Mint to San Francisco and proof coins gained the “S” mint mark.
What are the mint marks on silver coins? ›
The current mint marks on United States coinage are P, D, S, and W for the 4 currently operating US Mints. The letter P is used for the Philadelphia Mint, D for the Denver Mint, S for the San Francisco Mint, and W for the West Point Mint.
What is the difference between proof and uncirculated Silver Eagles? ›
Proof coins and Uncirculated coins are both popular among buyers of gold and silver, but for a few different reasons. Proofs are almost always going to demand a premium when compared to raw Uncirculated coins, but they also carry a better presentation, quality, and a higher degree of scarcity.
How do you tell if a coin has a mint mark? ›
Mint Mark. Anyone who has handled United States coinage has seen a mint mark. The small capital letter on the obverse ("heads" side) of a coin tells collectors, customers, and institutions where that coin was minted.
