Silver Eagle Proof Coins

Silver Eagle Proof Coins are the collectible versions of American Silver Eagles and are produced exclusively by the United States Mint. Back in 1986, the American Eagle Proof program introduced these silver proof coins only available in the one ounce size. Since the inception of the program, each coin has come encased in a hard plastic holders, bundled with an official government issued gift box with velvet lining. Also included is an original (COA) certificate of authenticity which details the physical characteristics and authenticates that the piece is 99.9% fine silver.

The classic image of Liberty striding towards the sunrise is depicted on the front of the coin, carrying branches of oak and laurel symbolizing military and civil glory. This design is nearly the identical design used between 1916 and 1947 by Adolph Weinman on the United States half dollars. On the back of the coin, you will find John Mercanti's heraldic eagle holding an arrow in its left talon and an olive branch on its right.

Numismatists consider standard circulating coins, which they also refer to as business strikes, to be a different group from silver eagle proof coins, which are only intended for collectors. All proofs are struck more than once in between special dies which produce a mirror-like background and a frosted sheen, while multiple strikings help to retain all the design detail. Because of these multiple strikings, the metal gets forced into every crevice of the die, giving the image an enhanced look and detail. This sort of attention to detail can not be found on other non-proof coins.

Because they are struck with a die that has been treated in a special way, these coins come to you with a very distinguished appearance. Today's advanced technology allows for a higher quality design on these coins which are then applied with an acid treatment giving the coin that frosty appearance with a polished mirror-like background design. The contrasting finish is known by many as "cameo".

Over the history of this coin, it has been produced in three different Mints. Between the years 1986 and 1992 the coins manufacturing location was the San Fransisco mint, after that, until the year 2000 they were produced in the Philadelphia facilty. Ever since the year 2001, these proof eagles have been made at West Point mint. In years previous, the West Point mint produced a small amount of limited edition proof sets which contained four American Eagle proofs made of gold and the silver coin.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary in 2006, the Mint produced an offering which consisted of a burnished, uncirculated business strike along with a standard proof, with both being from the West Point Mint and also a reverse proof version with a mirror-like foreground and frosted background from the Philadelphia Mint. Minuscule W, P, or S marks were minted on the reverse of the coin and were placed by the eagle's tail on the left to signify each coin's point of origin.

If you are in the market for an American Silver Eagle Coin that is a cut above the ordinary, then the unique and respected Silver Eagle Proof may be a wonderful addition to your coin collection or precious metals investment portfolio.