The American Eagle Silver Coin is an annual issue by the US Mint. While BU coins are more popular, proof strikes in this well-known series have immense value on the market due to their rarity and collectability. Learn more about Proof Silver Eagles, right here at Provident Metals.
BU coins are the most cost-effective way to invest in silver. Proof strikes are more of a collectible coin that features a higher quality, and more rarity. Proof coins are struck twice, rather than just once like BU coins. The result is a coin that is shinier. These coins have frosted design elements with a mirror-like background.
Because these coins are more of a collector’s item, the packaging is different as well. These coins are individually packaged in capsules, rather than flips. Additionally, proof strikes are shipped in a presentation box alongside a Certificate of Authenticity.
Proof strikes also have much lower mintages than their BU counterparts. Typically, mintages for Proof Silver Eagles are 5-20% of the BU Silver Eagle.
The design of the American Eagle Silver Coin has remained the same across all the variations from BU to Proof to Burnished. The obverse of these coins displays the Walking Liberty design of Adolph A. Weinman, originally created in 1916. Liberty is striding into the sun while draped in the American flag, holding oak branches.
The coin program has had two reverse designs since its debut in 1986. From 1986 to the first half of 2021, John Mercanti’s heraldic eagle was displayed on the reverse side. This design featured a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest and 13 five-point stars above its head.
In the second half of 2021, the design was updated to feature a flying eagle, with a branch in its talons. This new image was designed by Emily Damstra. Coins in 2021 with the Type 2 designation feature this new design.
The Proof Strike was released in 1986 alongside the BU version. Like the BU version, the proof strike is only released in a 1 oz weight, having a purity of .999 pure silver, and a face value of $1 (USD).
Another popular option is to purchase certified Proof Eagle Silver Coins. Certified coins are sent to the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) for grading. Coins are graded on a scale of 1 to 70, with a 70 being a perfect specimen. However, proof coins are graded with unique designations.
For any inquiries about Proof Silver Eagles, don’t hesitate to contact the Provident Metals customer service team. Our customer service team can be reached via email, through our online chat feature, or at our toll-free number of 1-800-313-3315.