2011 American Silver Eagle Proof Coin Launches

The 2011 American Silver Eagle proof coin is now available from the United States Mint for $59.95, plus a standard shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order. The Silver Eagle coin became available beginning at Noon (Eastern) on Thursday, June 30, 2011.

This release marks the twenty-fifth year in which the United States Mint has struck the .999 fine silver numismatic eagles which date back to 1986. The one ounce coins have been available annually since their debut with the exception of one year.

In 2009, the Mint canceled their production as all available resources were diverted towards the production of the companion bullion American Silver Eagle. At the time, the United States Mint was required by law to strike the bullion Eagles to meet demand which it was struggling to do since record numbers were being purchased by investors.

Investors are still turning to bullion Silver Eagles in unprecedented numbers, but the Mint has been able to significantly ramp up production since 2010 and resulting collector proof versions resumed. In fact, the 2010 American Silver Eagle proof coin made its appearance just over seven months ago on November 19.

These saw solid demand as collectors purchased 273,212 in less than three days. By December 28, 2010, their entire mintage sold out with sales adjusted to 860,000. Exceptional demand is expected for the 2011’s as well. How the silver coins have done over the years is shown in the table below:

American Silver Eagle Proof Coin Sales / Mintages

 

The designs showcased on the American Silver Eagle has remained the same since 1986, including an obverse image of "Walking Liberty" initially created by Adolph A. Weinman for the 1916-1947 Half Dollar. Shown on the reverse is a heraldic eagle with shield by John Mercanti.

Each proof coin is struck on a specially burnished blank which results in a mirror-like background. The ‘W’ mintmark on the reverse indicates that it was produced at the United States Mint’s facility in West Point. The proof is shipped within an encapsulated protective holder and placed in a blue presentation case with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Orders for the 2011 American Silver Eagle proof coin may be placed on the US Mint website (http://catalog.usmint.gov), or its toll free number 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). As with last year’s release, sales of the coin will initially be restricted to 100 per household.