2013-W American Silver Eagle Proof Coin Released

The keenly awaited 2013-W American Silver Eagle Proof Coin from the United States Mint launched this Thursday, Jan 24, 2013.

It has an opening price of $62.95, and is available for ordering directly from the U.S. Mint website at www.usmint.gov/catalog or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).

This one-ounce silver coin, composed from 99.9% pure silver, will be the first or second most purchased collector product of the year, based on historical U.S. Mint sales of the series which dates back to 1986. This year’s companion bullion coin produced for investors debuted on Jan. 7, 2013 and a record 6+ million sold in less than two weeks. That resulted in its temporary sell out and suspension.

U.S. Mint bullion silver coins do not carry mint marks or the special finish of collector versions. The 2013-W American Silver Eagle Proof Coin has a "W" mint mark signaling its production at the United States Mint facility in West Point. Its proof finish provides a background that appears mirror-like which contrasts against a frosted and extremely detailed foreground — a presentation that coin collectors find very desirable across a spectrum of silver coins and related numismatic products.

Other coin specifications for the American Silver Eagle — no matter the type — include the silver composition of 1.0000 troy ounce (31.072 grams), a diameter of 1.598 inches (40.60 mm), a thickness of 0.1193 inches (2.98 mm) and a reeded edge.

As mentioned, the proof coin has a 27-year history dating back to 1986. Its seen an annual release ever since, excluding 2009 when unprecedented demand for the bullion American Silver Eagle gobbled up the silver coin blanks and resulted in a one-year cancellation of the proof coin.

Obverse and reverse designs have stayed the same since 1986 as well. The obverse (heads side) bears Adolph A. Weinman’s Liberty design that was on the silver half-dollar from 1916 to 1947. The reverse (tails side) depicts an Eagle and shield, as designed by John Mercanti.

Sales of the proof coin will likely end in the 800,000 to 1,000,000 area. Last year’s proof American Silver Eagle attained sales of 819,217 before selling out seven months after its release.

Each of these new silver coins will arrive in its own presentation case that is in blue velvet and satin-lined and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

The companion uncirculated issue for collectors, the standard annual 2013-W American Silver Eagle Uncirculated Coin, makes its debut in May for $53.95.

No other standard proof Silver Eagles will launch this year, at least according to expectations. The U.S. Mint has planned a May release for an American Eagle West Point Two-Coin Silver Set. That will include a reverse proof and an uncirculated American Silver Eagle. A reverse proof is essentially opposite in appearance to the standard proof. The foreground is mirror-like while the background or field is burnished.

As a side note, while pricing may stay at $62.95 for the proof coin, it is possible that adjustments may occur throughout the year if there is significant movement in the value of silver.