Silver Proof Eagle Coins
Editions of Silver Eagle American Coins that are made exclusively for the collector are known as Silver Proof Eagle Coins and are put out only by the U.S. Mint. These beautiful and unique proof versions have become some of the most popular coins in the world today. Sought after by both collectors and those who invest in silver bullion, proof coin versions of the standard American Eagles add a bit of uniqueness and diversity to a portfolio that contains physical silver. Starting in 1986, the American Proof Eagle program brought to the public these beautiful eagle proof coins available originally in the 1-ounce size. Through the beginning of the offering, every proof coin has shipped sealed in a sturdy clear plastic holder, packaged together with an official gift box, complete a with a smooth velvet lining. Included also is a genuine Certificate of Authenticity confirming the coins origin and 99.9% fine silver make-up.
Bullion coin enthusiasts deem regular circulating coins, something that they may also call 'business strikes', to be of a seperate grouping as the proof coins, as they are intended to be collectible coins only. The proof versions of the silver eagle bullion coins are struck repeatedly by specialized dies that then create coins with mirror-like backgrounds and a frosted finishes. By being struck in multiple occurances the coins tend to retain even the deepest design details. This kind of enhanced design detail just will not be seen on non-proof versions of the coins.
Modern technology ensures the finest and highest design quality is achieved on the proof coins. To achieve it's cameo appearance, a carefully controlled acid treatment imparts the coin with it's frosted foregrounds and still leaving a background design that is poished and almost mirror like.
Nearly identical in design to the orignal half-dollar by Adolph Weinman design used between the years 1916-47, the image of Liberty walking proudly toward is featured on the front of the coin. She carries branches made of oak and laurel which stand as a symbol of America's military strength and civic pride. The equally impressive reverse design depicts John Mercanti's well-known heraldic eagle who firmly holds an arrow his left talon and an olive branch on his right. This design is considered to be one of the most beautiful creations ever to be found on a bullion coin.
Through the last two decades of the production of Silver Proof Eagles, they have been made in 3 seperate mint locations. Starting in 1986 the coins production location was the mint at San Fransisco. This lasted until 1992 and beginning the year after, until 2000, the coin's production took place in U.S. Mint's facility in Philadelphia. Beginning the following year, 2001, and all the way up through to today, the production process has found a permanent location at West Point. In the past, the West Point Mint was utilized to produce a small number of strictly limited proof eagle coin sets which included four Proof Eagles which consisted of both the silver and gold bullion coin. Many of these sets are quite rare and difficult to obtain at affordable prices.
In celebration of it's Twentieth Anniversary in 2006, a beautiful set was commissioned which contained a reverse proof,uncirculated business-strike and standard proof version.
These Silver Eagle Proof editions may be a great addition to a collection of American Silver Eagle Coins, or an investment portfolio that diversifies into physical silver and other precious metals. Also, an appreciation for the beauty of the design of Silver Proof Eagle Coins will only add to the enjoyment of acquiring these unique coins.