Description
Proof Silver American Eagles are collector versions of the official United States silver bullion coin. Only a limited number of proof coins are struck each year and certain years have been known to sell out soon after being issued.
Design
The U.S. Mint copied the design for the obverse of the Silver Eagle from the Walking Liberty Silver Half-Dollar, which is often considered America's most attractive silver coin. It features Lady Liberty cloaked in an American flag, carrying branches of laurel and oak as she walks toward a new day. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" rests to the right of her calf.
The reverse, designed by John Mercanti, depicts a heraldic eagle with shield carrying an olive branch and arrows in its talons. An inverse pyramid of thirteen stars representing the thirteen original colonies floats above its head. The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ' 1 OZ. FINE SILVER ~ ONE DOLLAR '" encircle the eagle.
Minting Information
Proof American Eagles undergo a detailed minting process using select dies. Lustrous coin blanks are fed manually into the presses where they are struck multiple times to ensure detailed coin images, which appear softly frosted above a mirror-like background.
Each Proof Eagle comes in a beautiful, dark blue velvet presentation case with an official U.S. Mint Certificate of Authenticity. This certificate outlines the United States government's guarantee of the coin's silver content, weight, and purity.
Individual Retirement Accounts
Currently, proof U.S. Eagles are the only collectible coins allowed by the United States government for
Individual Retirement Accounts.
| Designer: Adolph A. Weinman (obverse); John Mercanti (reverse) |
| Gross Weight: 31.101g |
Silver Content: 1 oz. |
| Composition: 99.93% silver, 0.07% copper |
| Diameter: 40.6mm |
Edge: Reeded |
| Dates: 1986 - present |
| Mints: Philadelphia (1993-2000), San Francisco (1986-92), West Point (1995; 2001 ? present) |
