Of all the coins the United States Mint releases each year, one of the most popular is coming this week. The 2012 American Silver Eagle Proof Coin will get placed on sale Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 12 noon Eastern Time for $59.95 each.
2012 American Silver Eagle Proof Coin
This time, the U.S. Mint will not restrict collectors to a household limit as was enacted in the previous years’ initial release. Buyers may make their purchases of the Silver Eagles at the U.S. Mint’s website (http://www.usmint.gov/catalog) or by phone at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468) once the coin is made available.
The American Silver Eagle Proof Coin bears the "W" mint mark on its reverse side. It is struck from .999 fine silver and comes in a single size, one ounce. The diameter is 1.598 inches. The U.S. Mint packages the coin in a presentation case with Certificate of Authenticity.
Designs on the American Silver Eagle are the same across all options, which include the bullion, the proof, and the uncirculated. They have remained the same throughout the 26 year history of the coin.
The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman’s "Walking Liberty" that was first appeared on the half dollar in 1916. The reverse of the Silver Eagles portrays a heraldic eagle with shield designed by John Mercanti.
Although a certain mintage has not been announced, expectations are that it will be similar to last year’s. 950,000 sold in 2011, and that was fairly close to sales of the 2010 issue, which totaled 860,000.
For reference, the U.S. Mint’s press release regarding the launch date for the American Silver Eagle Proof Coin follows.
United States Mint Opens Sales for 2012 American Eagle Silver Proof Coin on April 12
The United States Mint will begin accepting orders for the 2012 American Eagle Silver Proof Coin at noon Eastern Time (ET) on April 12. The coin, priced at $59.95, has no household order limit. Customer demand will determine the number of coins minted.
The obverse (heads side) design of the 2012 American Eagle Silver Proof Coin features Adolph A. Weinman’s full-length figure of Lady Liberty in full stride, with her right hand extended and branches of laurel and oak in her left. The reverse (tails side) design, by former United States Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti, features a heraldic eagle with shield, an olive branch in the right talon and arrows in the left.
The American Eagle Silver Proof Coin contains .999 silver. The one-ounce coin is struck on specially burnished blanks and carries the "W" mint mark, indicating its production at the United States Mint at West Point. Each coin is sealed in protective plastic and mounted in a satin-lined presentation case. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
Customers may purchase the 2012 American Eagle Silver Proof Coin at the United States Mint’s secure Web site, http://www.usmint.gov/catalog/, or at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. A shipping and handling charge of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders.
The American Eagle Silver Proof Coin is also available for purchase through the United States Mint Online Subscription Program. For additional information about this convenient ordering option, visit http://www.usmint.gov/catalog.
Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of April 12, 2012, at noon ET shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored. For more information, please review the United States Mint’s Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.
About U.S. Mint
The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.
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