Proof Silver Eagle Coins

August 23, 2009 by silvereagleamerican
Filed under: Silver Coin Investment

Proof versions of American Eagle Silver Coins are manufactured by the United States Mint for collectors eager to add these beautiful and rare coins to their portfolio. For over 20 years, these silver proof versions were produced only in the introduced one ounce size as presented by The American Eagle Proof program. Shipped by the Mint encased in hard plastic holders,each coin is bundled with an official government issued package complete with velvet lining and an original (COA) or certificate of authenticity which states the physical characteristics and authenticates that the coin is 99.9% pure silver.

Coin enthusiasts consider circulating coins which may also be referred to as a business strike, to be a distinct group from silver proof dollars which are only intended for collectors. These proof versions are struck more than once with specially configured dies which produce a mirror-like background above frosted images. Through this process an unbelievable amount of fine detail is retained on the coin's surface. The force of these strikes, forcing the raw silver into the deepest crevices of the die, giving the coin this enhanced look. This sort of intricate detail just can't be achieved on non-proof coins versions. To finish the process, an acid treatment is conducted which gives these coins their trademark frosted appearance with a polished mirror-like background design. The contrasting finish is known by numismatists as a cameo finish.

Because they are fabricated with dies that have been treated using special methods, the coins end up with a beautiful, unique appearance. The technology used today givesthe proof coins the highest quality design.

Liberty striding is illustrated bearing towards the sunrise on the front of the coin and holding onto branches of laurel and oak signifying The United States history of military and civil glory. On the coin's reverse, you will see John Mercanti's heraldic eagle grasping an arrow in its left talon and an olive branch with it's right.

Through the years, it has been manufactured in three different places. Between the years dating 1986 through to 1992, the coin's manufacturing location was the San Fransisco mint, and after that time up until the year 2000, the coins were made in the Philadelphia Mint. Ever since 2001, these proof eagles have been produced at West Point mint. Before that,in the 1995 the West Point mint produced a small amount of limited edition proof coin sets which included four American Eagle proof coins made of gold and silver bullion. During the 20th anniversary in 2006, the Mint pulled out all the stops and released what was perhaps the most popular mintage ever produced. These Anniversary editions remain highly sought after by bullion investors and should remain to be in high demand for generations to come.