Proof Silver American Eagles

Proof Silver American Eagles at Silver.com

While BU coins are meant for investment purposes, proof strikes are made for collectors. A proof coin is struck at least twice, thus creating a design with frosted elements and a background with a deeply-mirrored effect. Proof coins typically have much lower mintage totals than their BU counterparts, thus they have a much higher premium price over the spot price of silver. Among the most popular proof silver coins is the Proof Silver American Eagle, which debuted in 1986 alongside the BU version. Learn more about these coins right here, at Silver.com.

Background of the Series

Proof coins are only struck in a 1 Troy oz weight and are crafted from .999 fine silver. Proof strikes have been issued annually since their debut with the exception of 2009, due to economic uncertainty.

These coins have the same design elements as their BU Silver American Eagle counterparts. The obverse has remained the same since 1986, showing Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty on the obverse. Liberty is in left-profile relief walking into the sun, with an American flag on her shoulder, holding oak branches.

The reverse from 1986 to the first half of 2021 shows John Mercanti’s heraldic eagle. A front-facing eagle, looking to its left, with 13 five-pointed stars above it. Beginning in the second half of 2021, the reverse updated its design to feature Emily Damstra’s flying eagle. The eagle is seen in left-profile relief clutching a branch in its talons.

2021 coins with a Type 1 designation have Mercanti’s design while Type 2 coins have Damstra’s design.

Unlike BU coins, proof strikes display mint marks indicating which branch of the US Mint struck them. The San Francisco Mint struck these coins from 1986 to 1992. From 1993 to 2000, these coins were produced by the Philadelphia Mint. Since 2001, they’ve been produced by the West Point Mint.

Packaging

Unlike BU coins in the series, which have multiple bulk options, Proof Silver American Eagles arrive individually. Coins come in individual display boxes from the US Mint. Coins are further housed in capsules and are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Certified Proof Silver American Eagles

Certified Proof Silver American Eagles are another great option to acquire these coins. A certified silver coin is graded by a professional coin grading provider. Two popular options are the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

These coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale of 1 to 70, with 70 being a flawless specimen. Proof coins are graded with unique designations such as the following:

• PF/PR – Proof: Indicates a proof strike.
• UCAM/ DCAM – Deep Cameo/ Ultra-Cameo: Indicates a strong frosted finish with a mirrored background.

Purchasing Proof Silver American Eagles at Silver.com

Questions about these Proof Silver American Eagles? Contact the Silver.com customer service team at 1-888-989-7223. Our team is also readily available via email or through our online chat feature.