Launching Thursday, October 27, into an environment of extraordinary demand, the American 
Before those premiums are discussed, perhaps a little background is in order… The set was issued by the United States Mint to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the American Silver Eagle Program which dates back to when the first bullion and proof versions were released in 1986.
Found within the anniversary set are a total of five Silver Eagles, including a 2011 Bullion American Silver Eagle, a 2011-W Proof American Silver Eagle and a 2011-W Uncirculated American Silver Eagle — all three of which are also available separately from the Mint. Included as well are two coins unique to the set — a 2011-S Uncirculated American Silver Eagle and a 2011-P Reverse Proof American Silver Eagle.
Many collectors have been interested in the set since it was first announced in August, owing to its anniversary appeal, limited 100,000 mintage and those two unique coins. Knowing of that interest and long before they were officially released, sets went on pre-sale in the secondary market weeks ago.
Secondary Market Values for Silver Eagle 25th Anniversary Set
eBay had well over two hundred sets listed in the days leading up to their October 27 release. Of those, collectors were willing to pay significant premiums. The "best deal," or lowest price paid, was at $400. That represents a premium of more than $100 over the Mint’s selling price of $299.95. One auction actually realized $999.95. Most of the auctions had single set closing prices in the $450-$550 range.
Jump ahead to after October 27 and Silver Eagle 25th Anniversary Set values surged. Several of the single sets quickly realized prices topping $800. The average price came in around $600 per set, or just over twice the Mint’s price.
Multiple sets are also up for auction on eBay. Auctions offering five complete sets are common with some of those selling for $2,295. This equates to $459 per set, a relative "bargain" compared to buying the sets individually.
Whether or not these premiums can hold once the initial buzz over the 25th Anniversary Silver Eagle Sets dies down is anyone’s guess. However, given their limited mintage and up-front interest, it is likely their values will remain well above the Mint’s initial selling price. History is some guide. The three-coin, 2006-dated 20th Anniversary sets have been consistently selling for at least three times their initial $100 Mint price. In fact, prices have jumped even higher as the buzz surrounding the 25th anniversary sets began booming.
The premium over the selling price represents lost money for the U.S. Mint. They should have sold them on eBay to begin with, completely eliminating the shortage and scalpers and web site problems all in one fell swoop.
The United States Mint: This synopsis entails the qualities of the United States Mint, really not addressing the aforesaid article. We personally feel that the U.S. Mint has not received any positive response, in light of the outstanding admininistration, which comprises the U.S. Mint. The U.S. Mint is the sole foundation of producing coins, of varying and unique designs, for the purpose to please the collectors, and quite naturally, to bring in revenue. To demean, or berate the character of the U.S. Mint, when they are continually trying, and moving forward, to enhance the field of numismatics for all, is… Read more »
synoptic12…Mighty fancy writing for most folk. The fact is that the Mint has done some bone head moves. Too many offerings, mostly junk. The Presidential Dollars are a perfect example. They shove them down our throats in all the sets and no one uses them. They snap up a 40% charge; $35.00 for $25.00, plus shipping. There is lacking in quality control. I have five proof sets where the nickle press had oil or some foreign matter on it when striking. Each nickel has a varying degree of this ‘blob’ appearing. They appear in sequence. I didn’t send them back…kept… Read more »
Poggie : Congress decides what,where,how and when the U.S Mint will offer numismatic products. If you got a bad nickle and didn’t send it back oh well. Your complaints should be directed at the U.S. Congress and the President. 41/2 hour sellout is very impressive. I do agree with the Presidental dollar, but Congress approved it and the Mint must comply.
The mint just shouldn’t send out shitty sets. He shouldn’t have to send them back, they should have just been as good as everyone elses. When I make an order from a well trusted, federally funded company, I expect quality to be to my satisfaction. People shouldn’t have to send their sets back because time is money. People buy online because it’s quick and easy, If I knew I would have to send factory damaged goods back, I wouldn’t even buy to begin with. ——— About ASE sets: They really should have put a 1 coin per household limit on… Read more »
Why would any one be surprised this happend the mint let us know back in august there would be only 100,000 sets and they would go quick. But the mint should have put 1 or 2 sets per house hold. I was going to buy 1 set but I bought the 5 did not mean to but I did. You could say I got 1 set free and some cash left over.
Josh – a 1-coin-per-household rule for a 5-coin set?
Josh : If your a “die-hard collector” how did you miss the ’06 set ? They didn’t sellout for weeks . Come on now………. you just wanna flip, so you can buy more YU GI OH cards!!….. die-hard ..LOL !!
acording to the bullion dealer i called the mint set aside 50000 sets to dealers first. the rest went to the public. so the 5 per house hold was really 50000 not 100000. should the mint be at fault. t don’t think so. it’s the bullion dealers that support the mint and make it profitable. the hipe will be over soon and the sets will settle down.
Well now the sets are not allowed on ebay until the sets are in hand. Could push the value higher since you will not be able to purchases them second handed for another few weeks not good if you are trying to buy a set on the low :/
There are so many violations of policy on EBay it is criminal! With a 100 % rating as a seller, 1 buyer claimed a 14K gold necklace I sold claimed it was 10K – My reponse to EBay and PayPal was to provide proof it was not 14K. I provided my proof it was but was ruled against – After working so hard to keep my 100% seller rating and my pledge and proof it was authentic I am now suspended from buying or selling. Why was the buyer not required to submit proof my proof was not good enough?… Read more »
I think the one of the biggest problems was that you had every freaking coin dealer telling anyone that would listen that if they bought the limit of 5 sets, they would buy them back from them at a $50.00 premium over cost. I was at a coin show here in Mpls the week before these went on sale…,and one of the less scrupulous dealers there was setting up “contracts” with people for this deal….offering $1750.00 ($50.00 over cost each) for anyone who would sign and agree to buy the five sets…and bring them to him in an UNOPENED box… Read more »
Is there a time limit to send in an unopened box to be graded by one of the grading companies! I have 5 sets still boxed and unopened, but cannot make up my mind to have them graded or not!
I Lucky enough to get my 5 set ! my order statued It instock and reserved. Sorry guy i’m not try to make any profit here, because I had 5 kids that the reason I had to buy 5 set. once for each that fair for them all. And if I need one for my self I had to pay a pricey premium now..I just like most of you’re out there on the phone and internet for 4 hours straight until my order went through…I’m Lucky enough that was my off day. WHAT A DAY… There is a dealer want… Read more »
Peter Piper you have until 12-8-11 to get early release by NGC. That is what they said when I called.
have seen the Reverse Proof by it’s self sell for over $400 on eBay. And one guy even paid $3999.99 for 5 sets. Both of these sales were made in the last 30 days, according to eBay, completed auctions, serch results. I have also see the “S” coin go for close to $390 by it’s self. And the other 3 coins go for close to $300 by themselves with the case and COA. If you do the math, that’s over $1000 per five coin set, if you break them up. I would be thrilled to sell my 1 extra set… Read more »