Available now from the United States Mint is the 2013-W Proof American Silver Eagle. The silver coin went on sale today, January 24, 2013, at a price of $62.95.
It is a collector version of investment-grade bullion Silver Eagles — the same coins suspended last week as record demand depleted the Mint’s inventory. Like the bullion issue, one ounce of .999 fine silver is in every proof coin.
Silver Eagles are one of the most popular annual products offered by the U.S. Mint. Last year’s proof logged sales of 819,217 according to Mint sales figures. It launched on April 12, 2012 and sold out on November 13, 2012.
These coins actually date back to 1986. The proofs have appeared annually ever since, with just one exception. In 2009 and to help fulfill demand, the U.S. Mint canceled sales of the collectible proof to reroute silver blank planchets for bullion coin production. The proofs returned in 2010.
Proof American Silver Eagle Designs and Coin Specifications
All American Silver Eagles have showcased the same obverse and reverse designs from day one. Appearing on the obverse is the Adolph A. Weinman depiction of "Walking Liberty" as first seen on 1916-1947 half-dollars. Inscriptions surrounding the design include "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "2013."
The reverse, designed by John Mercanti, offers a heraldic eagle with shield. Encircling the image are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "1 OZ. FINE SILVER" and "ONE DOLLAR."
Annual proof American Silver Eagles originate from the U.S. Mint facility in West Point. To denote that, a "W” mint mark is on the reverse to the bottom left of the eagle.
Coins in the series feature a reeded edge with a diameter of 1.598 inches (40.60 mm).
Proof Silver Eagle Ordering Information
Every 2013-W Proof American Silver Eagle is individually encapsulated and placed in a blue velvet, satin-lined presentation case.
Place orders for the coin directly from the U.S. Mint via this product page, or by calling the toll-free number of 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
The U.S. Mint indicates that there are no household ordering limits and that customer demand will decide the proofs mintage.
Upcoming Silver Eagles
The aforementioned and now suspended bullion American Silver Eagle went on sale January 7, 2013. The U.S. Mint will resume sales through its network of dealers on or about January 28, 2013.
In upcoming collector products with an American Eagle:
- the 2013-W Uncirculated American Silver Eagle launches in May for $53.95,
- the 2013 West Point Two-Coin Silver Eagle Set debuts in May/June, and
- the 2013 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set is available in July
Details and pricing for the West Point Silver Eagle Set have not been announced. Expectations are for it to include a reverse proof Silver Eagle and a unique uncirculated Silver Eagle that differs in some way from the standard annual issue.
The 2013 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set includes an uncirculated Silver Eagle from West Point, an uncirculated 2013 Native American $1 coin from the Denver Mint and four uncirculated 2013 Presidential $1 coins from the Philadelphia Mint that honor William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson.
Yes, I got a few. But what justification is there for such a high premium over spot?
Because it is such a beautiful coin and people buy them no matter what the price is? I am bummed that the 2 coin Eagle set will have a proof Eagle with the same mint mark as the regular eagle. Mintage will be really high on the proof eagle. Of course the premiums will be a lot higher for that set which means you you will be paying a lot just to add a reverse-proof Eagle. It will be interesting to see how many sets actually sell. The 2012 2 coin San Francisco set could be considered a flop even… Read more »
when can we see all proof silver eagle trading at over $100.00 each?. soon i think.
I’ll buy 6, PF-70’s. Might as well, go for the “gold.”
Homer, from what I recently read, the West Point Eagle will be a reverse proof and the other will be an uncirculated eagle. So, the set will be different than last years fiasco.
My latest ship date is now Feb 7th. ( I have a subscription). It keeps moving out.
Someone, what is a reverse proof? Am not familar with that term.
The Mint has a long way to go to regain collectors trust.
Greed has gotten in the way. Too much concern for profit and not about what collectors want.
John: A reverse proof is just about how it sounds. The field is burnished and the lady is shiny (obverse and reverse sides) a reverse of how it normally minted. I believe there have been 5 reverse proofs released beginning with the 20th gold and silver anniversary sets, 25th anniversary ASE and one in the 10th anniversary platinum set.
RBG – Right, the Mint has a way to go. But things are a-changing. We got a full year product schedule – with anticipated prices no less. Also some 2012 coins have been taken off the block before some people might have thought they would be. I get the distinct impression that Dep Dir Peterson is no longer in charge and that Sec Geithner is reviewing/has reviewed Mint practices and made some decisions that Peterson was afraid to or couldn’t. Give the Mint some time for changes to take place and show they mean it. Too bad Geithner or somebody… Read more »
John – go to ebay and search “silver eagle reverse proof”. You’ll find a bunch of them. They’re really cool looking and collectors snap them up…
Why such a big difference of $9.00 for the proof and uncirculated Silver Eagle collector coins. The mint should have charged $58.45 for the proof and $58.55 for the uncirculated.
Thanks Shawn! It would really be nice to see 2 unique coins in that set. The month of open ordering is good. However, I miss the excitement of trying to be one of the ones to get my orden in for a limited product. They should still do that every so often. Maybe do a few a year and only let people get their order
in for one a year so that different collectors have a chance to get something that has some added value. Then it would be a little more challenging to complete a set.
1. I’m with Kevin above me. “Yes, I got a few. But what justification is there for such a high premium over spot?”
2. I don’t understand the markup? I’m not a coin collector.
3. I want to buy silver, but am unsure whom to trust.
newbie – the proof releases are collector editions. Typically a pressing that is more refined and polished than an uncirculated coin. You are looking for bullion releases if your interest is strictly in silver. I would suggest you visit a reseller and purchase from them. If you decide to collect coins, a good place to start your education is to purchase a 2013 redbook and check coin values, a proof coin resells at a higher value than pure bullion because of the quality of the coin, not the value of the silver. (I know I am generalizing).
Newbie,
For bullion purchases, try http://www.providentmetals.com or http://www.tulving.com (for large purchases). Your local coin shop can be a good source as well. For coin collections, always use reputable dealers that have been in place. They can provide good advice and confidence for your purchases.
If buying gold, buy small denominations (1oz or less coins or bars), there has been isolated cases of fakes in larger bars.
Good luck.
Proof coins are die struck 2 to 3 times to achieve the “Proof” look vs 1 die strike for the uncirculated or bullion coins. The Dies must also be replaced and polished more often. While these are additional manufacturing operations / processes they do not warrent the premium price that the Mint has been charging for the Proof ASE.
Except that the Mint operates in a “market”. When you price coins around the world, proofs are generating large premiums to spot. The Mint realizes this and keeping in mind how popular the eagle remains, prices according to what it can earn. They aren’t in it to benefit collectors. New Zealand, Canadadian, Australian proofs go for $100 a pop on a regular basis. 1/2 oz coins go for $40 to $60. The premium is being set by demand and as long as they sellout proofs, the price will only go up. On the plus side, even with ridiculous mintages, the… Read more »
Keep in mind the “Proof” editions are truly collector pressings. Look at the history of the Mint and you will see that is why they even make them available. Yes, they have become more expensive these days, and are at a premium over a bullion coin, but are also easily sold for a premium as well. I admit I am not a huge fan of the markup – but – as mentioned if you look at the markup of the other mints – the RCM and Austrailian mints are selling out of their products rapidly after publishing the release info.… Read more »