Appearing as the first release this year, the United States Mint is set to debut one of its most popular annual numismatic products with today’s 12:00 noon ET launch of the 2018-W Proof American Silver Eagle.
The proof coin is produced for collectors and continues an annual series which started in 1986, making this release the 32nd in the program.
There is no denying that collectors have a soft spot for American Silver Eagles. This may be due to its annual nature, its silver content, its subject matter, or perhaps just the fact that many have always purchased the coin and continue to do so.
Right out of the gate, this year’s issue is expected to attain first-day sales of around two hundred thousand. Last year found collectors snatching up 226,173 coins on release day, March 23, 2017. This ended up accounting for the lion’s share of sales in 2017 with 366,284 individually claimed through Dec. 31.
Since their inaugural release, American Silver Eagles have retained the same basic specifications and designs. This includes a composition of 1 ounce of 99.9% pure silver, a weight of 31.103 grams and a diameter of 1.598 inches (40.60 mm). Each bears a collectible proof finish described as having sharp frosted design elements set against a mirror-like background.
A ‘W’ mint mark on the coin’s reverse identifies its production at the U.S. Mint’s facility in West Point. Targeted for a summertime release, the U.S. Mint will also issue a proof Silver Eagle from the San Francisco Mint which carries a ‘S’ mint mark.
Similar specifications and designs are found on related uncirculated and bullion American Silver Eagles.
Over 18 million of the bullion variety sold last year, while nearly 140,000 of the 2017-dated uncirculated Silver Eagles have sold to date.
Ordering
Order 2018-W Proof American Silver Eagles directly from the U.S. Mint by visiting its product page or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). The collectible is priced at $55.95, which is $2 more than the still-for-sale 2016- and 2017-dated issues.
Coins ship in a blue velvet, satin-lined presentation case and are accompanied by a United States Mint Certificate of Authenticity.
Thank goodness they didn’t change the design of either obverse or reverse for this coin!
Annual change have more advantages. Why U.S. Mint didn’t make lunar coin.
Even though the mint raised the price from last year – it looks like I received free shipping on my single order – the usual 4.95 shipping fee isn’t listed on the mint order summary page. Hopefully this will hold true for all of my mint enrollments this year! Last year I cancelled most of my enrollments so that I could combine shipping when the different offerings were released close together.
It would be nice if they put a simple ”privy*mark” on one of the 3 sometimes 5 *American Silver Eagles the mint offers every year, there’s plenty of room to stamp one on. I bought a handful of the ”big foot privy” on the Maple Leaf, 9999.raw for pretty much the same price as the 999.3 *ASE bullion coin, + big foot had a much lower mintage than the *eagle that year, they moved pretty quick.
To me a privy mark only clutters up an otherwise clean image on a coin. I’m glad the US Mint hasn’t stooped that low with regards to the silver eagle.
I hope they never change the design of this beauty. As a Canadian and avid numismatist, I have many American coins in my collection. The silver eagle, Mercury dime and American Buffalo are my favorites with truly ageless designs. They never need to be modified or changed for any reason in my opinion. Perfect balance between art and currency. They will always be in my collection.
Just received my order today. Only four coins to split with a friend. Hoping they look ok. Seems there have been quality issues lately. It was nice to have free shipping but was not happy with the price increase. Not sure how much longer I will be a mint customer. This may be my last subscription. Good luck to all and hoping that we all get superb quality eagles.
A meaningful ”1” year only privy mark on the *ASE bullion coin would go over very well, a 3/16” privy would look good on the *shield in the middle just above the six strips.
The ASE Proof is a beautiful coin, but it has been offered in just about every conceivable variation over it’s 32 years…Ironically one of you is Canadian and like the coin as it is…I have turned to some of the Royal Canadian Mint’s just for some variety…(Koala, kookaburra, panda also appealing)…In fact all of the American coinage is getting boring as evidenced by the drop in the values of many recent mint & proof sets…even the much touted 2017 enhanced set is languishing & is being bought at below issue price…look at many of the recent slabbed ASE’s selling for… Read more »
JAN M FOX Funny you should ask about Mercanti signed certified slab labels. John M. Mercanti, former Chief Engraver at the U.S. Mint, told a journalist friend of mine that he has made far more income (per hour spent at work) from signing PCGS & NGC labels since he left the U.S. Mint than he made hourly if you broke down his annual Mint salary over the years (plus his work since then with designing coins for the Perth Mint – Australia as “moonlighting”)! Some collectors are suckers for autographs that used to be free at coin shows. The “exclusive”… Read more »
Seth…interesting back story on Mercanti…I see the mega bullion sellers are hawking this year’s latest gimmick labels from grading firms…I admit to having a few ASE’s signed by Mercanti & others with Mint connections…but the coins are offered at such a premium that there is no hope of future appreciation….another problem is the random appearance of milk spots and/or hazing down the road…then you can hardly give them away…and, as I stated, the ASE is getting old…so many other designs have been floated..Mint seems to lack inspiration lately…
Has anyone found any errors in the BU tubes?