This year is more confusing than most when it comes to American Silver Eagles because of the different types and the number of coin sets with them.
In a "typical" year, there are three American Silver Eagles released. These include an annual bullion Eagle produced for investors and then the annual proof and uncirculated Eagles struck for coin collectors. This year there are two "extra" American Silver Eagles for coin collectors — a proof and reverse proof each with the San Francisco "S" mint mark. There are also more sets to contend with that have one or more of the coins.
As of July, the U.S. Mint has released four different types of American Silver Eagles and it has launched one set with two of them in it. Here is a breakdown of the already issued products:
Already Released American Silver Eagles and Coin Sets
| U.S. Mint Product | # of Eagles | Type of Eagle | Mint Mark | Release Dates | Prices | Still for Sale? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 American Silver Eagle Bullion Coin | 1 | Bullion | None | Jan. 3 | Market Based | Yes |
| 2012-W American Silver Eagle Proof Coin | 1 | Proof | W | April 12 | $54.95 | Yes |
| 2012-S American Silver Eagle Two-Coin Proof Set | 2 | Proof and Reverse Proof | S | June 7 | $149.95 | No |
By the end of September, the number of released Silver Eagles climbs to five and the number of coin sets issued rises to three. Here are what coin collectors have to look forward to with new product issues coming in the next two months:
Upcoming American Silver Eagles and Coin Sets
| U.S. Mint Product | # of Eagles | Type of Eagle | Mint Mark | Release Dates | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-W American Silver Eagle Uncirculated Coin | 1 | Uncirculated | W | Aug. 2 | $45.95 |
| Making American History Coin and Currency Sets | 1 | Proof | S | Aug. 7 | $72.95 |
| Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Sets | 1 | Uncirculated | W | Sept. 6 | TBD |
The remaining Silver Eagle that is yet to be released is the annual uncirculated issue scheduled for August 2. This coin will also be in the 2012 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set that goes on sale September 6. The set also includes the 2012 Native American $1 coin and the four 2012 Presidential $1 coins.
As for the Making American History Coin and Currency Set that debuts on August 7, it includes the same proof Eagle from San Francisco that is packaged within the 2012-S American Silver Eagle Two-Coin Proof Set. To make it more unique and celebratory, the coin and currency set will also have a Series 2009 Lincoln $5 bill with a serial number beginning with "150" to commemorate the BEP’s 150th anniversary.
For information on the various Eagles and coin sets, click on one of the provided links above, or visit the U.S. Mint website at http://www.usmint.gov.
