| U.S.
Proof Silver Eagle |
|
|
| Obverse |
Reverse |
Description
Proof Silver American Eagles are collector versions
of the official United States silver bullion coin.
Only a limited number of proof coins are struck each
year and certain years have been known to sell out
soon after being issued.
Design
The U.S. Mint copied the design for the obverse of
the Silver Eagle from the Walking Liberty Silver Half-Dollar,
which is often considered America's most attractive
silver coin. It features Lady Liberty cloaked in an
American flag, carrying branches of laurel and oak
as she walks toward a new day. The motto "IN GOD WE
TRUST" rests to the right of her calf.
The reverse, designed by John Mercanti, depicts a
heraldic eagle with shield carrying an olive branch
and arrows in its talons. An inverse pyramid of thirteen
stars representing the thirteen original colonies
floats above its head. The words "UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA · 1 OZ. FINE SILVER ~ ONE DOLLAR ·"
encircle the eagle.
Minting Information
Proof American Eagles undergo a detailed minting process
using select dies. Lustrous coin blanks are fed manually
into the presses where they are struck multiple times
to ensure detailed coin images, which appear softly
frosted above a mirror-like background.
Each Proof Eagle comes in a beautiful, dark blue
velvet presentation case (pictured right) with an
official U.S. Mint Certificate of Authority. This
certificate outlines the United States government’
guarantee of the coin’s gold content, weight,
and purity.
Individual Retirement
Accounts
Currently, proof U.S. Eagles are the only collectible
coins allowed by the United States government for
Individual Retirement Accounts.
| Detailed
Coin Information |
| Designer: Adolph
A. Weinman (obverse); John Mercanti (reverse) |
| Gross Weight:
31.101g |
Silver Content:
1 oz. |
| Composition:
99.93% silver, 0.07% copper |
| Diameter:
40.6mm |
Edge:
Reeded |
| Dates:
1986 - present |
| Mints:
Philadelphia (1993-2000), San Francisco (1986-92),
West Point (1995; 2001 – present) |
|
