United States Mint’s Collector Versions of American Silver Eagle
The United States Mint’s curation of the collector versions of the American Silver Eagle bullion coin has led to several idiosyncratic issues over the program’s nearly 40 years. The first of these special coin releases was the famous 1995-W American Silver Eagle Proof, which was also the first American Silver Eagle Proof striking issued by the West Point Mint. That coin, sold only in the 10th Anniversary American Eagle Proof Set, undersold its product limit and quickly became the key to the series.
Insight: The United States Mint has a long history of releasing special versions of the American Silver Eagle to cater to collectors. These unique issues often become highly sought after due to their limited availability and distinct features.
The Mint’s strategy has resulted in iconic releases such as the 1995-W American Silver Eagle Proof and the 20th and 25th Anniversary Sets that have captivated collectors.
Key Releases: 20th and 25th Anniversary Sets
In 2006, the Mint released the American Eagle 20th Anniversary Silver Coin Set, which included the series’ first Burnished Uncirculated strike and its first Reverse Proof. The 20th Anniversary Set set the stage for the Mint’s 25th anniversary release in 2011.
Insight: The special anniversary sets have not only celebrated milestones of the American Silver Eagle program but have also introduced new finishes and minting techniques to the series, attracting both collectors and speculators.
Market Demand and Controversy
The five-coin 25th Anniversary American Silver Eagle Set, with its unique blend of finishes and limited mintage, garnered significant attention from collectors and resellers alike. The set’s quick sellout and subsequent high resale values stirred controversy within the numismatic community.
Insight: The blend of high demand, limited supply, and marketing strategies led to a frenzy surrounding the 25th Anniversary Set, highlighting the evolving dynamics between collectors, dealers, and the Mint in the modern coin market.
How Much Is the 2011-P Reverse Proof American Silver Eagle Worth?
While demand for the 2011-P Reverse Proof American Silver Eagle has cooled off, the coin continues to sell at prices that match or exceed the full set’s issue price. More frequently encountered in Proof 69 or Proof 70, the 2011-P retails for about $200 to $220 in 69 and $350 to $400 in 70.
Loose “raw” examples of the 2011-P Reverse Proof Silver Eagle are seldom offered on eBay. They are more likely to be offered as part of the complete set, which in 2024 sell for $400 to $450.
While most of the coins certified by the leading grading services were reviewed within the first year of the coin’s release, the services continue to receive an average of 300 2011-P Reverse Proofs per year. As of July 14, 2024, NGC and PCGS report a combined population of 51,598 coins – with more than half grading Proof 70 at PCGS and twice as many grading 70 than 69 at NGC. CACG, a new grading service, has certified less than two dozen coins, none finer than Proof 69.
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Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens
Top Population: PCGS PR70 (10,327, 7/2024), NGC PF70 (20,649, 7/2024), and CAC PR69 (22, 7/2024).
- NGC PF70 #3560190-097: eBay, July 6, 2024 – $380.
- NGC PF70 #3519886-006: eBay, June 29, 2024 – $316. Early Releases label.
- PCGS PR70 #24127829: eBay, June 29, 2024 – $418. John Mercanti signed First Strike label.
- NGC PF70 #3559864-063: eBay, June 26, 2024 – $375. Early Releases label.
- PCGS PR70 #31024586: eBay, June 25, 2024 – $480. John Mercanti signed First Strike label.
- NGC PF70 #4140420-005: eBay, June 24, 2024 – $390.
Design
Obverse:
Artist Adolph A. Weinman’s Lady Liberty is depicted mid-stride. She is seen as a full-body figure…
Reverse:
The Heraldic Eagle of United States Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti is positioned at the center…
Edge:
The edge of the 2011-P American Silver Eagle Reverse Proof coin is reeded.
Coin Specifications
| American Silver Eagle Reverse Proof Coin | |
| Year of Issue: | 2011 |
| Mintmark: | P (Philadelphia) |
| Mintage: | 99,982 |
| Alloy: | 99.9% silver |
| Weight: | 31.1 g |
| Diameter: | 40.6 mm |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| OBV Designer: | Adolph A. Weinman |
| REV Designer: | John M. Mercanti |
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