By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek Notes …..
The 2012-S American Silver Eagle Reverse Proof was one of two low-mintage Silver Eagle Proofs that the United States Mint offered as part of the 2012 American Silver Eagle San Francisco Proof Set.
The set was announced in the spring and launched on June 7 at an issue price of $149.95 ($208 in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars). Offered for four weeks with no product limit, sales totaled 224,981. These sets trade for about $170 today in original government packaging.
Bundled with the 2012-S Reverse Proof was the 2012-S American Silver Eagle Proof. The set was issued on the heels of the Mint’s 2011 25th Anniversary Set and marked the 75th Anniversary of the San Francisco Mint. The 2012-S Proof was also available in the Making American History Coin and Currency Set, while the 2012-S Reverse Proof was exclusive to the 2012 American Silver Eagle San Francisco Proof Set.
What Sets the Reverse Proof Apart and Series Details
A Reverse Proof coin deviates from the standard Proof coin by reversing the appearance of mirrored fields and frosted devices. The unique aesthetic of the Reverse Proof, with frosted fields and shiny design elements, creates a visually striking coin. The 2012-S American Silver Eagle Reverse Proof was part of a select series of Reverse Proofs released by the United States Mint, with only a few entries in the Silver Eagle series, including the 2006-P Reverse Proof and the 2011 Reverse Proof.
Valuation of the 2012-S American Silver Eagle Reverse Proof
The 2012-S American Silver Eagle Reverse Proof is often found in intact sets or individually certified by grading companies like CAC, NGC, and PCGS. Certified coins make up a significant portion of the mintage, with prices varying based on the grade. In the current market, Proof 69 examples sell for around $80 to $95, while Proof 70s can be found for $140 to $150, experiencing a slight decrease in value over the past decade.
The Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC) began certifying modern coins after 2023, with NGC and PCGS being dominant graders at the time of the 2012-S Reverse Proof release.
Market Trends and Noteworthy Specimens
Top Population: PCGS PR70 (6,905, 9/2024), NGC PF70 (22,224, 9/2024), and CAC PR70 (58, 9/2024).
- NGC PF70 #2585486-010: eBay, September 4, 2024 – $137.50.
- NGC PF70 #3678635-241: eBay, September 1, 2024 – $165. First Releases insert.
- PCGS PR70 #49858616: eBay, September 1, 2024 – $137.37.
- PCGS PR70 #26384690: eBay, September 1, 2024 – $149.34. John Mercanti-signed First Strike insert.
- NGC PF70 #3686454-065: eBay, August 27, 2024 – $189.95.
- NGC PF70 #4068339-002: eBay, August 25, 2024 – $138.50.
Design Overview
Obverse:
The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman’s depiction of Lady Liberty walking with laurel and oak branches symbolizing American glory, with the inscription LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 2012.
Reverse:
The reverse showcases John Mercanti’s Heraldic Eagle with the United States of America inscription, denomination, and mintmark.
Edge:
The edges of the coin are reeded.
Coin Specifications
| American Silver Eagle Reverse Proof Coin | |
| Year of Issue: | 2012 |
| Mintmark | S (San Francisco) |
| Mintage: | 224,981 |
| Alloy: | .999 silver |
| Weight: | 31.1 g |
| Diameter: | 40.6 mm |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| OBV Designer: | Adolph A. Weinman |
| REV Designer: | John M. Mercanti |
Insight: The Reverse Proof finish of the 2012-S American Silver Eagle showcases the Mint’s innovation in numismatic design, offering collectors a unique and visually appealing coin. The increased popularity of graded coins by major grading companies has influenced the market for these coins, affecting their pricing and availability over time. As collectors seek out high-grade examples and rare specimens, the value and desirability of the 2012-S Reverse Proof continue to evolve in the modern coin collecting landscape.