Proof American Silver Eagles

Proof American Silver Eagles at BGASC

Unlike BU coins, a proof coin is struck at least twice. This creates a frosted design element to go with a mirrored background. Proof strikes typically have far lower mintages than their BU counterparts as they serve more as a collector’s item. With the American Silver Eagle serving as one of the most popular silver bullion coins in the world, it’s no surprise that the proof version of this iconic series is also just as popular. Learn more about Proof American Silver Eagles at BGASC, right here.

Proof American Silver Eagles

Similar to the BU version, proof American Silver Eagles are exclusively struck in a 1 Troy oz weight, made from .999 pure silver. The series debuted in 1986 alongside the BU version. In its first year, nearly 1.5 million proof coins were produced. These coins have been issued annually ever since, with the exception of 2009. As a result of the global recession and economic uncertainty, only BU coins were struck in 2009.

While BU coins are shipped individually and in bulk, Proof Silver Eagles are only shipped individually and contain far different packaging. Proof Silver Eagles are housed inside capsules, rather than protective plastic flips. The capsule is then placed in a US Mint presentation box accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Proof coins will also display a mint mark on the reverse field, indicating which branch of the US Mint they were produced at. From 1986 to 1992, these coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint. Thus, they display an “S” mint mark. From 1993 to 2000, they were produced at the Philadelphia Mint, indicated by the “P” mint mark. Since 2001, except 2009, they’ve been struck at the West Point Mint and display the “W” mint mark.

Design

Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty design can be seen on the obverse of these coins. Liberty is striding into the sun, draped in the American flag, and holding oak branches. This design has been seen on the obverse since the inception of the coin program.

From 1986 to the first half of 2021, John Mercanti’s heraldic eagle was displayed on the reverse. This iconic image showcases a front-facing eagle looking to its left with a shield on its chest. Identifying marks of the coin encircled the design. 2021 coins that are designated Type 1 will display this design.

In the second half of 2021, this design was replaced with a flying eagle. Created by Emily Damstra, this design shows the eagle with a branch in its talons and its wings spread wide. Coins from 2021 with a Type 2 designation will contain this design.

Certified Proof American Silver Eagles

Another popular option is the purchase of a Certified Proof Silver Eagle. These are coins that have been graded and encapsulated by a coin-grading provider. Two of the most common grading providers you’ll see when browsing our Certified Silver Eagles are the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

Coins are meticulously graded on a 1 to 70 scale, with 70 indicating a perfect specimen. Coins are then encapsulated in protective plastic slabs before being returned to their owner.

Proof coins are graded with unique designations such as “PF” “PR” “UCAM” and “DCAM.” You can learn more about these designations by looking at our Certified Silver Coins.

Buying Proof American Silver Eagles at BGASC

For any inquiries about these Proof Silver Eagles or others, contact the BGASC customer service team at 888-992-4272. Our team is also readily available via email or through our online chat feature.