Silver American Eagle Proof Coins

The American Eagle Coins have been in circulation since 1986 and have been a mainstay in the investment portfolios of Americans since that time. The Silver Proof is a popular choice for collectors and investors. While more widely circulated, the Gold Proof Coins, are an excellent choice for your precious metals IRA. Understanding the differences and what qualifies as IRA eligible silver will make you a more knowledgeable investor. 

Understanding American Eagle Proofs

Proof Coin Definition: Definition taken from usmint.gov “A specially produced coin made from highly polished planchets and dies and often struck more than once to accent the design. Proof coins receive the highest quality strike possible and can be distinguished by their mirror-like background and frosted foreground.”

American Eagle Coin Program – includes bullion coins minted out of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium

Proof Coins: Considered collector’s versions of the bullion coin.

When did they start making? 1986 – present

Authorized Legislation – Public Law 99-61

Falls Under the “American Eagle Coin Program”

Minted: West Point and San Francisco, US Mints

Design History: The front of the coin (obverse) is based on Adolph A. Weinman’s 1916 “Walking Liberty” half-dollar design.

Starting in 2021, the reverse shows the eagle coming in for a landing, carrying an oak branch as if to add it to a nest. For security enhancements, the addition of reeded edge variation was also added starting in 2021.

Prior to 2021, the reverse showed a heraldic eagle and shield. Grasping an olive branch in the right talon and arrows in the left. This original design by John Mercanti was a symbol of strength and endurance.

Specification of the Coin:

99.9% silver composition with a 1.0000 troy oz of weight and the coin comes in one option.

Face Value of the Coins:

U.S. Mints only produces 1 size of the Silver Proof Coin.

• One Ounce $1.00 face value and is made up of 99.9% silver.

What’s Observed on the Coin?

Obverse:

• Liberty
• In Gold We Trust
• Year

Reverse:

• United States of America
• E Pluribus Unum
• 1 oz Fine Silver
• One Dollar

Where to buy U.S. Silver Proof Coins:

A buyer of proof coins can be purchased directly from the U.S. Mint, a local coin dealer, or online gold and silver IRA companies. The proof coin and uncirculated coins can be purchased individually or in sets.

American Eagle Coins can be gold, silver, platinum, or palladium and the US mint has standard coins or limited editions.

American Eagle Silver Proof Coin

Silver Proof as an Investment

American Silver Eagle Proof coins are available for purchase and allowed into your Investment Silver IRA portfolio.

Both proof and bullion coins are good investment options and overall, one is not better than the other. Understanding the differences is important for an investor’s portfolio.

Proof coins go through a rigorous minting process to be stamped correctly, polished, and struck several times with dies. The detail of a proof coin is much greater than a bullion coin.

Proof coins have a more scarcity mentality. The West Point mint doesn’t produce as many proof coins, as they do bullion coins. Since there are fewer in circulation and the coins go through a vigorous minting process, the price can be at a premium for these coins.

Ideally, your proof coins can be a valuable asset to your Silver IRA or a favorable cash purchase. Understanding the difference between the proof coin and the bullion coin will help you understand the difference in price to purchase and value to your portfolio.