The United States Mint has just released the special 30th Anniversary Silver Eagle Proof Coin, and it is shining, shimmering, splendid.
Minted at the West Point Mint, each coin is made of one troy ounce (31.072 grams) of .999 fine silver and the balance of copper. The denomination is $1, but this is a special collector’s edition so it will cost you $53.95. 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of this very popular silver coin, and this is why the U.S. Mint has decided to release a very special version.
The American Silver Eagle is one of the most in-demand coins that collectors watch out for year after year. Since the coin was inaugurated in 1986, annual editions of the American Silver Eagle have been released by the U.S. Mint. For collectors, proof and uncirculated qualities are released.
These are the features that you can expect when you have the special 30th anniversary edition of the coin:
- Diameter of 1.598 inches (40.60 mm), thickness of 0.120 inch (3.05 mm)
- A smooth, lettered edge where you’ll find the inscription “30th Anniversary”
- Adolph A Weinman’s figure of Liberty, in full length and full stride. The American flag envelops her, and you see laurel and oak branches on her left. She’s extending her right hand. On that side, you’ll also find the word “Liberty,” the year 2016, and the phrase “In God We Trust”.
- At the reverse side of the coin, you will find a heraldic eagle with a shield – the olive branch on the right talon and arrows on the left. “United States of America,” “1oz,” and “Fine silver-one dollar” can also be found here.
- “W” mint mark to reflect that it was made at the West Point Mint
- Blue velvet presentation case lined with satin
- 30th Anniversary Certificate of Authenticity
American Eagle Coins
The release of the proof version of this coin is definitely good news for collectors. Given that the proof Silver Eagle annual sales in recent years have been seen ranging from 700,000 to about 900,000 coins, what more for this special 30th anniversary edition.
For investors, the bullion edition was released earlier this year and so far, its YTD sales are already at 29,850,500. American Eagle Bullion Coins are a cost-effective and convenient way to add silver or gold to the portfolio of investors. People would have to go to a bullion dealer if they want the bullion edition.
Whether bullion, proof, or uncirculated, American Silver Eagles share design specifications, such as the size as well as the composition. You can be assured that each American Silver Eagle coin is 1 oz. and made of 99.9% pure silver). In terms of design, traditionally, the edge is reeded. However, for this special proof edition, the edge is smooth and contains an inscription. The uncirculated version has not been released yet.
Aside from this special anniversary edition of the silver coin, there are other earlier American Eagle coins available. You can choose from proof or uncirculated finish, and for the metal type there’s gold, silver, and platinum. You can also get four-coin sets if you wish.
Collecting Coins
There are many reasons why people go through all the effort of ensuring that they have all the best coins. Coin collecting is one of the oldest hobbies that used to be only accessible to the wealthy, earning it the moniker the “hobby of kings”. Coins are much more accessible now, because mints are now able to produce about seven hundred coins per minute.
Since the ancient times, coins have had a fascinating history. Even until today, each coin tells a unique story, and having that coin makes you part of the story. When you have a coin in your hand, it’s not just a coin you’re holding because each aspect of it is very telling of its story – the design, the condition, the composition, and even the mint mark.
There are coins that are produced for commemorative and special purposes, such as this 30th anniversary one. The coin-collecting community in the United Staes is thriving, and there are many opportunities for them to meet, socialize, and trade.
Aside from collecting coins simply for the pleasure of doing so, coin collection can also be seen as a money-making venture. Those who collect coins for the purposes of investment do so to make money. Like any other investment in the world, there is a high possibility that these will appreciate in value and become worth a lot more in the future.
If you’re interested in getting collecting the American Silver Eagle for yourself, wait no more. There is no household order limit, and you can order as many as you want by going to the U.S. Mint’s online ordering page. Ordering directly from the U.S. Mint will ensure authenticity and quality.