2010 American Silver Eagles
American Silver Eagle - Click to Enlarge
Struck from the purest silver ever used by the US Mint for coins (.999 fine), the 2010 Silver Eagles premiered with the bullion versions on January 19, 2010.
The Mint also normally strikes Proof Silver Eagles and Uncirculated Silver Eagles, but has not released a date for either of them. Both of these collector versions were canceled from last year's line-up due to the enormous demand placed on the Mint for the bullion coins of which they are required by law to mint to demand.
2010 Bullion Eagles
Last year's bullion Eagles saw record demand almost tripling the annual average sold since their were first introduced in 1986. Accordingly, the Mint plans to release the 2010 bullions on an allocation program limiting what authorized purchasers may order.
The weight, content and purity of each of these bullion coins is guaranteed by the United States government making them the only silver coins to carry that distinction. With that backing, the US government even allows the coins to be purchased as investments for IRA's and world governments readily accept them for trading.
Silver Eagle Design
Utilizing a design which many consider to be one of the most beautiful ever minted, the Silver Eagles contain A.A. Weinman's "Walking Liberty," first introduced on the 1917 silver half-dollar. It shows "Liberty" in a flowing gown and draped in the American Flag. She is stretching her right arm towards the sun with her left arm holding an olive branch of peace. Surrounding Liberty are the inscriptions 'Liberty,' 'In God We Trust' and the date.
John Mercanti's Heraldic Eagle & shield is featured on the reverse symbolizing strength and endurance. The beak of the Eagle is carrying the inscription 'E Pluribus Unum' and 'United States of America,' '1 oz. Fine Silver' and '1 Dollar' are seen as well.'
Weinmann also designed many sculptures featured around the country, but he will probably always be best remembered for his "Walking Liberty" and "Mercury Dime" coin designs.
Silver Eagle Values
The US Mint does not sell bullion coins directly to the public, but instead utilizes a network of authorized purchasers which in turn resell the coins to the public. Coins are sold for a small premium over the spot price of the silver which they contain.
The Mint uses specially burnished blanks to strike the proof and uncirculated coins. Considered collector coins, their value is based on the mintage and grade more so than their intrinsic value.
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US $71.99
American Silver Eagle Specifications
Mintmark: W for Uncirculated and Proof, None for bullion
Composition: 99.93% silver, remaining copper
Weight: 31.101 grams or 1.000 ounces
Diameter: 40.6 mm or 1.598 inches
Date of Issue: 2010
Mintages: Based on Demand
Obverse Designer/Sculptor: Adolph A. Weinman
Reverse Designer/Sculptor: John Mercanti
