If you’re looking for a hard-to-find American Silver Eagle, you should start by looking at those with an issue date of 1996. The 1996 production year for the American Silver Eagle was the lowest in program history, and marked a turning point that has seen demand and mintage grow nearly every year since. The 1996-P Proof American Silver Eagle is now available from JM Bullion with a commemorative display box.
Coin Highlights:
- Total mintage of proof coins in 1996 was 500,000!
- 11th annual striking of the American Silver Eagle.
- Ships to you in a commemorative box with a Certificate of Authenticity included.
- Contains 1 oz of .999 pure silver.
- Issued a face value of $1 (USD) by the United States government.
- Bears the “P” mint mark of the Philadelphia Mint.
After years of declining demand and production, the American Silver Eagle hit the floor in 1996. This year saw the lowest total mintage in program history, with just 4.1 million coins struck. However, this was one of the only times in program history that the proof version had seen a jump in demand while the bullion coin sank.
One year early, 4.6 million bullion coins were struck compared to 438,000 proofs. In 1996, the US Mint struck just 3.6 million bullion coins and 500,000 proofs. So, while this was the lowest year for the program as a whole, it was not the lowest year for Proof American Silver Eagle production.
In the years to come, the American Silver Eagle would experience continual increases in demand. Production went up every year between 1996 and 2002, and even after leveling out in the early 2000s, production numbers at that time were still double those of the 1990s.
Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty design graces the obverse of every American Silver Eagle. It was created by Weinman in 1916 for use on the nation’s half-dollar coin, which eventually took on the name Walking Liberty Half Dollar.
Former-Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, John Mercanti, designed the heraldic eagle used on the reverse. This was his first major design as the Chief Engraver, and it utilizes common symbols already in use by governmental agencies.
If you have questions about these Proof American Silver Eagle coins, please feel free to call JM Bullion at 800-276-6508. We’re also available online using live chat and email.