The American Silver Eagle entered the 21st century riding on a high in demand that had never been seen before. America and the world had seen Y2K come and go, but demand for precious metals remained at all-time highs. The 2001 American Silver Eagle had one of the highest mintage levels to date in program history, but it was merely the start of something larger in the years to come. Right now, the 2001-W Proof American Silver Eagle coin is available for purchase from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Total proof mintage of 746,398 coins in 2001!
- 15th Anniversary of the American Silver Eagle!
- Arrives in a commemorative box, and ships with a Certificate of Authenticity.
- Contains 1 oz of .999 pure silver.
- Bears a face value of $1 (USD) backed by the federal government.
- Features the “W” mint mark of the West Point Mint.
After seven years of production at the San Francisco Mint and eight years at the Philadelphia Mint, striking of the Proof American Silver Eagle coin was shifted to the West Point Mint in 2001. At the same time, the bullion version of the coin was also shifted to West Point from the Philadelphia Mint, where it had been for just two years. To this day, all American Silver Eagle coins are struck at the West Point facility.
In 2001, Y2K fears had largely subsided, but the demand for American Silver Eagle coins remained relatively unchanged from 2000. There was a slight dip in overall Silver Eagle production from 9.83 million in 2000 to 9.74 million in 2001. However, there was an almost even offset between the drop in bullion coins produced in 2001 and the number of proofs struck.
The West Point Mint struck 238,000 fewer bullion coins in 2001, but struck an additional 146,398 Proof American Silver Eagles in 2001 compared to 2000. Overall, more American Silver Eagles were struck in 2000 and 2001 than the four-year period covering 1994 to 1997, the lowest period of production in Silver Eagle history.
On the obverse of all American Silver Eagles is Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty design, while the reverse features the modern heraldic eagle of the United States. The latter design came from then-US Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti.
If you have any questions, please contact JM Bullion at 800-276-6508, chat with us live online, or email us.