Protection and Prosperity with Silver. American Silver Eagles are the most sought after Silver Coins in the world.
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By Michael Zielinski
One of the results of the current economic downturn has been an increased interest in precious metals.
People have sought to purchase precious metals for the purpose of hedging against inflation, diversifying
assets outside of world currencies and financial products, and investing in a store of value that has existed
since ancient times. World mints have struggled to keep up with the increased demand. A case in point has been
the shortage of American Silver Eagle Bullion coins experienced in the United States.
At the end of February 2008, the increasing level of demand finally exceeded the supply of silver
bullion coins that the United States Mint was able to produce. A suspension of American Silver Eagle bullion coins
was announced until the Mint could replenish its inventory. The suspension was in place for less than one month,
but when sales resumed in April, the number of bullion coins that could be ordered was rationed.
The rationing process allocated a certain number of coins to each authorized purchaser. An additional amount
of coins were allocated amongst the dealers based on historical sales levels. This rationing often made it difficult
for individuals to find the American Silver Eagle available for sale. Often when the coins were available for sale,
they were priced at high premiums to the spot price of silver.
The reason behind the rationing is that the United States Mint has been unable to obtain a sufficient
supply of precious metals blanks to manufacture enough American Silver Eagle coins to meet public demand.
The US Mint must compete with other world mints for the limited supply which remains available amidst the
booming demand.In 2009, the situation has continued.
The 2009 American Silver Eagle coins continue to be subject to rationing,
although the blank supply situation may be slowly abating. The US Mint managed to produce a near record number
of American Silver Eagle coins during the month of March. Several other bullion coins have had their releases delayed.
Coin collectors, who purchase coins for their collectibility of aesthetic features, have also been impacted
by the shortage. Under United States law, the Mint must produce bullion coins to meet public demand. They are not
required to produce coins for collectors. This has forced the Mint to prioritize production to silver bullion coins
and delay the launch of collector coins. The collector coins expected to be released later in 2009 include the 2009
Proof American Silver Eagle and 2009 Uncirculated American Silver Eagle.
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Michael Zielinski is an internet entrepreneur and coin collector. Find complete information on
Silver Eagles or follow the developing situation with the
2009 Silver Eagle.
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The American Silver Eagle Coins at the Mint
By Victor Epand
The United States Mint began issuing the amazingly rare Silver Eagle Coins on October 29, 1986. Ever since, all mintages and prices of these uncirculated and proof coins have greatly varied with the majority of their issue dates averaging for around $25 each, of course with some exceptions. You should also know how you can compare them with some other famous special coins.
The American Silver Eagle was minted at the San Fransisco mint carrying a "S" mint mark between the years of 1986 to 1992. Then from 1993 through 2000 these beautiful coins were minted at the Philadelphia mint holding the "P" mint mark. Since the beginning of 2001 they have been minted at West Point in New York carrying the "W" mint mark.
Uncirculated American Silver Eagle coins, which are also known to collectors as non burnished, are minted without carrying a mint mark anywhere on these rare coins, while proof coins will contain the mint mark by the year. There was no way of tracking where any uncirculated coins originated from except through their date of issue, until all uncirculated coins began be produced strictly at the West Point facility.
With the United States Mint backing these beloved coins and their content, weight, and purity being guaranteed by the United States Government, then the avid collector knows exactly what it is they will be receiving. The description of their production has been said to be similar to creating the proof and uncirculated coins, in that they are loaded by hand into the coin press then stuck on specially burnished blanks carrying the mint mark of the specified mint.
In 1995 at the West Point mint a limited edition of proof American Silver Eagle coins were minted along with coins that were minted at the Philadelphia mint of that same year. However, the 1995-W silver eagle was only available as part of a set of gold eagles. Only a 30,125 of this limited edition set was minted, with the silver eagle being the key to making this set so popular. All uncirculated silver eagles have been produced strictly at West Point since 2001 containing no mint mark.
Let us now look at the minting of the American Platinum Eagle Coins. This marvelous creation on these rare coins was designed and engraved by famous sculptor and engraver John M. Mercanti.
These astonishing rare coins bear the inscription "Liberty" and the mottos, "In God We Trust", and "E Pluribus Unum", which are also on the obverse along with their date of issue. Within the curve located at the bottom of these coins you will find the face value and the West Point "W" mint mark, which is also found on the obverse.
The special gold Eagle Coins, on the other hand, are more precious if they were minted before 1935. The most popular design on the American Gold Eagle bullion coins is the inspiring image of the Liberty striding gloriously out of the dawn. It was introduced by the US mint in 1986.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant about rare coins, stamp collections, and rare collectibles. Follow these links to find the best marketplace for: rare coins and collections.
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