Description
2010-W 1 oz. Proof Silver Eagle
The minting of the 2010 Proof Silver Eagle almost didn’t occur. The reason was that according to law the Mint had to produce the bullion version in quantities equal to public demand. Finally, it was announced that orders for proof coins could begin in November, 2010 with the first shipments starting December 1st. They sold out quickly and the final mintage was 849,861 coins. Though the proof Silver Eagle did eventually make it to the market, the uncirculated version was cancelled for the second year in a row.
Legislation was passed at the end of the year allowing the production of proof and uncirculated coins even if the bullion demand was left unmet.
One of the neat things about this coin is that it includes the original 2010 packaging and certificate of authenticity. Other than some minor alterations, the Silver Eagle government packaging has remained virtually the same since its release in 1986. Going from vertically oriented purple cases to dark blue to light blue to horizontal, your 2010 original packaging is a horizontal light blue case with velvet lining. The front reads “American Eagle – One Ounce Proof Silver Coin” with the US seal. The paper certificate is still included, which has the details of the coin and the certificate of authenticity on the back signed by Edmund C. Moy.
Specifications of the 2010 1 oz. Proof Silver Eagle
The designs on the 1 oz. Silver eagle coins were created by Adolph A. Weinman (obverse) and John Mercanti (reverse). They are the famous Walking Liberty design and a heraldic eagle respectively. The obverse design has the phrases “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The reverse is engraved with the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “1 OZ. FINE SILVER – ONE DOLLAR.” The mint mark of West Point (“W”) is also there, just below the olive branches held by the eagle. When you look closely you can see that the banner held in the eagle’s mouth has the phrase “E Pluribus Unum” written across it.
This 2010 1 oz. coin is a GEM proof. GEM refers to the fact that is in uncirculated condition and proof means it has a contrasting mirror-like background and almost frosty foreground.
Silver Eagles also have what is called “reeded” edges. It is a series of grooved lines along the perimeter of the coin and was first done to discourage counterfeiting and prevent damage of coins. Because coins were made with gold and silver it was common for people to shave off some of the edge; the reeding prohibited that practice.
The composition of the 2010 1 oz. Proof Silver Eagle is 99.93% silver and 0.07% copper. This makes its ASW (Actual Silver Weight) 31.07 grams.
A great collectors coin and a beautiful work of the United States Mint, the 2010-W 1 oz. Proof Silver Eagle GEM Proof in Original Government Packaging is a must have!
