Today, June 29, the United States Mint started accepting orders for the 2017-W Uncirculated American Silver Eagle. Produced annually, this year’s coin appears five months earlier than last year’s counterpart.
Its sales will be brisk in the early going. Last year’s special 30th anniversary edition scored first-day sales of 126,902. Still available, it just topped the 200,000 level. Other recent but no-longer-sold coins registered totals of 201,188 in 2015; 224,532 in 2014; and 178,941 in 2013.
Produced at the West Point Mint from 1 ounce of 99.9% fine silver, the uncirculated Silver Eagle debuted in 2006 as an annual coin for collectors. It features the same basic designs as other versions, including the collector proof and investor bullion editions which debuted in 1986. The 2017-dated bullion and proof coins have respective to-date sales of 12,158,500 and 278,199.
Obverses (heads side) show the Adolph A. Weinman depiction of Liberty wrapped in a flag, with her right hand extended and branches of laurel and oak in her left. Inscriptions around the artwork read: "LIBERTY," "2017," and "IN GOD WE TRUST." This design first appeared on the half-dollar in 1916.
Reverses (tails side) offer John Mercanti’s heraldic eagle with shield design. Inscriptions read "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "1 OZ. FINE SILVER — ONE DOLLAR."
Edges of the coins are reeded, with the exception of last year’s special numismatic issues. Those are flat and bear lettering of "30 ANNIVERSARY."
Each coin ships in a blue presentation box accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Ordering
Available for $44.95 — the same price as last year’s coin, buy the 2017-W Uncirculated American Silver Eagle from the United States Mint via its online store, located here. Orders are also accepted by phone at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). The coin has no mintage or household order limits.
