Interest continues at a heightened, even frenzied level for the American Silver Eagle 25th Anniversary Set which was released on October 27 and promptly sold out in 4 1/2 hours.
While some collectors assert they will never do business again with the United States Mint due to their deep disappointment surrounding its rollout, those who purchased one or more of the 100,000 sets are enthusiastically glued to their delivery time and soaring values.
To the delight of buyers, the United States Mint started shipping sets this week. They began showing up on buyer’s doorsteps on the morning of Wednesday, November 9, or thirteen days after their launch. At the pace at which they are being delivered, all buyers could have their sets within one to two weeks. (See photos of the set.)
Latest American Silver Eagle 25th Anniversary Set Values
American Silver Eagle 25th Anniversary Set values are scorching hot. So much so that some collectors who originally purchased one solely for their collection are now considering letting it go. With the profits, some say, a few bills can be paid with money still left over for other coins. On the flip side, many collectors have commented that they will never let theirs go.
The United States Mint sold the American Silver Eagle 25th Anniversary Set for $299.95. After they sold out, prices quickly doubled. The fervor, in part, led to a temporarily hiatus as eBay halted set auctions until sellers had physical possession of the sets. Now that they are shipping, several hundred auction listings are again on eBay. Here are a few samplings of auctions found when searching the site using the keywords: "American Silver Eagle 25th Anniversary Set."
Examples of 25th Anniversary Set Auctions
| # of Sets | Bids | Latest Bid Amount | Bid Amount Per Set Over Mint Price |
| One | 16 | $750.00 | +$450.05 |
| One | 20 | $743.99 | +$444.04 |
| One | 15 | $735.00 | +$435.05 |
| One | 16 | $735.00 | +$435.05 |
| One | 8 | $700.00 | +$400.05 |
| One | 10 | $660.00 | +$360.05 |
| One | 13 | $655.00 | +$355.05 |
| Three | 16 | $1,900.00 | +$333.38 |
| Five | 15 | $3,541.00 | +$408.25 |
| Five | 1 | $3,500.00 | +$400.05 |
| Five | 13 | $3,250.00 | +$350.05 |
| Five | 6 | $3,050.00 | +$310.05 |
| Five | 15 | $2,999.99 | +$300.05 |
Auction activity above was a snapshot of several listings on eBay at 9:27 a.m. ET on Friday, November 11.
Only time will tell how long collectors’ attention remain toward the sets and whether the values climb or fall to some degree. Past anniversary sets have held significant premiums, and these latest ones are expected to as well.
American Silver Eagle 25th Anniversary Set Photos
Photographic details of the sets and Eagles have been scarce given their recent release was just two weeks back. The following are several photos of the sets, including shipping, packaging and the actual coins, including the two unique Eagles that are only found within the anniversary set. Each of the photos may be enlarged with a click.
As seen above, the United States Mint used a long shipping box to accommodate multiple sets to one address. The household limit was five. The box shown has two.
The sets were stacked by two’s inside this shipping box. The above picture shows the Mint’s outer packaging for the American Silver Eagle 25th Anniversary Set.
The first layer of packaging for the set involved a navy blue sleeve with the US Mint’s logo and description in silver print, ‘AMERICAN EAGLE 25TH ANNIVERSARY SILVER COIN SET’. Inside the sleeve is a navy blue rectangular outer box with the same United States Mint logo and writing on its top lid. This outer box feels like a specially coated cardboard box and has one unattached side that makes removal of the set much easier.
As this photo illustrates, within the cardboard box was a highly polished custom-designed lacquered hardwood case, wrapped in a thin white cloth (not shown) to prevent scratches during shipping. The set’s case is 14 ½ inches in length. Again, on top of the lid and writing in silver color is the United States Mint logo and description, ‘AMERICAN EAGLE 25TH ANNIVERSARY SILVER COIN SET.’ A column of seven stars are carved on the left and right edges of the top of the lid.
Above is a photo of the inner portion of the hinged hardwood case. The entire case is lined in navy blue felt. Not shown is a single strip of navy blue felt cloth that covered the coins.
The photo showing the opened case reveals the logo for the United States Department of the Treasury in the center of the opened lid. The five American Silver Eagle coins lay inside, perfectly centered on a removable but sturdy navy blue frame.
Each coin is encapsulated in a clear coin holder for protection and can be removed from the navy blue frame.
The United States Mint’s Certificate of Authenticity is found at the bottom of the opened case, underneath the coins. The Certificate of Authenticity is made of a thick cardstock with printing on both sides.
The 2011 Silver Eagle bullion coin is the ‘whitest’ coin in the set, and it does not have a mint mark. It is available individually (outside the set) through coin dealers and precious metals providers. The price for one is a bit over the current spot price of silver.
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The 2011 Proof Silver Eagle with the ‘W’ mint mark has a finish that is specially designed for collectors.
The carefully sculpted foreground images on both sides of the coin are frosted so that they stand out against the highly polished mirror-like background surface. This type of engraving technique creates a very dramatic cameo effect. This coin may be purchased individually (outside the set) directly from the United States Mint website (www.usmint.gov) for $58.95.
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In the middle is the 2011 Reverse Proof Silver Eagle with the ‘P’ mint mark. This coin is unique to the set and is not sold individually. Its finish is called a reverse proof because the raised foreground image has been given the brilliant and mirror-like finish while the smooth background surface is frosted.
All of these elements are designed to enhance the features of Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty design.
The other two coins are the uncirculated versions. The United States Mint starts with specially burnished blanks that are hand-loaded into the coining press. The finish on the uncirculated coins is brilliant, with a more soft and matte finish versus the cameo effect on the proof coin.
The mint marks are located on their reverse. As illustrated in the above photo, the ‘W’ mint mark is below the eagle and shield design but above the word FINE. This particular coin may be purchased individually (outside the set) directly from the United States Mint website (www.usmint.gov) for $50.95.
The other uncirculated Silver Eagle sports the ‘S’ mint mark. This coin is unique to the set and not sold individually.
Thank you Mike. Those are beautiful. I ordered two sets but they haven’t delivered yet…. can’t wait to see it in real life. WOW
This writer received the Silver Eagle 25th Anniv. Set yesterday morning at 9:45am. I am well pleased with the 5 coins contained therein; the 2011-P Reverse Proof was breath-taking at any angle. I noticed however that the 2011 bullion issue had more of a burnished matte finish to it than either the Uncirculated 2011-W or the 2011-S which I thought was unusual. You’d think the brilliant finish would be found first on the bullion strike and the burnished matte finish on the 2011-W and 2011-S strikes. Not so. My 2011-W proof was flawless. Only regret is I ordered only one… Read more »
Lucky Dog….so I guess there’s no point in offering three thousand USD in cash for your ONE set….nah, didn’t think so….!
Thank you very much for the info and photos of the 25th AE Set!!! It was much appreciated!!! I have to wait for my one set to get here and I was dieing to see new photos!! My set shipped today, so it will be awhile before I get to look at them. The Mint did an awesome job of putting this set together. Nice presentation! dpb
Kiwi’s are where its at 😉
I received my set today also.
It is clear that the Mint is making up for ordering headaches by shipping out these sets quickly. Hats off to the Mint for making an effort!
ps – don”t laugh too long at the $3k offer above. This set could easily surpass that if there are coins in the set having difficulty Grading 70 (remember the 20th Ann sets!).
Today is a special day for all veterans and especially so for myself. Vietnam is a long time ago but it seems like yesterday. I came back in one piece and I am thankful to say the least. The UPS delivery of my 5 sets of the 25th Anniversary Silver Eagle arrived early this morning and they are beautiful to say the least. The reverse proof is most unusual and gorgeous. To all of the veterans of this great country I wish you the best and thank you for your service now and in the past.
I signed in early to order two sets…the site was slow in every movement. When my chance to order came up I ‘knee-jerked’ from my intended two to FIVE. A bit more patience and my order was accomplished at 12:08 Eastern Time. I’ll let the FIVE go in the unopened Mint shipping box for $5,000.00 (At $1,000.00 a set)…perhaps more when I decide to sell. Til then I’ll watch the market… In hand from the U.S. Mint on November 9th
Can someone satisfy my curiosity and explain how the cameo and reverse cameo proofs are produced? What exactly is the process applied to the dies?
My box of 5 are in transit to NGC so I didn’t get the pleasure of opening a box, so I thank you very much for these photos! Let’s hope NGC finds many MS/PF 70’s in the box I couldn’t open!
I found a small unfrosted dot in the background of the reverse of the reverse proof. As a flaw, does that increase or decrease the value of the coin/set?
I cannot wait to get my sets….I was at it all day, every venue to get through and complete my order. FINALLY at some where around 4:30 it took 15 minutes to complete the purchase of my 5 sets on my iphone in the market parking lot! Phew!
Check out HSN tonight at 7:00 to 9:00. They are selling the 25th Anniversary ANACS 70 first day of issue for $3000.00 and the 69 set for $1500.00. ANACS is the worst grading company of them all.
It’s great to see the packaging opened. However, that shoots getting 3 of the 5 coins graded with the anniversary label. Granted, you can get the 3 on the open market, but merely having the anniversary label will (imho) increase their value… now that extra pop is gone.
I still waiting for my 5 set. Yes, it take all day to complete the order i was on the phone and internet for 4 hrs. Until my order accomplished but all that ttouble are done now. I sure receipt my shipment soon next week. Thanks for the picture and infor on their coins set. I can see the value of this set gone to the roof. For me i’ll hold on to my 5 sets and i keep added to my collection.
I received my Silver Eagle set today also. Alot larger than I expected and am very pleased with the presentation box and the coins themselves. The only thing I did not care for was that the coins fell out of their respective holes during shipping. Maybe a thicker felt cloth between the box and coins might have been better. However, a truly awesome set for the collector’s who were lucky enough to get them. My only regret is that I did not order more myself. Oh well, I am very pleased to get one set and can feel good about… Read more »
After all the sets have shipped to the customers and the dust settles it will be the Reverse Proof and Burnished Mint-Marked “S” that will be the scarce coins that will support high premiums. For the other 3 coins, it only introduces 100,000 more of each to the overall mintages because they are available in individual offerings. As such they will only be worth the going bullion price plus a couple of bucks. I think that the full sets will get pillaged to support demand for American Silver eagle date/mint mark collectors in much the same way that the very… Read more »
I got my order in at 12:29 on opening day; I received my box from the mint on 11/10 and shipped them to NGC the same day. I haven’t had the chance to see them so I appreciate the chance to see what they would have looked like, had I opened the box. I hope to be able to sell one set and pay for all five plus grading. That way I will have gotten my remaining sets for no cost! If the prices keep going up I will be able to do this. I wish all of my collection… Read more »
In Answer to Questions From: JIM – An Unfrosted Dot on your Coin will not Decrease the Graded Value of your Coin but it will Decrease a Collectors Desire to own the coin. Simply, it will not command as much money when selling. It is Not considered a Mint Error and is called Spotting. Spotting / Flaking and Hazing will decrease the amount a collector is willing to spend on a Coin. JOE – ANACS has the honor of being the Oldest of the Grading Companies, however, it does not have the Trust of Collectors that NGC and PCGS does.… Read more »
I personally think the us mint has some kind of hustle going on when they kept changing the release date for the sets ? And some coin retailers have obviously more then the limit had there coins long enough to get them graded before any customers that were able to get thru to even get 1 or ? Sets ordered and delivered ? How is this possible ? The retail dealers had to have already had the sets way before anyone else thus a major reason for the sets reaching the limit so soon ! I swear I think the… Read more »
Ronniebegood You are right about ANACS being the oldest and about the mint errors. But I bought some mint state 70 Silver Eagles from HSN and had to send them back. They were pretty bad. On another subject I heard the mint state Silver Eagle in the 25th Anniversary set was made at the San Francisco mint. If its true why don’t they grade it that way with a 25th Anniversary label on it?
This is to my ? earlyer I hope everyone understands this is the silver eagle with out the S mint mark.
I received all 5 sets on Wensday Nov 9th and sent it over night to PCGS and cant wait for the grades, it will be like christmas !! I will sell off all the coins graded 69 and keep the top graded 70s I expect to get these coins back in 2 weeks. I just wish I could have opened the box to see any mistakes or flaws in the coins.
I was in D.C. for the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day weekend, when my sets were delivered by UPS. When I got back today, I had a notice that they would be delivered tomorrow. The other two should be here in a week or two.
Those are great pictures. I trust they were opened by NGC or PCGS to preserve their bonafide!
I have posted this already, and have posted it on my local Craigslist page. Mine are in transition and are to arrive before noon tomorrow.
I will sell my entire (5) Sets if anyone is interested. They Box (Will Not) be opened. Cost will be $3500.00. It will be you’re responsibility to pay for shipping and Insurance.
If anyone is interested, Please contact me @ J3_Dog@yahoo.com
Payment must be made by MO or Cashier’s Check.
I would rather just sell the entire 5 sets, as opposed to selling them one set at a time.
Good Luck Everyone….
Just got my 5 sets……….. :o)
I have seen the Reverse Proof by it’s self sell for over $400 on eBay. And one guy even paid $3999.99 for 5 sets. Both of these sales were made in the last 30 days, according to eBay, completed auctions, serch results. I have also see the “S” coin go for close to $390 by it’s self. And the other 3 coins go for close to $300 by themselves with the case and COA. If you do the math, that’s over $1000 per five coin set, if you break them up. I would be thrilled to sell my 1 extra… Read more »
Just got my 5 sets. Tempted to open one box to look but thinks that would be a mistake. I bought the 2009 UHR Gold Double Eagle (Early Release) and never had it graded – now I think that was a mistake and don’t want to repeat it. I think the Grading is a SCAM but must admit that it does command a higher price. Can anyone recommend which grading agency I should use and why? Also – what price should I pay to have all 5 coins in the set graded? I’ve never had dealings with grading agencies before.… Read more »
rpw NGC cost $108.95 to have all 5 coins in the set graded and get the blue box back. $466.45 to have all 5 sets graded and get all the boxes back. You also have the early release and 25th year anniversary label. You have to have it in by 12-8-11 to get early release. NGC and PCGS are the best agencys. Thats all I know.
Ronnie B Good is mistaken about your unfrosted dot I believe. If I am understanding you correctly then you are saying that on your burnished coin there is a spot missing the matte finish. The type of spot Ronnie is referring to is a reaction that takes place over time as a result of the chemical wash used by the mint.The type of spot you have, if I am understanding correctly, is a minting issue, and not due to a chemical reaction. Either way, it should be too early for the type of white spot common to some silver eagles… Read more »
I still have not received my order. It says in stock and reserved. Do you think I will get my order?
John : Keep watching the status , if status changes to “hold” there is a problem with payment, call the Mint immediatly !! I had to do this but got my Credit card limit raised. Just got my set via USPS , but should have gotten it last week.
When the option to “cancel order” is gone , the payment will be approved, and you will recieve soon.
rpw I also should say that inclules postage / handling & insurance on the way back from NGC. 4 to 6 coins cost $22.95 & 16 to 30 coins cost $36.45 that what NGC is charging.
They will also grade onsite @ Whittman Baltimore coin show this weekend Nov 17-20
I am super not happy about the limited number available. This has an aroma about it that smacks of favorism by the mint director. Or just his incompetence. Why would the mint not just print to order?
Can you submit coins to NGC without using a certified dealer?
Modern Coin Mart has just received their first graded sets from NGC, PCGS and raw sets. I just ordered one MS, PF-70 set. $2999.00. I’m not telling the wife till I make a deal to sell a few raw sets to make up the price I just paid. At least, I managed to buy one perfect set. I’m not gloating, I’m just joining the conversation and letting people know what one collector is doing.
@ Figurehead, according to NGC’s page with submission instructions for this set: “Due to the special handling required, NGC will not accept submissions of these sets at trade shows.”
Just got my 5 sets, and they’re on their way to NGC. 🙂
I had nightmares about somebody opening the box inadvertently and costing me perhaps thousands in lost value.
Somebody mentioned the 3 ‘common’ coins [proof, burnished, bullion] as being worth a few bucks more than other similar coins. I disagree. Right or wrong, having the label of 25th anniversary makes a potential huge difference in price.
DR: You would think that would be all they grade at a show so close to the release of these sets.I also checked with PCGS …another no special label grade at the show. Thanks !
I have a question about early bullion coins ??…… I purchased 5 of these early(no mint mark) coins in 2011 and compaired them to the bullion (no mint mark) coin I recieved in the 25th anniversery set, and found the 5 I purchased early from my coin dealer to be the same condition (kinda reverse proof-like) as the W and S mint mark in the set . I even compaired them to 2010 and 2009 bullion, not white at all ?? Any help ???
@Joe
Thanks for the info. But why the need to send in prior to that date for early release designation since there was a sellout in 4 hours. In this case – do they not ALL qualify as early release? This is a perfect example of why I believe this service to be a scam! Everyone who bought them should receive them within a few days to weeks of each other and certainly all within a month. Correct?
One more thing….
Do you need to have a membership with the grading agency to have the coins graded?
@ rpw … Yes, anywhere from $50-$300 for a year membership @ NGC or PCGS….
Just got back from selling my 4 sealed sets for $2,700 to a coin dealer downtown. Probably could have got more if I shoped around . I did keep a fifth set for myself in a separate sealed box. Going to use the profit to help pay for college tuition in december for my son. My wife was pissed off that I bought 5 sets she did not even want me to buy one. Well not no more. Thank You US Mint I am grateful.
Anyone care to comment their feelings on whether I should have the coins graded or not? Will it increase value if say they only come back MS or PF 69?
Thanks
Duane — As I said in my post: I made the mistake of not getting a 2009 UHR Double Eagle graded. I don’t know for certain but I think it could get a much higher price, simply if it had the early release/first strike designation – regardless if it was a 69 or 70. My feeling is – get it graded. Worse things that can happen is it gets a low grade but it may still get a early release designation. You can always take it out of the slab and send it back in to regrade but you’ll lose… Read more »
Came home from work tonight and found my box of five sets had been opened up by the wife….I almost grabbed my shotgun….almost! Ayyyyyeeee !
Ty, Bummer! I’ve been telling my wife since I ordered them about the potential difference in price between graded and non-graded coins on this set. If the box is opened, 3 of the 5 coins don’t get the anniversary label since proof of their coming from the anniversary set is instantly non-existent Of course, any box I get from the mint, my wife knows not to open. Today she asked why I didn’t sell my sealed box of 5 on eBay. Then I told her what sets of 69 and 70 have sold for. Maybe the feeding frenzy will slow… Read more »
Oh Ty I feel sorry for you, I have 15 sets at NGC right now. All coins are worth more graded. I cant wait to see a set because all my sets are sealed and I never have seen one yet. Some people say they are boycotting them I say get a set while they are still cheap.
http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=9798
Larry
I received my one (1) set today and am incredibly pleased. Although I must admit that greed reared its ugly head when I attempted to buy five sets, I am so pleased that I did get at least one set!!! The Mint may have failed in the ordering process, but they more than made up for it in the presentation!!! The packaging was substantial, the presentation box was well protected, and there was no expense spared in the inner box, which has a nice bevelled presentation bar with all five encapsulated coins prominently displayed. It was breath-taking. I for one… Read more »