2012-W Proof American Silver Eagles have yet to return from a re-pricing suspension, but they should soon. And at a lower price.
Collectors will pay $5 less per coin, the U.S. Mint states in a pricing notice that will appear tomorrow, July 25, in the Federal Register.
[Update: Sales of the proof resumed at the reduced price on the morning of the 25th.]
Released on April 12 at $59.95 when silver hovered near $31.50 an ounce, the Silver Eagle’s new $54.95 price comes at a time when the white metal has struggled to attain $27 an ounce.
Pulled from U.S. Mint store shelves in mid-July after silver had hit an all-time 2012 low of $26.67 an ounce, the proof American Silver Eagle was the lone silver product to face a temporary suspension — perhaps due to its higher premium. The coin’s new premium remains hefty still, at about $28 above the melt value of its one ounce of 99.9% fine silver. Its companion uncirculated Eagle also from West Point is scheduled for release on August 2 at a lower price of $45.95.
All Silver Eagles contain the same design and silver composition. The varying factors are the type of finish, mint of origin and the presence or lack of a mint mark. For reference, the following table lists each of the 2012 dated coins.
| Type of 2012 American Eagles | Mint Mark | Sold Within | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Bullion American Silver Eagle | None | Individually | Market Based |
| 2012-W Proof American Silver Eagle | W | Individually | $54.95 |
| 2012-W Uncirculated American Silver Eagle | W | Individually | $45.95 |
| 2012-S Proof American Silver Eagle | S | American Silver Eagle Two-Coin Proof Set; Making American History Coin & Currency Set* | $149.95; $72.95 |
| 2012-S Reverse Proof American Silver Eagle | S | American Silver Eagle Two-Coin Proof Set | $149.95 |
*The Making American History Coin & Currency Set is scheduled with a release date of August 7, 2012. It will include a San Francisco produced proof Silver Eagle and $5 bill.
While the U.S. Mint pricing notice is set to make a public appearance Wednesday on the Federal Register, it was dated July 17, 2012. As such, the proof coin could potentially return for sale at any time.
