The U.S. Mint widened the appeal for this year’s Congratulations Set, pulling coin collectors into the fold of wanting one not just for gift-giving but also for themselves.
Produced annually since 2013, the sets have — until now — always included the year’s standard proof American Silver Eagle. This year’s set includes a special one that’ll have a lower mintage. Coin collectors will want one for that reason alone, and more will buy just to maintain a full run of Silver Eagles by year.
Congratulations Sets had always featured the years proof Silver Eagle from West Point, bearing the facility’s "W" mint mark. In a compelling change, the 2017 set has a proof Silver Eagle from the San Francisco Mint with an "S" mint mark.
The latest available U.S. Mint sales figures have last year’s made-to-order Congratulations Set at just 2,374. The debuting set from 2013 ended with the highest sales at 18,347. This year’s set should top those easily because of the "S" Proof Silver Eagle, although its maximum is established at 75,000.
The U.S. Mint also said that the 2017-S Proof American Silver Eagle will be available as a part of the 2017 Limited Edition Silver Proof Set. Its limit hasn’t been announced but last year’s set has sales of 39,166 with 50,000 possible. Minimally, it looks like there will be at least 125,000 "S" Proof Silver Eagles available.
Sales of the standard West Point Mint’s 2017-W Proof American Silver Eagle kicked off on March 23 for $53.95. More than 233,000 sold in the first day. (See photos of the 2017-W Proof Silver Eagle.)
Released today at noon ET for $54.95, buy the 2017 Congratulations Set directly from the United States Mint right here, or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). There is no household order limit.
Update (April 5): The U.S. Mint on April 5 at 10:08 a.m. ET sent news editors the following notice about the set’s status: "Sales attrition from cancellations, returns and credit card declinations could result in a very limited quantity being made available for sale."
