The United States Mint is shocking collectors with the price for its upcoming 2017-P Proof American Liberty Silver Medal, asking more for it than its flagship proof American Eagle silver coin.
The 1-ounce, .999 fine silver medal is one of five expected from the U.S. Mint in celebration of its 225th anniversary this year, and a counterpart to the $100 American Liberty Gold Coin released in April.
In a news release published Wednesday, the U.S. Mint announced it would charge $59.95 for the Liberty medal. That’s $6 higher than its 2017-W Proof American Silver Eagle. It’s also a whopping $25 more than each of last year’s 2016 American Liberty Silver Medals. Those launched on Aug. 23, 2016 when LBMA silver was $18.98 an ounce, as compared to its fixing this Wednesday at $17.60 an ounce.
Despite cheaper silver, this year’s medal was expected to cost more than last year’s because of its premium packaging. Similar to the $100 Liberty gold coin, the medal is hand packaged in a black matte finish presentation case and is accompanied by an informational booklet. Charging more for a silver medal than a world-renowned proof American Silver Eagle, however, is a surprise.
The 2017-P Proof American Liberty Silver Medal launches on June 14 at noon ET without mintage, product or household order limits.
This article was edited to correct the medal’s release date to June 14 from July 14.
