On Thursday, Feb. 26, at noon ET, the United States Mint will release this year’s Congratulations Set, a gift-style product built around a proof American Silver Eagle — but this year collectors will be buying it for the coin itself.
The set includes the first standard, non-privy Philadelphia proof American Silver Eagle since 2000 and carries a mintage of 60,000 — a fraction of the 500,000 authorized for this year’s West Point Mint version, which also launches on the 26th. Unlike that West Point issue, the coin features no semiquincentennial elements — neither dual dates of 1776 ~ 2026 nor a Liberty Bell privy mark with the numeral "250," giving it a distinct identity within the year’s lineup.
Struck in one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, proof American Silver Eagles have been produced since 1986. Congratulations Sets have been issued annually since 2013, each including a West Point–minted proof American Silver Eagle except the 2017 edition, which was struck in San Francisco and quickly sold out because of its lower mintage.
Availability, Demand, and Secondary-Market Activity
Low-mintage coins tend to draw strong collector interest, and how many sets will be available at launch remains uncertain. With a mintage of 60,000, a sizable portion has already been allocated to collectors enrolled in the Mint’s Subscription Program, which automatically fulfills orders when products go on sale. Subscriptions have been closed for some time, reflecting sustained interest ahead of release.
Secondary-market activity further underscores expectations of strong demand. Sellers have been offering the set on a pre-sale basis at notable premiums above the Mint’s $175 issue price. On eBay, recent completed sales have ranged:
- $230–$300 for examples in original packaging
- $250–$375 for coins graded PR69
- $610–$750 for coins graded PR70, with a handful of results exceeding $800
Gift-Style Packaging Returns
This year’s set keeps the simpler packaging introduced last year. The coin rests in a black clamshell case bearing the Mint’s seal and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity that includes space for a short note. An outer sleeve with a blue ribbon graphic labeled "Congratulations Set" completes the presentation, with a "To/From" area on the back for a personal message.
Coin Designs
All American Silver Eagles showcase Adolph A. Weinman’s iconic Walking Liberty design on the obverse. The full-length figure of Liberty, originally introduced on U.S. half dollars struck from 1916 to 1947, was revived when the series debuted in 1986. Liberty strides forward draped in the folds of the American flag, her right hand extended in welcome while her left arm carries branches of laurel and oak. Surrounding inscriptions include "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date "2026."
Emily Damstra’s depiction of an eagle approaching a landing while carrying an oak branch appears on the reverse. This design replaced the original Type 1 reverse used from the series’ start in 1986 through 2021. Inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "1 OZ. FINE SILVER," "ONE DOLLAR," and the Philadelphia Mint’s "P" mint mark.
Each coin also features a reeded edge variation added in recent years as a security measure.
American Silver Eagle Coin Specifications
| Denomination: | $1 |
| Finish: | Proof |
| Composition: | 99.9% Silver |
| Weight: | 1.000 troy oz. (31.103 grams) |
| Diameter: | 1.598 inches (40.60 mm) |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Mint and Mint Mark: | Philadelphia — P |
Price and Ordering
Priced at $175, the 2026 Congratulations Set goes on sale at noon ET on the 26th through the Mint’s online store, with a household order limit of one.
Limited quantities will also be available at the Mint’s booth during the 2026 ANA National Money Show, held Feb. 26-28 at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia.
