The 2011 Proof Silver Eagle continues the US Mint's 1986 collectible silver coin series. On June 30, 2011, these coins were issued to the public for $59.95 with a household order restriction of 100.
Despite the order restriction, collectors ordered 367,623 2011 Proof Silver Eagles in the first six days. The Mint lowered the home order restriction when sales dropped to 407,991 by two weeks.
These Eagles are numismatic reproductions of the Mint's popular bullion Silver Eagle, which sells millions annually. The bullion coins are made for investors to buy tiny amounts of silver, whereas the Proof Eagles are for collectors.
Since introduction, millions of proof coins have been made and sold. They were offered yearly until 2009, when the Mint had to stop manufacture because it struggled to meet legal bullion Eagle requirements.
Even if demand for bullion spikes every year, the Proof Eagles should be available again every year after their return to Mint shelves in November 2010. Due to a legislative amendment, the Treasury Secretary now has the authority to designate the Mint to strike numismatic Eagles.
Each coin is created at the US Mint's West Point facility and minted to proof quality using a sophisticated process that involves manually putting burnished coin blanks into presses with specific dies. The gently frosted, intricate pictures float above a mirror-like background because the coin is struck numerous times. Each American Eagle Proof Coin is wrapped in a plastic capsule and set in a gorgeous satin-lined velvet presentation box with its own Certificate of Authenticity after white-gloved inspection."
The design known as "Walking Liberty" was created by Adolph A. Weinman and is featured on the obverse of every Silver Eagle.
Numerous individuals believe that the design, which was initially featured on a silver half dollar from 1916 to 1947, is among the most stunning designs that have ever been included on a coin issued by the United States.
An image of a heraldic eagle holding a shield may be found on the reverse. The sculptor and engraver of the United States Mint, John Mercanti, was the one who designed it. Since the Silver Eagles were initially launched in 1986, the designs have been featured on several occasions.