25th Anniversary Silver Eagle Sets
Sell Out in just hours
(November 9, 2011)
Collectors scrambled to place orders for the 25th Anniversary American Silver Eagle Set, released by the United States Mint for $299.95. The 25th anniversary set will be mounted in a custom-designed, highly polished, lacquered hardwood presentation case accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
The Mint's website was down more than up, and its customer service phone lines were too busy to get through for placing orders. Some were successful, but many more failed as the 100,000 sets sold out in just about 4 ½ hours.
The anniversary set is an exciting product for collectors with its five 2011-dated American Silver Eagle coins. Many expected a sell-out given its 100,000 limit, and perhaps most importantly, the likelihood that two of the Silver Eagles will be sold exclusively through the set.
Created by the United States Mint to celebrate twenty-five years since the American Silver Eagle Program debuted in 1986, the American Silver Eagle Set includes:
2011 American Silver Eagle Bullion Coin - available based on current silver prices
2011-W American Silver Eagle Proof Coin - sold individually for $58.95
2011-W American Silver Eagle Un-circulated Coin - sold individually for $50.95
2011-S American Silver Eagle Un-circulated Coin
2011-P American Silver Eagle Reverse Proof Coin
The un-circulated Eagle minted in San Francisco and the reverse proof Eagle minted in Philadelphia have only been promoted within the set, and most believe they will be available only through it.
The American Silver Eagles are composed of .999 fine silver, have a diameter of 1.500 inches and weigh one ounce. Each obverse features Adolph A. Weinman's Walking Liberty design which first appeared on the 1916-1947 half-dollar and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful designs ever struck on a coin from the United States, and the reverses depict John Mercanti's heraldic eagle with shield.
Secondary market prices are already through the roof.
A check on ebay at the time of this article shows "Buy It Now" prices ranging from $480 to $1,500 for one. Extremely active auction bidding was seen in the $450 price range.