2011 American Silver Eagle 5 Coin Anniversary Set w/ Box & COA

In 1986, as the United States celebrated its bicentennial, the U.S. Mint launched a coin that would become an enduring symbol of American heritage and economic strength: the American Silver Eagle. This iconic bullion coin quickly captured the hearts of collectors and investors alike, blending artistic beauty with precious metal purity. Twenty-five years later, in 2011, the Mint commemorated this quarter-century milestone with a special set that showcased the evolution and versatility of the Silver Eagle program.

The 2011 American Silver Eagle 5 Coin Anniversary Set is a testament to the coin's journey through time. It represents not just a collection of silver coins, but a capsule of American numismatic history. Each piece in this set tells a story of craftsmanship, from the classic bullion strike to the meticulously prepared proof and burnished versions. The inclusion of a reverse proof coin adds a touch of modern minting technology to the traditional designs.

At the heart of each coin in this set is Adolph A. Weinman's iconic Walking Liberty design. Originally created for the half dollar in 1916, this image of Lady Liberty striding confidently towards the dawn became a beloved symbol of American optimism and progress. Its selection for the Silver Eagle in 1986 was a nod to the nation's numismatic heritage, bridging the golden age of coin design with the modern era of bullion investment.

The reverse of the coins, save for the reverse proof, features John Mercanti's heraldic eagle design. This powerful image, with its shield-bearing eagle and 13 stars representing the original colonies, speaks to the strength and unity of the United States. It's a design that has stood the test of time, remaining largely unchanged for a quarter-century until this anniversary set.

What makes this set particularly special is its representation of different minting techniques. The standard bullion coin, struck without a mint mark, stands alongside its more refined siblings. The San Francisco Mint's contribution, with its distinctive 'S' mint mark, adds a touch of West Coast craftsmanship to the mix. Meanwhile, the West Point Mint, known for its expertise in precious metal coinage, provides both a proof and a burnished uncirculated version, each bearing the 'W' mint mark.

Perhaps the most intriguing piece in this set is the reverse proof from the Philadelphia Mint. This coin turns the traditional proof finish on its head, featuring frosted fields and mirrored raised elements. It's a striking visual effect that highlights the artistry of the design in a whole new way, and its inclusion makes this set a true collector's item.

Design Features

The obverse of each coin in this set showcases Weinman's Walking Liberty in all her glory. Liberty strides purposefully towards the rising sun, her right hand extended in a gesture of hope and her left arm cradling oak and laurel branches, symbols of civil and military glory. The stars and stripes of the American flag billow behind her, creating a sense of movement and patriotic fervor. The word "LIBERTY" arches above, while "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the year of minting are placed strategically within the design.

On the reverse, Mercanti's eagle stands proud, its wings spread wide. The bird clutches an olive branch and arrows in its talons, echoing the Great Seal of the United States and symbolizing the nation's desire for peace but readiness for war. Thirteen stars, arranged in a triangular pattern above the eagle's head, represent the original states. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "1 OZ. FINE SILVER," and "ONE DOLLAR" encircle the design, affirming the coin's origin and specifications.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – No Hedge
• Purity: 0.999
• Weight: 5 oz
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• IRA Eligible: Yes
• Obverse: Adolph A. Weinman's Walking Liberty design
• Reverse: John Mercanti's heraldic eagle design (standard for four coins, inverted for the reverse proof)

Investment Appeal

The 2011 American Silver Eagle 5 Coin Anniversary Set offers a unique proposition for both collectors and investors. Its pure silver content provides a tangible store of value, while the limited nature of the set and its commemorative significance add numismatic appeal. The inclusion of different finishes and mint marks makes this set a comprehensive representation of the Silver Eagle program, potentially increasing its long-term value.

For investors, the set's IRA eligibility means it can be part of a precious metals retirement strategy. The global recognition of the American Silver Eagle design ensures liquidity, while the set's special nature may command a premium over standard bullion coins. Collectors will appreciate the artistic and historical value, with each coin representing a different aspect of U.S. Mint craftsmanship.

As a 25th-anniversary issue, this set marks a significant milestone in American bullion history. It's not just an investment in silver, but in a piece of numismatic heritage that celebrates a quarter-century of one of the world's most popular silver coins. Whether as a centerpiece of a collection or a diversification of an investment portfolio, the 2011 American Silver Eagle 5 Coin Anniversary Set stands as a testament to enduring value and American minting excellence.