The Liberty Coin Act of 1985 directed the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bullion coins from .999 fine silver. Beginning in 1986, the stipulations of that Act were fulfilled and have been annually since up to and including 2012 with the release of the 2012 American Silver Eagle Bullion Coins.
Silver Eagle Bullion Coin (US Mint images)
Like its predecessors in the series, the 2012 American Silver Eagle Bullion Coin is struck from one ounce of .999 fine silver. It features a diameter of 40.6mm with a weight of 31.101 grams.
2012 Silver Eagle Bullion Coin Values
As required by law, each 2012 American Silver Eagle Bullion Coin contains one ounce of 99.9% pure silver. As such, the Silver Eagles have a melt value approximately equal to the current market value of an ounce of silver.
Thus, if silver is trading for $30 an ounce, bullion Silver Eagles would have a melt value of about $30 – one ounce times $30 an ounce equals $30. It should be noted, however, that those looking to purchase bullion Silver Eagles should expect to pay slightly more than melt value for the strikes while those looking to sell should expect to receive slightly less.
Even if the silver market were to completely bottom out, the bullion Silver Eagles would always have a face value associated with them. This face value is backed by the government of the United States and is in the amount of $1. It is the value the coins would be worth if they were to be used in an everyday commerce type transaction.
While these coins are struck for investors, some collectors may also be interested in a bullion Silver Eagle. If so, a numismatic value would be attached to it. This is the value the coin is worth to a collector and typically increases based on the condition and rarity of a strike.
When new, bullion Silver Eagles are sold through the Mint’s network of authorized purchasers. The network purchases large quantities of coins from the Mint for a small premium above the current spot price of the silver contained within them. This premium covers minting, distribution and marketing costs. The network then resells the coins to investors, collectors, precious metal dealers, etc. for an additional premium above the current spot price of silver.
2012 Silver Eagle Bullion Coin Information
Shown on the obverse of each 2012 American Silver Eagle Bullion Coin is a design by Adolph A. Weinman of Walking Liberty. This design was first used on the Walking Liberty Half Dollar that appeared from 1916-1947 and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful ever struck on an American coin.. The obverse includes the inscriptions of LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and the year.
The reverse contains a design of a heraldic Eagle with shield, as completed by John Mercanti. The reverse also includes the inscriptions of E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1 OZ. FINE SILVER and ONE DOLLAR.
Literally millions of the American Silver Eagle Bullion Coins are struck annually by the Mint to meet demand. That demand spiked in 2009 forcing the Mint to cancel production of the related proof and uncirculated Silver Eagles as it diverted all available resources to bullion production.
Proof and uncirculated Silver Eagles have since returned despite bullion demand still holding at record levels with the year 2011 even attaining the best annual sales ever for the bullion strike.
Up-to-date sales information on the series can be found on the silver coins sales figures page. Melt values based on the current market for silver is also shown.
2012 Silver Eagle Coin Specifications
| Face Value: | $1 |
| Composition: | .999 fine silver |
| Total Estimated Mintage: | tbd |
| Diameter: | 40.6 mm |
| Weight | 31.101 grams |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Mintmark: | None |
| Obverse Design: | Walking Liberty |
| Obverse Designer: | Adolph A. Weinman |
| Reverse Design: | Heraldic Eagle |
| Reverse Designer: | John Mercanti |
