Hawaii Volcanoes Silver Bullion Coins

Released on September 10, 2012 as the fourth 2012 issue of the U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coin® Program was the 2012 Hawaii Volcanoes Silver Bullion Coins. Like the other coins in the series, these are struck from five ounces of .999 fine silver to a diameter of three inches, making them the largest bullion products of the United States Mint.

2012 Hawaii Volcanoes Silver Coin

The Hawaii Volcanoes Coins features reverse designs emblematic of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which is located on the big island of the state of Hawaii. The park was established on August 1, 1916, and receives well over 1 million annual visitors despite being on an island with a population of only around 150,000.

2012 Hawaii Volcanoes Silver Coin Values

Like all of the bullion products of the Mint, these bullion coins were not sold directly to the public, but instead through the Mint’s network of authorized purchasers for an amount slightly over the current market value of the five ounces of silver contained within each piece. That premium covers minting and distribution costs as well as a small profit for the seller.

Conversely, those wishing the sell 2012 Hawaii Volcanoes Silver Bullion Coins, once obtained, will always have the coin’s melt value as a base price. Simply stated, the melt value of the coin is approximately equal to the current market value of the five ounces of silver that each piece contains.

Some coins will also receive interest from collectors, especially those which have been slabbed and graded highly by a third party grading service. These will have a numismatic value much higher than their melt value.

The coins sales figures page will offer current sales information on the coins, once released, as well as the melt value of each piece based on the current silver market.

Hawaii Volcanoes Silver Bullion Coin Information

John Flanagan designed the portrait of George Washington that is featured on the obverse of each America the Beautiful Coin. In fact, that same image of the first President of the United States was first used on the 1932 circulating quarter dollar and has been used ever since on the quarter (it was slightly modified for the 50-State Quarters Program, and an enhance version is on the bullion coins and the America the Beautiful Quarters.).

The reverse of the silver coin features a design emblematic of a portion of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Five design candidate were reviewed the Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) as well as the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) before a final design was selected by the Treasury Secretary. It is the same basic image as found on the associated Hawaii Volcanoes America the Beautiful Quarter which was described by the United States Mint with:

"The reverse of the fourth quarter of 2012 depicts an eruption on the east rift of Kilauea Volcano.  Inscriptions are HAWAI’I VOLCANOES, HAWAII, 2012 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.  It was designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles L. Vickers."

Hawaii Volcanoes Silver Coin Specifications