The 2011 Uncirculated Silver Eagle, released by the United States Mint on September 15, 2011, marked the continuation of a celebrated coin series that began in 2006. Priced at $60.45, this collectible coin was highly anticipated following a two-year hiatus in its production.
A Comeback for the Uncirculated Coin
The 2011 release represented the fourth installment in the uncirculated coin series, inspired by the immensely popular proof and bullion versions of the American Silver Eagles, which have been struck annually since 1986. However, uncirculated versions were absent in both 2009 and 2010 due to overwhelming demand for the bullion Silver Eagles, which investors were purchasing at record-breaking levels during that time.
The pent-up demand was evident upon the coin’s release, with collectors purchasing an impressive 184,967 coins in just five days. This strong debut made it the fourth most successful release of 2011, trailing only the 2011 Proof Silver Eagle, the Silver Proof Set, and the annual Mint Set.
Production and Unique Features
At the time, U.S. law mandated that the Mint prioritize bullion Silver Eagles to meet investor demand. However, recent legal amendments allowed for the discretionary production of numismatic versions, such as the uncirculated and proof coins.
While uncirculated Silver Eagles bear a close resemblance to their bullion counterparts, they stand out in several key ways. The Mint produces these coins using specially burnished blanks, which are hand-fed into coining presses for a meticulous strike. Additionally, uncirculated coins feature a distinct mint mark indicating their production facility. For the 2011 version, the “W” mint mark signifies that the coins were minted at the West Point facility.
Iconic Design
The obverse of every Silver Eagle showcases the iconic “Walking Liberty” design, originally created by artist Adolph A. Weinman for the half dollar coin issued from 1916 to 1947. The reverse features a heraldic eagle and shield, a design by John Mercanti, a renowned sculptor and engraver for the U.S. Mint.
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Available Directly to Collectors
Unlike bullion Silver Eagles, which are distributed through a network of authorized purchasers, the uncirculated versions are sold directly to the public by the U.S. Mint, making them more accessible to collectors.
25th Anniversary American Silver Eagle Set
In addition to the individual uncirculated coin, 2011 saw the announcement of the American Silver Eagle 25th Anniversary Set, slated for release in October. This special set comprises five coins, including two uncirculated versions: one with the “W” mint mark from West Point (available individually starting September 15) and another with the “S” mint mark from San Francisco. The Mint has not disclosed whether the “S” version will be offered separately.
The set also includes the standard 2011-dated bullion coin, the annual proof version minted at West Point, and a unique reverse proof coin produced in Philadelphia with a “P” mint mark.
Historical Mintages of Uncirculated Silver Eagles
| Year | Mintage |
|---|---|
| 2006-W | 466,573 |
| 2007-W | 621,333 |
| 2008-W | 436,702 |
| 2009 | None Minted |
| 2010 | None Minted |
| 2011-W | TBD |
| 2011-S | TBD |
With its storied history, refined craftsmanship, and enduring collector appeal, the 2011 Uncirculated Silver Eagle solidified its place as a must-have piece in the American Eagle series, delighting numismatists and investors alike.