2012 American Silver Eagle Bullion Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint; founded 1792, the official mint of the United States known for high-purity precious metal coins.
Pattern: Walking Liberty (Obverse) / Heraldic Eagle (Reverse); Introduced 1986; Continuing production.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint; founded 1792, the official mint of the United States known for high-purity precious metal coins.
Material
.999 Fine Silver (99.9% silver); No base metal; 1 Troy Ounce of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 40.6 mm (1.598 in); Thickness: 2.98 mm; Weight: 31.103 grams (1.000 troy oz).
Description
A pristine 2012 American Silver Eagle bullion coin, the official silver investment coin of the USA. The obverse depicts Lady Liberty draped in the American flag, walking toward the sun, while the reverse features a heraldic eagle with a shield and 13 stars.
Key Features
Weinman's signature 'AW' monogram on the hem of Liberty's gown; 13 stars representing original colonies; reeded edge; .999 purity guarantee.
Material & Composition
.999 Fine Silver (99.9% silver); No base metal; 1 Troy Ounce of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) finish with frosted details and mirror-like fields. Features Adolph A. Weinman's Walking Liberty design (Neoclassical style) with sun rays and flowing drapery.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '2012' on obverse; Reverse stamped 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', '1 OZ. FINE SILVER', 'ONE DOLLAR'. No mint mark (typical for West Point bullion strikes).
Construction Details
Die-struck/Machine-minted using high-pressure coin presses; Reeding (serrated edge) applied during striking for security.
Functional Features
Legal tender value of $1 USD; Reeded edge to prevent shaving of metal; Stackable flat design.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coin form); Serrated reeded edge provides tactile grip for handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial high-precision minting; exceptional detail in the hair and flag folds; consistent rim height for stable stacking.
Authentication Indicators
Precise weight (31.1g), standard 40.6mm diameter, crispness of the lettering, and specific matte finish on high relief areas.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely West Point Mint, New York facility.
Era & Period
Modern Bullion Era (Late 20th/Early 21st Century); Design based on the 1916 Half Dollar (Renaissance of American Coinage).
Age Estimate
Dated 2012; 12 years old as of current context.
Cultural Significance
Represents American economic strength and the preservation of the 1916 'Golden Age' of US coin design; used as a primary vehicle for silver precious metal IRA accounts.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition; minimal surface contact marks; no visible tarnish or toning; sharp strikes on the sun rays.
Value Estimate
Spot price of silver + $3–$8 premium; typically $30–$40 depending on market fluctuations. Graded MS70 examples command higher prices.
Care & Maintenance
Store in PVC-free plastic capsules; handle only by the edges using lint-free cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from causing 'milk spots'.
Similar Pieces
Canadian Silver Maple Leaf (higher .9999 purity, different design); Austrian Silver Philharmonic (larger diameter, thinner).
Interesting Facts
The 2012 issue had a mintage of over 33 million coins. It is the most widely traded silver bullion coin in the world.