2003-W American Silver Eagle Proof
The Silver Eagle Proof coin mintage was fairly stable during the mid-2000s. Mintage peaked in 2002 and finished 2003 at approximately 9 million coins, including 747,831 Silver Eagles proof coins. This 2003 Silver Eagle is a large, beautiful coin to accent any collection.
Its frosted design and polished background fields highlight the historical elements gracing both coin faces. Silver prices have very little effect on Silver Eagle values as these coins are valued much more as collectibles.
History
This 2003-W Silver Eagle features the Walking Liberty motif created by Adolph Weinman the obverse face. Lady Liberty is shown mid-stride carrying laurel and oak branches, to symbolize both civilian and military honors. The viewer can see the sun setting on the horizon.
The reverse face displays the heraldic eagle guarding a shield designed by John Mercanti specifically for the American Eagle series in 1986. His design is a modernization of a classic eagle image used on coins since the 17th century. The eagles wings are spread and it holds symbolic arrows and an olive branch in its talons. A ribbon in the eagle's beak displays “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Silver Eagle Coins Specifications
This 2003 Silver Eagle weighs 1 Troy ounce and is composed of 99.93% pure silver. It is 2.98mm thick with a diameter of 40.6mm. Silver eagle coins have reeded edges and a 'W' mint mark from the United States Mint at West Point. The DCAM designation stands for deep cameo, which means the raised design elements are frosted in high contrast with the polished, reflective background fields.
Silver Eagle Prices
American Silver Eagles have a face value of $1.00 and the intrinsic melt value varies according to the price of silver. Only 747,831 Silver Eagles were minted in 2003 and very few are graded as a perfect PR70 DCAM. The relative rarity of this 2003 Silver Eagle adds to its numismatic value.
