2004-W American Silver Eagle Proof
American Silver Eagle coins are minted as collector version of official bullion coins. Each coin has a 'W' strike mark on the reverse side from the United States Mint at West Point. This 2004-W American Silver Eagle proof coin is a perfect 70 grade meaning that no higher grade can be obtained.
History
Silver eagle coins feature Walking Liberty reaching out with her right hand on the obverse face and a heraldic eagle on the reverse side. The Walking Liberty motif, created by Adolph Weinman, represents determination in the journey towards a brighter future.
A heraldic eagle of the United States was first used in 1792, and the symbolic image has been altered many times throughout American history. The heraldic eagle of the American Silver Eagle collection was designed by John Mercanti in 1986.
Coin Specifications
The 2004-W American Silver Eagle is a designated UCAM, or ultra cameo, proof coin with a reeded edge. Both sides of the coin are strongly frosted. Bilateral design elements in sharp relief are highly contrasted against polished, deeply mirrored background fields. Ultra cameo designs create the impression that raised elements are floating above the coin's surface.
Silver Eagle Value
Each Silver Eagle coin is struck from a Troy ounce of 99.9% silver. Intrinsic value varies according to the price of silver at any given time. Numismatic value of the 2004-W American Eagle is significantly higher than the $1.00 face value. Total mintage was only 801,602 coins, as opposed to the 8.88 million bullion coins minted in 2004.
The ultra cameo status of the 2004-W American Eagle enhances its numismatic value. Ultra cameo coins are some of the finest deep mirror like coins produced. Proof dies create the sharpest, cleanest raised elements and most highly polished backgrounds on the first coins minted.
Later coins in the mintage coins have less defined images and lower contrast between background fields and design elements. The nature of this minting method ensures that ultra cameo coins are always more rare than other coins produced.
