2006 American Silver Eagle

2006 marked the 20^th anniversary of American silver eagles, which were among the first bullion coins minted by the United States. To mark the special occasion, the U.S. Mint struck a few different varieties of the American silver eagle, selling the coins in special sets. These sets are comprised of three coins and include the regular proof coin, a “burnished” uncirculated specimen (made with burnished planchets, which have a distinctive, mirror-like surface), and a special reverse-proof silver eagle.

The burnished American silver eagle would become a regular offering each year to come, with a couple exceptions. The reverse proof 2006 American silver eagle features frosted fields and mirror-like devices, which is the opposite of a “regular” cameo proof coin, which has mirror-like fields and frosted design elements.

That year, the regular uncirculated American silver eagle was also struck. A mintage breakdown of all four types of 2006 American silver eagles is as follows:

• 2006 uncirculated silver eagle – 10,676,522

• 2006 regular proof silver eagle – 1,092,477

• 2006 burnished silver eagle – 466,573

• 2006 reverse proof silver eagle – 248,875

Except for the reverse proof, which was struck at the Philadelphia mint, all 2006 American silver eagles were made at the West Point facility. Values vary based on the prevailing silver spot price, but the 2006 burnished silver eagle has a value of around $100 while the reverse proof commands a price of around $300.