1997 American Silver Eagle Coins
The 1997 American Silver Eagle Coins achieved mixed results when it came to their mintages: the Proof Eagles showed a decline while the bullion strikes marked some improvement.
Silver markets returned a slight decline in the annual average of the cost of an ounce of the precious metal compared to the previous year which may have aided the bullion numbers. For the year, the cost of silver came in at $4.91, down from $5.20 the previous year.
Proof Eagles were included in a special set this year known as the "Impressions of Liberty Set" which included the one ounce versions of the gold and platinum Eagles as well as the Silver Eagle. A total of 5,000 of these sets were sold for $1,499.
1997 Silver Eagle Mintage
Bullion Silver Eagle Mintage
Coming off of the worst year for the Bullion Eagles to date, the mintage for the 1997 strikes showed some significant improvement. In total, 4,295,004 of the coins were sold, an increase of 691,618 or up 19%.
Shown below are the total number of bullion Eagles sold by the Mint in each month. (Numbers may include coins minted in other years.):
Bullion Silver Eagles Sold in 1997
| January |
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July |
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| February |
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August |
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| March |
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September |
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| April |
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October |
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| May |
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November |
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| June |
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December |
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Proof Silver Eagle Mintage
After having hit their mintage cap of 500,000 the previous year, Proof Eagles showed a decline for 1997 coming in at only 435,368. This was a drop of 64,632 or down 12.9%.
Issue Information
The 1997 Silver Eagles marked the twelfth year in which the strikes were available from the US Mint.
Release Date
The US Mint issued the 1997 Eagles during a majority of the year.
Issue Price
Bullion Silver Eagles were available from the Mint’s network of authorized purchasers for a small premium above the current spot price of the silver contained within them. Proof Silver Eagles were available directly from the Mint for $23 each.
U.S. Mint Production Facility
Proof Silver Eagles had a ‘P’ mintmark indicating they were struck at the US Mint’s facility in Philadelphia. Bullion Eagles were struck at the US Mint’s facility in San Francisco but did not have a mintmark.
Designer & Sculptor
Adolph A Weinman’s "Walking Liberty" design is shown on the obverse (heads side) of the Eagle. It was first seen on the 1916-1947 half dollar. The reverse shows John Mercanti’s heraldic eagle.
Coin Specifications
| Face Value: |
$1 |
| Finish: |
Bullion, Proof |
| Composition: |
99.93% Ag, 00.07% Cu |
| Standard Weight: |
31.103 g |
| Standard Diameter: |
40.60 mm |
| Edge: |
Reeded |
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