AMERICAN SILVER EAGLE (1986-PRESENT)
FACTS:
Obverse design by Adolphe A. Weinman for the Half Dollars issued from 1916-1947. John Mercanti created the reverse design.
All of the rules for the mint marks go out the window with these coins. From 1986-1993, no mint mark indicates Philadelphia (where all of the UNC coins were struck). All proofs were minted in San Francisco for these dates. From 1993-1994, both the proofs and the uncirculated coins were minted in Philadelphia with only the proofs having the mint mark. In 1995, the uncirculated coins were minted in Philadelphia with no mint mark; proofs were minted in Philadelphia and West Point and have mint marks.
From1996-1999 saw both issues being minted in Philadelphia with the proofs having the P mint mark. From 2000-present, the uncirculated issues are minted in West Point with no mint mark, except for the 2006 20th Anniversary coins which have the W mint mark on the uncirculated coins. The regular issue for 2006 has no mint mark but was minted in West Point. The Red Book has this info incorrect and states that all 2006 coins have mint marks. The reverse proof in 2006 was minted in Philadelphia and has the P mint mark.
The mint mark location is confusing with this popular bullion series. Consult our facts below for details.