2001-W American Silver Eagle Proof NGC PF69 UC

2001-W Silver Eagle proof coin

Production of the proof version of the American Silver Eagle was shifted to the West Point Mint in 2001 from Philadelphia. The 2001-W proof coin had a maximum mintage of 750,000 coins, which was essentially reached, as the final mintage came in at 746,398 coins.

The 2000-P proof coin had a maximum mintage 150,000 coins lower. The Mint correctly anticipated higher demand for the 2001-W coin in response to its shift of production to the West Point Mint. That was done for two reasons. First, to consolidate production of all proof American Eagles – gold, platinum, and silver – at one mint facility and Second, because at West Point the Mint modernized the production process to enable it to produce the highest-quality coins.

The only downside of the increase in quality beginning with the proof coins from 2001 is that this meant proof 70 examples became more numerous and less valuable compared to earlier issues. This trend would continue over the years to the point where proof 70 coins would become relatively common in recent years.

Another reason sales of the 2001-W coins were higher, which was true of both the proof and bullion versions, is spot silver prices decline substantially that year, reaching an average for the year of $4.37.

2001 was also the first year that the entire production of the bullion version was carried out by the West Point Mint rather than being shared between that mint and the one in Philadelphia. In 2015 production was again split for a brief period with a small number of coins struck in Philadelphia.

Why purchase this NGC PF69 UC 2001-W American Silver Eagle?

NGC has graded 26,995 of these coins. Of those 3,850 or 14% graded proof 70, while 22,854 or 85% graded proof 69 and the remaining 1% were proof 61 to 68. Once again this represents a substantial increase in the number of proof 70 coins compared to previous years.

This proof 69 example is a fine coin that is virtually flawless. It will fit in well in your collection of proof American Silver Eagles.