1997 Silver Eagle
1997 American Silver Eagle
The 1997 Silver Eagle has the third lowest bullion coin mintage for the series, however it only carries a slight premium. In total, the US Mint produced 4,295,004 of the silver bullion coins, representing a higher total than only 1994 and 1996.
The 1997 Proof Silver Eagle has the third lowest mintage for a regular proof issue of the series and accordingly carries a premium compared to more common dates. The coins were produced for collectors with a maximum authorized mintage of 500,000 coins and priced at $23.00 each.
This year, the US Mint also offered the Impressions of Liberty Set, which contained one ounce proof Gold, Silver, and Platinum Eagles. The three coin set was released to coincide with the launch of the new American Platinum Eagle. The product was limited to 5,000 sets priced at $1,499.00. The set sold out at the US Mint.
For certified coin collectors, the proof coin can be encountered in perfect grades from PCGS and NGC with more frequency. The bullion version can be located in NGC MS 70, but PCGS MS70 is scarce.
The average price of silver during 1997 was $4.91 per ounce. During the year silver remained within a relatively narrow range before breaking above $6.00 per ounce in December.
1997 Silver Eagle Mintages
Bullion Mintage: 4,295,004
Proof Mintage: 435,368
1997 Silver Eagle Specifications
Mint Mark: none (bullion), P (proof)
Designers: Adolph A. Weinman (obverse), John Mercanti (reverse)
Composition: 99.93% silver, 0.07% copper
Weight: 31.101 grams (1.000 ounces)
Diameter: 40.6 mm (1.598 inches)
Thickness: 2.98 mm (0.117 inches)
Edge: Reeded
1997 Silver Eagles For Sale
