2010 Silver Eagle
2010 American Silver Eagle
The 2010 Silver Eagle was first available as a bullion coin on January 19, 2010. The status of the 2010 Proof Silver Eagle and 2010-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle remains uncertain. Under current law, production of these collectible coins is contingent upon the US Mint’s ability to meet the full public demand for the bullion version.
The initial availability of the 2010 Silver Eagles took place later than usual. Typically, coins bearing the forthcoming year’s date are produced in November or December of the preceding year. This allows authorized purchasers to place orders for the coins in December for delivery in early January. Amidst a resurgence in demand for bullion coins, the US Mint continued production of 2009-dated coins through year end. This resulted in a delay of the full scale production of 2010-dated coins, pushing back the offering schedule.
Although the United States Mint has managed to increase the production levels for Silver Eagle bullion coins, they remain short of meeting full public demand. As a result, the coins have been subject to an ongoing allocation program, which rations the available supply of coins amongst authorized purchasers. Annual production is on pace to set a third consecutive all time high. Through July 31, 2010, total production had reached 21,149,500, averaging more than 3 million bullion coins per month.
The continued high demand and rationing of bullion coins dulls the prospects for the 2010 Proof Silver Eagle and the 2010-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle. These are the two collector versions of the Silver Eagle, typically offered each year by the United States Mint. Both offerings had been canceled for 2009, since the US Mint is required by law to produce bullion coins in quantities sufficient to meet public demand. Since full demand was not met, the Mint sourced all incoming precious metals blanks supplies to the production of bullion coins, foregoing production of collector coins, which are not legally mandated.
A change in law is being considered, which would allow the production of collectible proof and uncirculated Silver Eagles, even if full demand remains unmet for bullion coins. A bill authorizing such a change has not yet been introduced, although the US Mint has already provided Congress with drafting assistance for the amendment.
2010 Silver Eagle Mintages
Bullion Mintage: 21,149,500 (though July 31, 2010)
Proof Mintage: TBD
Uncirculated (Burnished) Mintage: TBD
2010 Silver Eagle Specifications
Mint Mark: none (bullion)
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
2010 Silver Eagles For Sale
