1991 Proof Silver Eagle

The 1991 Proof Silver Eagle experienced a drop in demand that brought sales and the corresponding mintage to the lowest level to date for the collectible version of the popular silver bullion coin. The final mintage came in at 511,924, which was 183,586 less than the prior year.

The American Silver Eagle features an image of Liberty striding confidently forward carrying a bouquet of olive branches with the rising sun before her. This classic image comes from Adolph A. Weinman's design for the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, issued for circulation from 1916 to 1947. The reverse design of the coin is a rendition of the heraldic eagle by John Mercanti. The eagle appear behind a shield with an olive branch and bundle of arrows grasped in its talons and a ribbon reading "E Pluribus Unum" in its beak.

The United States Mint set a maximum authorized mintage for the Proof 1991 American Silver Eagle at 700,000 with an issue price of $23.00 per coin. These were the same levels that were in place last year. Unlike the bullion version of the coin, these proof coins could be purchased directly from the Mint.

The coins were packaged in plastic capsules and housed in a purple velvelt display case and outer box. A certificate of authenticity was included with each coin.

During 1991, the price of silver spent most of the year with a range of $3.80 to $4.40 per ounce. The price began the year at $4.16 and close the year at $3.86.