The packaging and certificate of authenticity for the annual Proof Silver Eagles has maintained the same basic format during the course of the series, although there were some minor modifications along the way. Many collectors prefer to collect the coins as issued by the United States Mint, complete with their original packaging and paperwork.
Shown above is the original box and certificate of authenticity for the 1987 Proof Silver Eagle. A purple colored outer cardboard box includes silver print "American Eagle" and "One Ounce Proof Silver bullion Coin". Inside the box is a velvet lined case with a heraldic eagle, which opens to reveal the coin in a plastic capsule. These purple colored cases were used from 1986 to 1993.
The paper certificate included with the coin includes an image of the Proof Silver Eagle, coin specification information, and a certificate of authenticity signed by Donna Pope, the Director of the United States Mint. Click on the image above for a larger version.
From 1994 to 2000, the United States Mint used a dark blue colored packaging theme for the outer box and inner cases. A certificate of authenticity continued to be included with the same information. From 2001 to present, a lighter blue colored theme was used.
Pictured above is the original packaging from the 2010 Proof Silver Eagle. From 2007 onwards, the United States Mint adjusted the orientation of the box to align and open horizontally. The silver printing on the box above reads "America Eagle" and "One Ounce Proof Silver Coin". The United States Mint had dropped the reference to "bullion" that was included on the earlier boxes.
The paper certificate included with the coin includes the United States Mint logo and description of the coin on the front. The paper opens to reveal information on the coin specifications. On the back is a certificate of authenticity signed by Edmund C. Moy, Director of the United States Mint. Click for larger version.