Reverse Proof Silver Eagles
Reverse Proof Silver Eagles
A Reverse Proof coin is actually a Proof striking of a coin, but the main visual difference is that the fields are frosted while the devices have reflective surfaces. That is the opposite of the typical proof coin that has mirrored field and frosted devices. The term “Reverse Proof” does not mean that only the reverse side of the coin has this appearance. It means that the entire coin has been treated but the appearance of the fields and the devices is opposite to typical proof coins.
Other world Mints have used this reverse proof finish for many years but the United States Mint only began to incorporate that as a finish in 2006, which was the 20th anniversary of the American Gold and Silver Eagle Bullion program. The United States Mint was unsure of how these coins would be received by the American coin-buying public. But the success of numerous world mints encourage the United States Mint to offer a number of coins using this finish technique.
Beginning in 2006, a number of selected coins have been offered with a reverse proof finish. Some of them are as follows:
- 2006-W American Eagle Gold $50
- 2006-P American Eagle Silver Dollar
- 2011-P American Eagle Silver Dollar
- 2012-S American Eagle Silver Dollar
- 2013-W American Eagle Silver Dollar
- 2013-W Gold Buffalo $50
- 2014-W Kennedy Half-Dollar Silver
- 2018-S Lincoln Penny
- 2018-S Jefferson Nickel
- 2018-S Roosevelt Dime Silver 90%
While traditional numismatists still tend to prefer the typical proof coin finish – mirrored fields and frosted devices – the is an entire segment of the market that wants and desires these coins. In fact, the 2006 Reverse Proof American Gold and Silver Eagle coins are the most popular and desirable coins of that year.
