Introduction to the Series: The American Silver Eagle was first minted in 1986 and has since become one of the most sought-after coins, issued annually by the U.S. Mint.
Composition: The 2005 American Silver Eagle contains one troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver, making it a bullion coin primarily designed for investment.
Design: The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman's classic "Walking Liberty" design, while the reverse shows a heraldic eagle with a shield, designed by John Mercanti.
Mintage Numbers: The 2005 edition had a mintage of approximately 10.5 million coins. This makes it one of the more commonly found coins from the series, but still desirable to collectors.
Special Versions: In addition to the standard bullion coin, the 2005 Silver Eagle was also issued in proof and uncirculated versions, with different finishes.
Proof Coins: The 2005 Proof American Silver Eagle was produced with a mirror-like finish, a hallmark of proof coins. These coins are packaged in a velvet-lined display box with a certificate of authenticity.
Uncirculated Coins: The uncirculated version, also known as the "Burnished" coin, was available to collectors with a unique matte finish. These coins were only available from the U.S. Mint in sets.
Market Value: As of now, the 2005 Silver Eagle in uncirculated condition typically fetches a modest premium over the silver spot price due to its collectible nature.