The 2019-S American Eagle One Ounce Silver Enhanced Reverse Proof was released by the United States Mint yesterday, November 14, and within minutes countless disappointed online shoppers encountered this message: “We’re sorry, but this item is no longer available.” If you had your windows opened today, perhaps you could hear the collective “DRATS!” being exclaimed across the land.
The United States Mint had anticipated strong demand for the coin, which had a mintage limit of just 30,000 and strict ordering restrictions of just one per household. But this beautiful coin, issued for $65.95 and featuring an outstanding finish on a .999-fine silver canvas, was a top draw for many coin collectors. Much of the appeal behind this coin is its stunning design, with an obverse bearing Adolph A. Weinman’s classic Walking Liberty motif and the reverse carried by John Mercanti’s modern heraldic eagle. Incidentally, the 2019 American Eagles are among the last in the series to showcase Mercanti’s original 1986 reverse design. Next year marks the end of the line for his design, which will be replaced in 2021 by a new motif with special security enhancements embedded in the design.
Still, there are many coin collectors who will likely be surfing the secondary market for examples of the 2019-S enhanced reverse proof silver eagle and willing to pay multiples of what this coin sold for from the US Mint. Still, those who attempted to order the coin directly from Mint shouldn’t give up hope just yet. There is a chance that sales will reopen if more pieces become available due to returns or orders that couldn’t be processed. “Due to overwhelming demand, the American Eagle 2019 One Ounce Silver Enhanced Reverse Proof Coin is currently unavailable,” said United States Mint Spokesperson Michael White. “Should they become available, customers who signed up for ‘Remind Me’ notifications will be notified.”
