2000-P American Silver Eagle Proof Coin: The Buzz and the Worth

The buzz surrounding the 2000-P American Silver Eagle Proof Coin is worth noting. Before 1993, all Proof coins were minted in San Francisco, but then production shifted to Philadelphia. The 1995-W Silver Eagle, with a "W" mintmark, is considered the holy grail of the series. This coin is a valuable addition to any American Silver Eagle collection.

What's the Buzz on the 2000-P American Silver Eagle Proof Coin?

Back in the early days of the American Silver Eagle program, all Proof coins were minted at the San Francisco Mint. But in 1993, the production line shifted to the Philadelphia Mint, with the "P" mintmark gracing Proofs from 1993 to 2000.

One notable exception to this Philadelphia dominance was the 1995-W American Silver Eagle, struck at the West Point Mint as part of a special 10th Anniversary collector set. This "W" mintmark coin is considered the holy grail of the American Silver Eagle series.

How Much is the 2000-P American Silver Eagle Proof Coin Worth?

The original issue price for the 2000-P American Silver Eagle Proof was a mere $24. Adjusted for inflation, that's a cool $43.25 in today's money. But the millennium date sent sales soaring far beyond typical demand, with over 600,000 coins flying off the shelves.

After 2000, demand for American Silver Eagles skyrocketed, especially in the aftermath of 9/11. Proof coins also gained traction as marketers found innovative ways to appeal to a new generation of collectors.

Today, these Proof coins in their original government packaging can fetch anywhere from $70 to $80. Certified and graded coins by reputable companies like CAC, NGC, or PCGS typically command a premium, but you can still find them on eBay for around $70 or less.

If you're looking for the cream of the crop, Proof-70 coins with Deep Cameo or Ultra Cameo grades are highly sought after. Auction data shows collectors are willing to pay a pretty penny, with some coins selling for as much as $400.

What's the Deal with Proof 70 Coins?

Proof 70 coins are the holy grail of numismatics, earning the highest possible grade from the big three grading services: PCGS, NGC, and CAC. But what exactly sets them apart?

In the case of the 2000-P American Silver Eagle, PCGS has graded 3,525 coins as PR70DCAM, while NGC has awarded the PF70UC grade to 4,698 coins. This means that a significant number of these coins have been deemed virtually flawless.

Some experts speculate that bulk submitters are now setting a minimum grading threshold of 70 instead of 69, which could explain the increase in Proof 70 coins. However, others suggest that the grading services themselves may have relaxed their standards over time.

Design and Specifications

The 2000-P American Silver Eagle Proof coin features iconic designs on both sides:

Obverse:

• Adolph Weinman's Liberty, draped in an American flag, striding forward with outstretched hand, symbolizing the welcoming nature of the United States.

Reverse:

• John Mercanti's Heraldic Eagle, clutching a ribbon with the motto "E Pluribus Unum," surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies.

Coin Specifications:

• Year of Issue: 2000
• Denomination: One Dollar
• Mint Mark: P (Philadelphia)
• Mintage: 600,000
• Alloy: 99.9% silver
• Weight: 31.1 g
• Diameter: 40.6 mm
• Edge: Reeded