WASHINGTON — The United States Mint today announced the opening of sales for the 2013 American Eagle West Point Two–Coin Silver Set. The set commemorates the 75th anniversary of the edifice that houses the United States Mint facility at West Point.
The United States Mint has established a four–week ordering window beginning May 9, 2013, at noon (ET) and ending June 6, 2013, at 5 p.m. (ET). Orders will begin shipping in mid– to late June. There is no household order limit, and customer demand will determine the number of sets produced.
The 2013 American Eagle West Point Two–Coin Silver Set contains one silver “reverse” proof quality coin and one silver “enhanced” uncirculated quality coin. On the reverse proof coin, the mirror–like background finish of a traditional proof coin is applied to the design elements, achieving a magnificent contrast. On the obverse (heads side) of the enhanced uncirculated coin, the mountains, red stripes, and blue parts of the American flag; the year; and Liberty’s sandals have an uncirculated finish. The remaining elements and lettering on the obverse have a heavy frosted finish. On its reverse (tails side), the ribbon in the eagle’s beak, arrows, olive branch, alternating stripes in the shield, and the border around the shield have an uncirculated finish. The lettering and other design elements on the reverse have a heavy frosted finish. The fields on both sides of the coin have a new light frosted finish. All these enhancements – unique to this coin – add sharp definition to the designs. These two coins will only be available in this special set.
Both coins are struck in 99.9 percent silver and bear the “W” mint mark of the bureau’s West Point facility. The coins’ obverse design features Adolph A. Weinman’s full–length figure of Liberty in full stride, enveloped in folds of the flag, with her right hand extended and branches of laurel and oak in her left. The coins’ reverse design features former United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver John Mercanti’s heraldic eagle with shield, an olive branch in the right talon, and arrows in the left. The coins are displayed in a custom blue lacquer presentation case accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
The 2013 American Eagle West Point Two–Coin Silver Set is priced at $139.95. Orders will be accepted at the bureau’s online catalog at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog and at 1–800–USA–MINT (872–6468). Hearing– and speech–impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1–888–321–MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders.
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self–sustaining and operate at no cost to the taxpayer.
Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on–sale date and time of May 9, 2013, noon ET shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored. For more information, please review the United States Mint’s Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.