American Silver Eagles (Ase) Mint Marks And Full List ?

Try this...
http://goccf.com/p/us_silver_eagles/

It's not a stupid question. There are many different varieties of ASE and collecting them all (and knowing the differences between them) takes some time.

Not sure what you mean by "Main Mint" but bullion ASEs are sold directly from the Mint to certain approved precious metals dealers (you and I cannot buy them directly from the mint). We can then buy them from these dealers. They have no mint mark and do not have any special mint packaging, unless you buy a large quantity of them (i.e., a tube or a monster box). Bullion ASEs have been produced every year from 1986 to date.

Proofs have, of course, proof finishes and are sold directly to collectors from the mint. They include Mint packaging and a COA. The have been minted at various mints over the years and always bear a mint mark. There are a few years where there was a special Reverse Proof ASE issued as well.

Burnished/Uncirclated are the 3rd type and often cause a lot of confusion. Like the proofs, they are sold directly to collectors and include mint packaging and a COA. These have more of a matte finish but are still very nice. Burnished/Uncirculated were new as of 2006.

There were no numismatic issues (Proof or Uncirculated/Burnished) in 2009.

Special multi-coin sets were issued in 2006 (20th Anniversary Set), 2011 (25th Anniversary Set), 2012 (San Francisco 2-Coin set), and 2013 (West Point 2-Coin Set). These special sets included Reverse Proof and Enhanced Uncirclated coins.

Hope this helps you get a start, but for more detail, like spruett suggested, invest in a Red Book and check out the link bobby posted.

Some times coins are made without a mint mark because their production may be done at various mint locations. The Lincoln Cent is an example, and were sometimes produced at other mints without a mint mark to ease production volumes at Philadelphia.
I believe the special mint sets (SMS) were produced 1965-1967 without mint mark to reduce people hoarding. And you will probably find listings for ASE with no mint mark that have been slabbed designating where they were produced.

If that age is a problem then I'm in DEEP "do-do".
I'm 75.

If you're going to try to compile a complete set of proof ASE's, you need to recognize out of the gate that there's one that will cost you more than all the rest of the proof ASE's combined. It's the 1995-W Proof ASE. Most people skip this one because it's so expensive and the mint did make a 1995-P Proof ASE. If you're like me and have an obsession for absolute completeness, then be prepared for it.



My daughter is now six and we had her when we were 41. Fortunately, she's much easier than both of my boys (so far). It's still tiring though. My daughter says she likes going to coin shows because the old men give her coins and say she's cute.



To avoid all confusion, I say "proof", "burnished" and "bullion". That should leave no doubt about which version you're talking about. I've found that many people describe both the burnished and bullion versions as uncirculated because they appear very similar. Of course the main thing when buying a "burnished" ASE is to verify it has mint mark.



Out of the gate, this is a big decision for you. All else being equal, you'll end up paying more for the certified ASE's than the non-certified ones. This is especially true when it comes to the bullion ones. There are also many options for the 3rd party holders because they offer special labels and the holders have evolved over the years. If you're picky retentive about your holders all looking the same, compiling a set will be more difficult and (probably) expensive. When I built my ASE set I decided against the 3rd party certifications and in the end I'm glad I did. However, it call comes down to what you like.

Assume not your first child?



to the CCF!

It's funny (not the haha kind of funny) that some people view their children as a burden. I think that I appreciate them more and more as I get older and I'd do anything for them. I buy all three of my children proof and mint sets every year. They may not take up the hobby, but they'll likely have some appreciation because they know how much I enjoy coin collecting.

Yes, the 1995-W is the one that's expensive, rare and came in the gold set. The 1995-P is the regular issue proof ASE.

Having just completed an ASE set, one thing that I'd advise is to be selective about the ASE's (or any modern coin) you purchase. On average I'd say that I turned down three or four for every one that I purchased. Though proofs in theory should be perfect, they not. Plus, time takes its toll. I think the best place to get them is coin shows. You can look and a bunch of coins in a relatively short period of time. Seeing them in person beats pictures on the internet. Don't feel compelled to purchase a coin just because someone shows one to you. Most dealers have no problem at all if you turn down a coin. A few will act insulted, but it's your money.

I have that Mercanti book (2nd Edition) in Kindle format. It's a pretty good read and gives you insight into the history of the program. It gets a little repetitive as they walk through each year of release but there is still some good info there.