My Journey with a Small Bull from Thurium
June 18, 2025My Journey Counting Gold and Platinum Coins: Insights and Reflections
June 19, 2025
I’ve always avoided buying directly from the US Mint – until their 250th Anniversary Silver Eagle Proof caught my eye. After years of passing on their releases due to steep prices and ho-hum designs, this one actually made me open my wallet. Turns out I wasn’t the only one tempted, since it vanished faster than a 1916-D Mercury dime at a yard sale! Let me walk you through why this coin got collectors buzzing and share what it’s like to own one.
Why I Finally Bit the Bullet
As someone who usually picks up American Silver Eagles from dealers like JM Bullion for around $38-$40, that $76.95 price tag gave me pause. But that little Army-themed privy mark and the promise of a full military series (with Navy and Marine versions coming) reeled me in. I hit “pre-order” immediately after remembering how the 2021 Morgan and Peace dollars disappeared before most of us could even log in. The one-per-household limit this time felt fair – like regular collectors actually had a fighting chance. So I took a deep breath and paid up!
Why Privy Marks Hook Collectors
Those tiny privy marks? They’re like catnip for coin collectors. I’ve been snagging them whenever I can – the 2020 v75 privy ASE, last year’s star privy, and now I’m itching for the 2025 flying eagle design. They remind me of classic commemoratives like the Grant star half dollar or those early statehood quarters where mint workers added special touches. And let’s be honest – the US Mint took a page straight from Canada and Australia’s playbook when they realized how well these little additions sell coins. Once you get that first one, you’re suddenly trying to complete the whole set!
What You’ll Pay and What to Expect
Let’s talk dollars and sense. Regular bullion ASEs won’t break the bank, but proof coins like this carry premiums because they’re scarce and beautifully struck. I’ve already seen these anniversary coins popping up everywhere online at higher prices. Miss the mint release? Secondary markets like eBay will cost you dearly. My rule of thumb: think about what you’re willing to spend now versus what it might be worth later. If you’re eyeing the 2025 proof Eagles without privy marks, grabbing them early might save you cash down the road.
Hands-On Tips for Your Collection
From hard-won experience, here’s how I handle these special releases:
- Set a budget: Mint drops can drain your funds fast – I nearly caved and bought the entire 2025 lineup on impulse. Don’t let FOMO empty your wallet!
- Handle with care: Proof coins show every smudge and scratch. Always use cotton gloves, and consider NGC or PCGS grading to protect both condition and value.
- Watch for limits: Purchase caps like this one-per-household rule help keep things fair. Sign up for those mint emails so you don’t miss the next big drop.
- Look beyond the Mint: Dealers usually offer better prices for standard ASEs. For privy marks, you might need to hunt through resellers – just check their feedback first.
My Final Take: The Mint’s Winning Strategy
At the end of the day, the Mint knows exactly how to get collectors like us to open our wallets with these limited runs. It’s nothing new – reminds me of those 19th-century token issues – but they’ve perfected it. I’m thrilled to have landed this Army Eagle and can’t wait for the rest of the military series, though I’ll keep my spending in check. Did you score one of these? Still deciding? Drop your story in the comments – this is why I love collecting, where history meets treasure hunt!
