Has Anyone Else Bought One of These? My Dive into the Army Silver Eagle

So, I got swept up in the excitement around the US Mint’s 250th Anniversary Army Silver Eagle Proof Coin, and honestly, I had to ask – did any of you grab one too? As someone who’s collected coins for years, I’d actually taken a break from buying directly from the Mint. The prices often felt too high, and the designs didn’t always grab me. But that little privy mark on this one? I couldn’t resist. I placed a pre-order, and wouldn’t you know it, it sold out that same day. It was a sharp reminder of how fast these special releases disappear. In this post, I’ll walk you through why I bought it, my thoughts on privy marks, the price tag, what I see happening in the market, and some tips if you’re thinking about jumping in.

What Got Me Hooked on the Army Silver Eagle

That tiny privy mark is really why I made an exception this time. It’s unique to this coin, part of a military series with Navy and Marine Corps versions rumored for later this year. Chasing these special marks isn’t new for me; I went after the 2020 V75 privy and the recent 2024 star privy too. These marks actually have a cool history, tracing back to older commemoratives. Think about the Grant half dollar with its star, or the Missouri 2*4 and Alabama 2X2 coins – sometimes they even ground off raised parts on later strikes! For me, it’s the story behind it and how it makes a coin pop in the collection that counts.

That Price Tag & What It’s Really Worth

Okay, let’s talk cost. The Mint priced this Silver Eagle around $80. That stung a bit, especially when I can pick up regular bullion Eagles from dealers like JM Bullion for $38–$40. So why did I bite the bullet?

• Limited Run: They capped it at one per household, and it vanished fast. Unlike regular bullion ASEs you can usually find anytime, this felt like a “buy now or miss out” moment.
• Is the Premium Worth It? Sure, the privy mark and proof finish add value, but it’s a personal call. I only spring for themes I really connect with, like military history. You gotta weigh it against your own collecting budget.
• Looking Overseas: Honestly, countries like Australia and Canada use privy marks all the time, often with lower markups. Sometimes I browse their offerings for alternatives that fit my interests.

Watching the Market & Playing It Safe

Seeing all the posts about folks flipping these on eBay right away got me thinking. Modern commemoratives can be tricky. Remember the V75 privy frenzy? Huge hype at first, but values often settle down later. Coins like the Jackie Robinson commemorative left some collectors feeling burned after buying at the peak. Here’s what worries me:

• The Quick Flip: Lots of people buy just to resell immediately, pushing secondary prices sky-high. I’m seeing listings soar already, but honestly, that initial heat can fade quickly. Be careful.
• Holding Value Long-Term: Not every privy mark becomes a star. I try to focus on ones with solid historical ties or genuinely low mintages to avoid disappointment down the road.
• Don’t Get Locked Out: Missing the 2021 Morgans because the Mint site crashed was rough. For this Army Eagle, I pre-ordered early. My advice? Set those stock alerts!

A Few Tips From My Collection

Based on my own stumbles and successes, here’s how I handle coins like this:

• Pick Your Passion: Stick to what you love. I’m going for the full military set, but I’m skipping other privy marks that don’t fit. It keeps the budget (and the spouse!) happier.
• Grading Considerations: If you’re looking at graded coins for modern proofs, MS69 or higher is usually the sweet spot. I’m thinking of getting my 2024 star privy graded just to protect it. Always check raw coins carefully for scratches or funky toning before buying.
• Buying Smart: Pre-ordering direct from the Mint gives you peace of mind. Or, if you’re patient, wait for the secondary market to cool down – but compare prices with trusted dealers to avoid scalpers.
• Ignore the Hype: Don’t get sucked in by flashy terms like ‘laser privy marks.’ Do a little digging first to make sure the feature is genuine and actually means something.

Final Thoughts

Getting this Army Silver Eagle was a fun reminder of what drew me to coin collecting in the first place – the history, the chase, and that personal connection. Yeah, the Mint’s prices make me wince, and the aftermarket can be a gamble, but sticking to coins that mean something to me keeps it rewarding. If the Navy or Marine Corps editions later this year catch your eye and fit your collection? Go for it! Just stay disciplined. As a buddy of mine likes to say, ‘That’s how they get you!’ So collect wisely, and most importantly, enjoy the hunt.