Has Anyone Else Snagged One of These? My Deep Dive into the US Mint’s Privy Mark Silver Eagles

So I just ordered the US Mint’s 250th Anniversary American Eagle silver proof coin—the one with that special privy mark—and immediately wondered: Has anyone else grabbed one? As a collector who usually passes on Mint releases (prices are steep and designs can feel repetitive), this limited run caught my eye. It vanished almost instantly, and while I’m waiting for it to arrive, I’ve been thinking about what this means for us collectors. Let me walk you through why this coin’s making waves and how it fits into our world.

The Coin That Hooked Me

Officially called the 250th Anniversary American Eagle One-Ounce Silver Proof Coin, this piece boasts a unique privy mark honoring the U.S. Army, with Navy and Marine Corps versions coming later. What pulled me in? That “Mint-exclusive” label and the promise of a “laser privy mark”—though I’ll admit, I’m still curious about how exactly they pull that off. The design’s crisp, and as someone who collects modern issues, adding this to my set felt right, especially with its military theme carrying some weight.

Sticker Shock: Mint vs. Bullion Dealers

Let’s talk price—because honestly, the Mint’s premium had me blinking. Compared to the $38-$40 I usually pay for American Silver Eagles from dealers like JM Bullion, this proof was a splurge. Here’s my two cents: If you’re stacking silver, stick with bullion to save money. But for special editions like this? The Mint’s exclusivity—and that one-per-household limit keeping flippers at bay—might just make it worthwhile. After missing the 2021 Morgans and Peaces during the website chaos, I decided paying upfront beat chasing eBay premiums later.

Why Privy Marks Grab Us

I’ve always been a sucker for privy marks. They’re like little hidden gems that turn ordinary coins into something special. The Army theme sold me on this one, but I’ve got a few other favorites in my collection:

• The 2020 V75 privy ASE—a piece I treasure for its historical tie to WWII.
• The new 2024 star privy and the 2025 flying eagle privy (both pre-ordered and on my watchlist).
• Older touches, like the Grant star half dollar or Missouri’s 2*4 privy, remind me this isn’t new—Mints have been adding these clever twists since the classic commemorative era.

Canada and Australia have done this beautifully for ages, and now the U.S. Mint’s joining in. These pieces get collectors excited, but they’re not always quick-profit material.

Building Your Collection Wisely

Putting together a meaningful set around these privies takes planning. I’m going for the full military series—Army, Navy, Marine—but I’m passing on unrelated marks to keep costs sane. My tip? Pre-order the big releases immediately; they disappear fast. Check household limits too—they help the little guys. And don’t overlook pairing them with standard issues, like the 2025 proof and uncirculated Eagles I tossed in my cart. They make a fuller story when displayed together. It’s easy to get swept up, so set a budget and hold firm to avoid buyer’s remorse.

What Happens After the Sale

The resale market for modern privies can be brutal. While this Army coin sold out and is already hitting eBay, I’m wary—remember the V75 mania or the Jackie Robinson dollar? Plenty of folks lost money buying at peak prices. If you’re flipping, move fast. For long-term holds, lean toward strong themes and tight mintages. Protect your coins, too. I’ll likely get mine graded (aiming for PR70, of course), and if you keep them raw, use acid-free holders to prevent toning or scratches.

This whole adventure reminded me why I love collecting: that rush of a new find, the history in every detail, and swapping stories with fellow enthusiasts. If you picked up one of these privy Eagles, drop a comment—I’d love to hear your take and see where this series goes!