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The Certified Proof Silver Eagle 1995-W PR70 PCGS is one of the most sought-after and prestigious coins in modern American numismatics. Struck at the West Point Mint to mark the 10th anniversary of the American Silver Eagle program, the 1995-W Proof Silver Eagle holds legendary status due to its extraordinarily low mintage, historical significance, and elite collector appeal. Certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) in perfect PR70 condition, this coin represents the pinnacle of quality, rarity, and desirability among proof silver eagles, often regarded as the “King of Silver Eagles” by collectors.
The American Silver Eagle series was launched in 1986 as the official silver bullion coin of the United States, authorized by the Liberty Coin Act of 1985. Each coin contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and features iconic American designs. For the program’s 10th anniversary in 1995, the U.S. Mint issued a special proof version struck exclusively at the West Point facility, bearing the “W” mintmark. What makes this issue extraordinary is that it was not sold individually; it was only available as part of a special 10th Anniversary Gold and Silver Eagle Set that included four gold coins and the single proof silver eagle. This marketing decision dramatically limited its distribution and laid the foundation for its rarity and collector premium.
The 1995-W Proof Silver Eagle was issued with an astonishingly low mintage of only 30,125 coins, making it the lowest-mintage proof silver eagle ever produced by the U.S. Mint. By comparison, typical annual proof silver eagles have mintages exceeding several hundred thousand, and sometimes over one million. This severe scarcity has made the 1995-W one of the most heavily pursued issues among series collectors and key-date specialists. The limited number of surviving coins in top grades further intensifies its value in the collector market, particularly in PR70 Deep Cameo condition certified by PCGS.
The obverse of the coin features Adolph A. Weinman’s classic “Walking Liberty” design, originally created in 1916 for the half dollar. Liberty strides confidently toward the rising sun, draped in the American flag and carrying branches of laurel and oak—symbols of victory and strength. The word “LIBERTY” spans the top rim, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears to the right, and the date “1995” is centered at the bottom. In proof format, this design is rendered with frosted devices and mirror-like fields, offering deep contrast and exceptional visual brilliance, especially in PR70 examples.
The reverse was designed by John Mercanti and features a heraldic eagle with shield, clutching an olive branch in the right talon and arrows in the left. Above the eagle are thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “1 OZ. FINE SILVER,” and “ONE DOLLAR.” The distinguishing feature is the small “W” mintmark to the lower left of the eagle’s tail feathers, identifying it as the special West Point issue. The sharply struck details and intense cameo contrast found on PR70 specimens highlight the artistry and precision of this limited-production coin.
Certified in PR70 Deep Cameo by PCGS, the coin has been graded as perfect, with no visible imperfections under 5x magnification. This is the highest grade attainable and significantly enhances the coin’s market value and appeal. PCGS encapsulates the coin in its secure, tamper-evident holder with a label indicating the grade, certification number, and mintmark. Depending on the submission tier, some labels may feature special designations or signatures, though even standard PCGS-graded examples are highly coveted. Coins graded PR70 DCAM from PCGS are rarer than those in PR69, with only a small percentage of the original 30,125 coins achieving perfection.
Due to its rarity and importance, the 1995-W Proof Silver Eagle commands a substantial premium in the marketplace. While the coin was initially available for a few hundred dollars as part of the original anniversary set, its value has surged in subsequent decades. In top-grade PR70 condition, the coin has consistently sold for tens of thousands of dollars, with record auction prices exceeding $80,000 depending on the label, signature, and market timing. This makes the 1995-W not only a prized collectible but also one of the strongest performing modern U.S. coins in terms of investment growth.
The condition of the coin in PR70 is visually flawless. The frosted surfaces of Liberty and the eagle stand in perfect contrast to the deeply mirrored backgrounds. The fields are entirely free of contact marks, haze, or imperfections, and the strike is razor-sharp with full detail. Such aesthetic and technical perfection is what separates PR70 coins from even their near-perfect PR69 counterparts. The visual appeal and museum-quality preservation of the 1995-W PR70 Silver Eagle make it the centerpiece of any American Silver Eagle or modern proof coin collection.
In terms of packaging, the original 10th Anniversary Set was issued in a wood presentation case with a certificate of authenticity and velvet-lined compartments for the four gold coins and the silver eagle. However, certified examples such as the PR70 PCGS specimen are housed in protective slabs, often separated from the original set. Collectors value these graded coins not only for their assurance of condition and authenticity but also for their liquidity and protection. PCGS certification is widely recognized as a gold standard in the numismatic community, adding further trust and marketability to the coin.
For collectors building a complete Silver Eagle proof set, the 1995-W is the ultimate key date. Its presence instantly elevates a collection to the highest tier, and its absence is often the single barrier to completion. The combination of low mintage, special mintmark, iconic designs, and perfect grade makes it a true grail coin. It also appeals to broader audiences, including investors in modern U.S. coins, enthusiasts of West Point Mint issues, and specialists in U.S. commemorative anniversaries. The coin’s unique status transcends the Silver Eagle series and places it among the elite modern rarities of American coinage.
The Certified Proof Silver Eagle 1995-W PR70 PCGS is more than just a perfect coin—it is a landmark in American numismatics. It stands as the rarest and most valuable proof issue in the Silver Eagle program, combining beauty, scarcity, and numismatic prestige in one perfect package. For those fortunate enough to own this treasure, it represents the pinnacle of modern coin collecting and an enduring legacy of U.S. minting excellence.