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When the American Silver Eagle coin was first struck by the United States Mint on October 29, 1986, then-Secretary of the Treasure James A. Baker III was present during the striking ceremony and made a poignant remark that he “didn’t need a pick and shovel to start the San Francisco Silver Rush of 1986.”

Those very first American Silver Eagle coins in both bullion and proof were struck at the San Francisco Mint facility for the first several years of availability. The bullion American Silver Eagle was produced in San Francisco from 1986 until 1998, with a two-year striking (1999 and 2000) at the Philadelphia Mint before shifting to the West Point Mint from 2001 onward.

However, Proof American Silver Eagle coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint for a much shorter period of time. The proof coins were produced there only until 1992, and shifted to the Philadelphia Mint from 1993 until 2000. Since 2001, the Proof Silver Eagle has also been produced at the West Point Mint.