The 2012-S American Silver Eagle Reverse Proof is a neat collectible. It was part of a special proof set launched in June 2012, with a starting price of about $150 (which is around $208 today if you adjust for inflation). They only sold these sets for four weeks, and they managed to sell about 225,000 of them.
Nowadays, if you have one in its original government packaging, you could sell it for about $170. It's a cool piece for collectors, not just because it's a bit rare, but also because it's got some nice history and design going for it.
What Is a Reverse Proof
A Reverse Proof is a type of coin that flips the traditional Proof finish. Normally, Proof coins have shiny, mirror-like fields with frosted designs. But with a Reverse Proof, it’s the other way around: the fields are frosted, and the designs are shiny and slick. This creates a super cool contrast that really makes the coin pop.
The U.S. Mint first introduced this style in 2006
with the 2006-P American Silver Eagle Reverse Proof, part of a three-coin set celebrating the series’ 20th anniversary. They did it again in 2011 for the 25th anniversary with a five-coin set. Then, in 2012, they released the third Reverse Proof in the series, the 2012-S American Silver Eagle Reverse Proof. The Mint also released Reverse Proof coins in 2013, in 2019, and again in 2021.
You can still find complete 2012 American Silver Eagle San Francisco Proof Sets up for grabs online.
Most often, collectors buy them in their original form, which is the easiest way to find the 2012-S American Silver Eagle Proof and Reverse Proof. Sometimes, these coins get sold individually. When that happens, the Reverse Proof usually costs a bit more than the regular Proof. This is because its unique finish and lower mintage make it more desirable.
Lady Liberty, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, is depicted on the obverse dressed in a flowing gown and draped with a billowing American flag. She holds laurel and oak branches in her left hand, symbolizing the civil and military achievements of the United States. As Liberty strides confidently towards the rising sun, she extends her right hand. Her figure is so prominent that she overlaps the word "LIBERTY" on the obverse, obscuring half of the letters "BE" and almost the entire "R." The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed above her rear foot, and the date "2013" is below her.
Adolph A. Weinman’s Liberty Walking design rapidly gained iconic status in American coinage. It has been featured, with slight modifications, on the American Silver Eagle bullion coin since 1986, making it one of the most recognizable images in U.S. numismatics.
On the back of the coin, you've got John Mercanti’s Heraldic Eagle right in the center. The eagle holds a ribbon in its beak with the words "E PLURIBUS UNUM." Above its head, there are 13 stars arranged in an upside-down pyramid shape. The top of the design says "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," and at the bottom, you'll see "1 OZ. FINE SILVER" and "ONE DOLLAR." The "S" mintmark, indicating the San Francisco Mint, is just below the branch. This design is pretty iconic that really stands out! I prefer this design over the current one.
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