2004 $1 Silver Eagle (Regular Strike)

The 2004 American Silver Eagle (Product #9970) achieved a mintage of 8,882,754, representing a modest 4% increase from the previous year. The entire mintage was produced at the West Point Mint; however, as is typical of bullion issues, the coins carry no mintmark.

American Silver Eagle bullion coins struck between 2000 and 2007 generally featured strong mintages, typically ranging between 8 and 10 million coins. This level of consistent collector and investor interest was comparable to the series’ successful first two years. This sustained demand established a strong foundation that preceded the dramatic surge in popularity following the financial crisis of 2008, as attention turned to tangible assets.

What Is the 2004 American Silver Eagle Worth?

American Silver Eagles appeal to both investors and collectors for distinct reasons. Investors often acquire the coins as a tangible asset, backed by the coin's precious metals content and a nominal $1 face value. Coin collectors, conversely, value the precious metals cotnent, but are primarily driven by the chase of building sets, acquiring limited edition releases, and enjoying the coin's art and history from a purely numismatic perspective.

The 2004 American Silver Eagles represent the later issues of what can be considered the "simple period" for the Type I design. During this era, the U.S. Mint typically struck a single bullion version for investors and, usually, a single Proof version for numismatic customers. This approach began to change in 2006, when the Mint introduced mintmarked "uncirculated" coins with a burnished finish. This marked the beginning of a period featuring special anniversary releases, ad hoc special issues, and limited edition coins with privy marks.

Essentially, the series’ growing popularity led to increased complexity. For those who prefer the original format, the subset of coins struck from 1986 to 2005 offers a more straightforward collecting experience (though the 1995-W Proof issue (#9987) remains a notable exception).

Notable Signature Labels

PCGS has certied 2004 American Silver Eagles featuring a variety of signature labels, a few of which are quite rare.

• Lance Armstrong (Athlete) | 812 coins total, all MS69.
• Leonard Buckley (Banknote & Coin Designer)
• Thomas Cleveland (Coin Designer)
• Emily S. Damstra (Coin Designer)
• General Tommy Franks (U.S. Army) | 2 coins, both MS69
• Fred Haise (Astronaut)
• Jessica Lynch (U.S. Army P.O.W.) | 601 coins total, all MS69.
• John Mercanti (American Silver Eagle Reverse Designer and former United States Mint Chief Engraver)
• Paul Molitor (Major League Baseball Hall of Famer)
• Ed Moy (former Mint Director)
• Michael Reagan (Media Personality)
• Kathryn Sullivan (Astronaut) | Signed labels in 2004.

The 2004 American Silver Eagle has also been featured in the Ultra Breaks product with Regular (#1000920), Gold Rush (#1000919), and Infinity Labels (#1000918).

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