In 2013, the U.S. Mint released a special two-coin set to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the West Point Mint. This set quickly became a favorite among coin collectors, building on the success of previous Silver Eagle sets. This guide will walk you through the history, features, demand, and value of the 2013 West Point American Silver Eagle Two-Coin Set. By the end, you’ll see why this release is so important to collectors.
History of the West Point Mint
The West Point Mint has a rich history. It was established in 1938 as a storage site for silver bullion, similar to Fort Knox. It’s located at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. While it didn’t become an official mint until 1988, West Point produced coins for a long time before that. From 1974 to 1986, it helped the Philadelphia Mint produce Lincoln Memorial Cents, and it made Washington Quarters from 1977 to 1979.
The “W” mintmark first appeared in 1983 on a commemorative gold coin. The Mint’s first Proof Silver Eagle struck at West Point was the 1995-W Silver Eagle, which is one of the most prized coins by collectors today. From 2001 on, the West Point Mint became the main producer of Silver Eagle Proof coins.
Features of the 2013 West Point American Silver Eagle Two-Coin Set
The 2013 two-coin set features two unique American Silver Eagle coins, both of which were produced at the West Point Mint:
| Coin Name | Mintmark | Finish | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-W Enhanced Uncirculated Silver Eagle | W | Enhanced Uncirculated | This coin has a combination of cameo and mirrored finishes on raised details, giving it a unique appearance. It stands out among other uncirculated coins. |
| 2013-W Reverse Proof Silver Eagle | W | Reverse Proof | The Reverse Proof has mirrored details on a frosted background. This design is the opposite of a typical Proof coin, creating a stunning contrast. |
Both coins are part of the set and were designed to show off the beauty and skill of the West Point Mint. The finishes on these coins are specially made to catch the light in different ways, making them more desirable to collectors.
High Demand at Release
Released on May 9, 2013, for $139.95, the two-coin set saw strong demand right from the start. Collectors were given a four-week period to place their orders, and the Mint produced coins based on how many were ordered during that time. The first few hours of the release saw 88,000 sets sold. This caused the Mint’s website to crash briefly due to the high volume of traffic.
By the end of the first week, sales had reached 182,000 sets. The total number of sets sold during the four-week period was 281,310. This open-ordering system helped control prices by reducing speculation, but companies that received graded “perfect 70” coins quickly were able to sell them for higher prices.
Coin Values Today
The value of these coins depends on their condition. Many sets were broken up and sent to third-party grading services, where they were given a quality rating. The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin. The highest grade, “perfect 70,” has made the set worth more. Here’s an overview of the value of the set:
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Perfect 70 (graded) | $250 – $300 |
| Original Government Packaging | $180 – $250 |
Coins graded as “perfect 70” are typically the most valuable. If you want a complete set in original packaging, you can expect to pay slightly less, with recent eBay sales in the range of $180 to $250.
Expert Insight: Marc Landry on the 2013 Set
Marc Landry, the Plant Manager at the Philadelphia Mint, shared his thoughts on the production of the 2013 West Point Two-Coin Set. During the 2013 ANA National Money Show, he talked about the technical challenges of making these coins and the Mint’s efforts to create coins that meet collectors’ high expectations. This set’s success demonstrated how the Mint continues to produce high-quality coins that are highly regarded in the coin-collecting community.
Conclusion
The 2013 West Point American Silver Eagle Two-Coin Set is a standout in the world of coin collecting. It celebrates the West Point Mint’s 75th anniversary while showcasing unique coin finishes that collectors love. The strong demand during its release and its continued value in the market make it an important set for any serious collector. Whether you’re new to coin collecting or have been collecting for years, the 2013 West Point Silver Eagle set is an excellent addition to any collection.
FAQ’s
What is the 2013 West Point American Silver Eagle Two-Coin Set?
The 2013 West Point American Silver Eagle Two-Coin Set is a special edition released to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the West Point Mint. It includes two coins: the Enhanced Uncirculated Silver Eagle and the Reverse Proof Silver Eagle, both minted at West Point.
How much is the 2013 West Point Silver Eagle Two-Coin Set worth today?
The value of the set depends on its condition. Graded “perfect 70” sets can sell for $250-$300, while sets in original packaging typically range from $180 to $250.
Why is the 2013 West Point Silver Eagle Set so popular among collectors?
The set is highly valued for its unique finishes and limited availability. The set’s release was met with strong demand, making it a rare and desirable addition to any coin collection.