WASHINGTON - The United States Mint announced today that the 2004 American Eagle Silver Proof Coins will be available for sale on April 27, 2004, at 12:00 noon (Eastern Time).

The 2004 American Eagle Silver Proof Coins have a limited mintage of 850,000, are minted at the United States Mint at West Point, and bear the "W" mint mark. The American Eagle Silver Proof Coin is priced at $27.95.

The American Eagle Silver Proof Coin's obverse (heads) design is Adolph A. Weinman's full-length figure of Liberty in full stride with her right hand extended and branches of laurel and oak in her left. The reverse (tails) design, by United States Mint sculptor/engraver John Mercanti, features the heraldic eagle with shield, an olive branch in the right talon, and arrows in the left.

Each 2004 American Eagle Silver Proof Coin is sealed in a protective capsule; mounted in a handsome, satin-lined velvet presentation case; and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity documenting the coin's place in history.

Because mintages of the 2004 American Eagle Silver Proof Coins are limited, orders should be placed early. American Eagle Silver Proof Coins are available for sale while quantities last or until the 2005 coins are issued. The United States Mint reserves the right to limit quantities and may discontinue accepting orders at any time.

The 2004 American Eagle Gold Proof Coins is scheduled for release in May 2004. The 2004 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins will be available in late summer.

Customers can purchase the 2004 American Eagle Silver Proof Coins by using the United States Mint’s secure website, www.usmint.gov, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order will be added to all domestic orders.

As an added convenience, customers can participate in a subscription-ordering program in which American Eagle Silver Proof Coins can be charged and shipped to the customer automatically as each new coin is released. For more information about this ordering method, please visit www.usmint.gov.