WASHINGTON - The United States Mint announced today that the 2005 American Eagle Silver Proof Coins will be available for sale on March 15, 2005, at 12:00 noon (ET). The release date for this product is six weeks earlier than in 2004, as part of the United States Mint’s commitment to make many of its 2005 products available earlier in the year.

Priced at $27.95 each, the 2005 American Eagle Silver Proof Coins have an unlimited mintage and are minted at the United States Mint at West Point. The coins bear the "W" mint mark. The popularity of the Silver Eagle Proof program has been increasing steadily over the past few years, and the United States Mint is committed to meeting the collecting needs of its long-time customers, as well as accommodating the requirements of the many new coin collectors joining the ranks of this growing hobby.

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 2005 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.

The 2005 American Eagle Silver Proof Coins will be available for sale throughout the year. The United States Mint reserves the right to limit quantities and may discontinue accepting orders at any time.

The 2005 American Eagle Gold Proof Coins went on sale on January 13, 2005, and are available for sale while quantities last, and the 2005 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins are scheduled to go on sale in April.

Customers can purchase the 2005 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.