I'm curious about the uncirculated silver eagles in the Aniversary Sets. Is the uncirculated coin in either or both of the 2006 Aniversary Sets (3 coin set and gold/silver set) any different from the uncirculated coins that you can get from boullion dealers? I have heard the term burnished used but don't know if that applies to all 2006 coins or just the ones in the set. If there is a difference, is there any marking difference on the coins included in the set, to distinguish them from the other variety (assuming one exists). If I have this right, the coins in the aniversary sets have the "W". Does that mean they are the correct coin for the set or is there also something else to look for?
The coin from the Anniversary Sets feature a W mint mark. They differ from the bullion versions sold by dealers only by this feature. IIRC, 2006 marked the first year of the W mint mark burnished coins. They are available in sets other than the 20th Anniversary Set and were sold individually as were the Prrof Eagles found in the 20th Anniversary Set. The one coin that is unique to these sets is the reverse proof eagle. It was available only in the 20th Anniversary Set and no place else. It was available in both the gold and silver sets and is the most desirable coin within the sets.
The ASE's with the W are also available with the annual unc sets through the US mint. Last year was 2008 as far as I know, in fact I think it was 2006-2008 and I'm talking about the set that has the single ASE and the 6 president dollar coins.
That reverse proof ASE is a beautiful coin. I think it will always command a premium over the others in the set. If you buy just one of the three, IMO that is the one to get. TC
