These are not proof coins, not bullion coins, but a special collector's release of uncirculated coins with an unbelievably low mintage and a special burnished finish. Each of these American Eagles began with a custom, burnished blank that was hand-loaded into a coin press producing a remarkably high-quality strike. These coins can be easily identified from other common uncirculated silver, gold and platinum coins by the "W" mint mark located on the obverse of the coin.