sterlingmining

Wallace Idaho commemorative silver coin featuring historic mining town design and fine silver marking

Sterling Coin Program

Gallery

Sterlling Mining Company began the Sterling Coin Program in 2001 and annualy had minted various silver coins/rounds until 2007. The sizes ranged from one third of an ounce up to five ounces. S Sterling Mining Coin Program in the news June 2004 :
        Mines coin idea that’s worth mint
Sterling Mining Company Silver Coin 2001
Wallace Idaho commemorative silver coin featuring historic mining town design and fine silver marking
Sterling Mining Sunshine Mine commemorative silver coin featuring Jewell Shaft Idaho design 2005

The Sterling Coin Program

Sterling Mining Company in 2001 started the Sterling coin/rounds program

The program consisted of .999 silver coins/rounds,. Each coin had a representation of local mines or places in Wallace,Idaho. Shops in Wallace would give the coins out in the change, and sharehodlers or collectors would by the coins. The coins were .5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 oz silver

Sterling Mining had produced silver coins  commemorative silver rounds from 2000 to 2008. The coins commemorated Idaho’s Silver Valley, the city of Wallace and its sights, and the Sunshine Mine. The coins were .999 fine silver, and in sizes of half, one, two and five ounces of silver. The most common were the one-ounce coin, with the five ounce being the most limited with less than one hundred made. The coins were produced as uncirculated and proof, sold direct from Sterling Mining Company or local retail outlets.

Overview

The Sterling Silver Coin Program was created by Sterling Mining Company to celebrate the rich mining heritage of Idaho’s legendary Silver Valley. Minted between 2000 and 2008, these limited‑edition rounds were struck in .999 fine silver and featured designs inspired by the region’s mines, landmarks, and historical events.

Each coin was produced in small batches, making the series a sought‑after collectible among silver investors, mining historians, and numismatists.

Program Highlights

  • Purity: .999 fine silver
  • Minting Years: 2000–2008
  • Themes: Sunshine Mine, Wallace landmarks, Silver Valley mining history
  • Availability: Sold locally by various shops in Wallace, Idaho and through Sterling Mining
  • Collector Appeal: Low mintage, multiple sizes, proof and uncirculated finishes

Coin Specifications

The program offered several sizes to appeal to both collectors and investors:

  • Half‑ounce silver round — compact collectible format
  • One‑ounce silver round — the most widely produced and recognized
  • Two‑ounce silver round — limited mintage, higher silver content
  • Five‑ounce silver round — fewer than 100 pieces minted, extremely scarce
  • Ten‑ounce round — produced in very small numbers (rarely seen today)

Each round featured detailed engraving, weight and purity markings, and artwork tied to Sterling Mining’s operations.

Design Themes

The Sterling Coin Program highlighted the people, places, and history that shaped the Silver Valley:

  • Sunshine Mine — one of America’s most productive silver mines
  • Wallace, Idaho — the historic mining town where Sterling Mining was headquartered
  • Mining heritage

 

Historical Context

The program launched during a period of renewed interest in silver and regional mining history. Sterling Mining used the series to:

  • Promote awareness of Idaho’s mining heritage
  • Provide collectors with high‑quality silver rounds
  • Support Local Businesses
  • Promote Sterling  Mining Company