The American Eagle Silver bullion coin has long been considered the United States’ official silver coin. For this reason, it has also become a relatively inexpensive way for both adults and children to begin investing in precious metals.
The Silver American Eagle is also one of the most recognizable and popular coins worldwide. Learn more about it:
Silver American Eagle Coin Facts
- The coin is available in two forms: an investment coin and an uncirculated (proof) set.
- It weighs in at 1 troy ounce of pure (99.9%) silver.
- It’s available for single purchase or bulk (such as a Monster Box containing 500 coins).
- The coin has been minted every year since 1986.
- Silver bullion coins are permissible in IRA retirement accounts by U.S. law.
- First strike coins (rare and hard to find) are available to collectors through the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
About the American Silver Eagle Coin
With the passing of the Liberty Coin Act of 1986, the U.S. Mint began creating the American Eagle Silver bullion coin. The first mint to create the coin was the San Francisco Mint followed by the Philadelphia Mint.
American Eagles are now minted at West Point, and collectors’ proofs are minted by the U.S. Mint itself.
American Silver Eagle Coin Features
Obverse
“Walking Liberty,” a portrait created by Adolph A. Weinman and which once graced the Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947), is featured on the front of the coin.
Reverse
The back of the American Eagle features a shield and a heraldic eagle with an olive branch and arrows in its talons. The reverse also shows 13 stars that represent the 13 original colonies. The image was originally designed by the sculptor John Mercanti.