A Guide Through American Silver Eagles

First minted in 1986, the American Silver Eagle is the official coin of the U.S., with the weight, content, and purity of the coin guaranteed by the United States Mint. While they are legal tender and have a face value of $1, their intrinsic value is much higher. Each coin is 1 oz .999 fine silver, making it America’s first 99.9% pure silver dollar.  

Obverse

The obverse depicts Adolph A. Weinman’s “Walking Liberty,” originally used on the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, minted from 1916 to 1947. This design became so iconic and beloved that it was revived for the Silver Dollar in 1986.

Reverse

The reverse of the Silver Eagle Coin echoes the Great Seal of the United States. The back, designed by Jon Mercanti, depicts a shield in front of a heraldic eagle with an olive branch clutched in the right talon and arrows grasped by the eagle’s left talon. Located above the eagle are thirteen five-point stars representing the original thirteen colonies.

Variations of American Silver Eagles

1. Bullion American Silver Eagles
   • Bullion coins are the most common variation of American Silver Eagles. There is no mintage limit. Many of the highest-value bullion coins you will find are NGC Certified. 
2. Uncirculated American Silver Eagles
   • Known as burnished silver eagles, their number is far lower than proof or bullion coins. They are minted just like proof coins, including a mint mark on the reverse, only a burnished silver blank is used in place of the polished one creating a satin-like field rather than mirror-like.  They are minted exclusively for collectors.  
3. Proof American Silver Eagles
   • Historically, proof coins are sold directly to the public by the United States Mint. They are packed in protective plastic capsules and mounted in a velvet-covered, satin-lined presentation case. They come with a certificate of authenticity.  They are struck from specially created blanks that are cleaned, polished, and hand-fed into a printed press that strikes each coin multiple times with a detailed die. Unlike bullion coins, they have a mint mark on the reverse and extra-sharp images featuring mirror-like fields and frosted details. 

They are minted in: 

• West Point
• Philadelphia Mint
• San Francisco Mint

Special Issue American Silver Eagles

These coins have a higher value than other styles and include: 

Silver is a popular investment, and American Silver Eagles are a safe, simple, and beautiful way to start. Investing in precious metals has proven to be a way to store wealth that is protected against inflation, economic disruptions and other crises. Since the United States Mint guarantees American Eagles, their content is beyond question. Start or continue your collection today with Pinehurst Coins.