Buy 1986 American Silver Eagle Coin

The 1986 American Silver Eagle coins were the first ones struck in this historical program, along with the golden counterpart, the American Gold Eagles. The United States Mint introduced the series as a response to the clamor of investors and numismatists who wanted an American-made bullion coin to rival the Krugerrand and the Maple Leaf coins, from South Africa and Canada, respectively. The Mint’s response couldn’t have met a better reaction as the American Eagle coins quickly grew to become the most popular bullion coin program in the world.

Of course, the 1986 issue is especially important to collectors, as it was the first mintage from the program.

Item Specifications

• The first issue of the American Silver Eagle;

• Official silver bullion coin from the United States of America;

• Guaranteed to contain 1 troy oz. of .999 fine silver content in BU condition;
• Issued by the United States Government and legal tender within U.S. territory;
• Bears a face value of $1;
• IRA Eligible;
• Orders in multiples of 20 coins ship in original mint tubes;
• The obverse displays the iconic "Walking Liberty" design by Adolph A. Weinman;
• The famous Heraldic Eagle on the reverse;
• Lowest prices guaranteed at SD Bullion.

The history of the American Eagle Silver coin

The precise release date of the American Silver Eagle was on November 24, 1986. At the time, the Krugerrand and the Maple Leaf bullion coins were already popular among investors and collectors. But the real impetus to mint these coins came from executive plans since the 1970s and early 1980s to liquidate the huge stockpile of silver from the National Defense. The first mintage also included a proof version of the American Silver Eagles.

According to reports, Secretary of Treasury James A. Baker III presided over the first striking ceremony on October 29, 1986, at the San Francisco Assay Office. Before starting the press machines, he turned to the audience and said: “I don't need a pick and shovel to start the San Francisco Silver Rush of 1986.”

Since its launch, the Silver Eagle coins have arguably become the most successful silver bullion coin in the world. Investors flock to these coins as bees to a hive, making them one of the most liquid options when it comes to silver investing.

In 1997, the United States Mint expanded the program to include, not only silver and gold bullion coins but also a Platinum Eagle coin. And in 2017, a palladium version came out as well.

The Design of the coin (1986 - 2021)

The iconic “Walking Liberty” design is originally from the Half Dollar coin, issued by the United States Government from 1916 to 1947. Adolph A. Weinman was the designer. We can see the beautiful figure of Lady Liberty striding from right to left on the coin’s verse. Her right palm faces up from her stretched arm, while the left holds branches of laurels. The American flag waves adorned around Her shoulders with the rising sun in the background. The inscription on top read the word “LIBERTY”, honoring the basic principles from the American Founding Fathers. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”, present in all American coinage, appears behind the Goddess, and the mint year on the outer rim below, close to the reeded edges.

American sculptor and engraver, John Mercanti, designed the original reverse which was used until 2021. He portrayed a traditional heraldic eagle behind a shield, as it appears on the presidential seal. The eagle grasps a bunch of arrows on one talon and an olive branch on the other. The symbolism behind it means America is always ready for war, but with a constant desire for peace. The eagle also holds a banner on its beak with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. Above the eagle’s head are thirteen 5-pointed stars, representing the original colonies. Encircling the figure are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “1 OZ. FINE SILVER ~ ONE DOLLAR”.

Mintage

The United States Mint produced 5,393,005 bullion coins of the Silver Eagles and 1,446,778 in proof finish. They all contain 1 troy ounce (31.103 g) of .999 fine silver content. There are no fractional weights for the American Silver Eagle.

At the time, both versions of the coin were produced at the San Francisco Mint. The proof version bears the “S” mint mark.

American Silver Eagles have a diameter of 40.6 mm (1.598 in) and a thickness of 2.98 mm (0.1173 in)

Purchase 1986 American Silver Eagles from SD Bullion

The American Silver Eagles are a testament to the United States Mint's expertise in coinage minting and high-quality products. You will find them at SD Bullion at the lowest premiums over the silver spot price. Guaranteed!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to diversify your portfolio with these easy to liquidate silver bullion coins. Talk to our sales department in case you have any questions. We are live on our web chat feature at the bottom right of your screen. You can also reach us over the phone at 1(800)-8732. If you prefer, send us an email at sales@sdbullion.com and we will reply to you as soon as possible.