American Silver Eagle Value Chart - 1986 Until Now

Jump to: Why collect Silver Eagles? | Design | Type 2 | Complete Value Chart | Investing in Silver Eagles | FAQs

The American Silver Eagle represents the cream of the crop of the United States Mint products. Since its launch in 1986, it has grown to become the world's most successful silver bullion coin program, so much so that it shares a collector market.

In this article, we will cover a brief history of the American Eagle silver coin program, its appeal as a collectible item, and its iconic design, and we will delineate a value chart based on the current silver spot price.

Thus, we will only cover PR and MS 69 and 70, the real gems for silver bullion coin collecting. Anything below that is too close to the silver spot price or melt value.

Why collect American Silver Eagles?

The American Silver Eagle is the most popular silver bullion coin in the world, followed by the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf.

Many experts will argue that the Eagles constitute the best way to invest in silver bullion within the United States because they usually fetch higher premiums than silver bars and rounds. 

The program started in 1986 under the 1985 Liberty Coin Act to deplete the Defense National Stockpile of silver. The American Gold Eagle and Silver Eagle were such an astounding success through the 1990s that Congress approved the program's extension to include Platinum coins in 1997.

Proof Silver Eagles have been in production since the program's inception in 1986. Still, other varieties and special editions were introduced, including the stunning reverse proof and the Burnished Uncirculated in 2006, usually accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity for security measures.

The 1 oz Silver American Eagle coin contains 1 oz of pure silver, bears a face value of $1, is issued by the United States Government, and is legal tender within U.S. territories. Like many Western nations, the United States denominates its bullion coins to give them more credibility.

American Silver Eagle Design

The obverse design is originally from the Walking Liberty Half Dollar coin, which was produced from 1916 to 1947, with Adolph A. Weinman as the designer.

Lady Liberty strides forward beneath a rising sun, the American flag draped over her shoulders, her right arm outstretched as if to lead and protect. In her left hand, she holds laurel branches, symbols of thanks and national achievement. The word “LIBERTY” crowns the top, with the mint year below her feet and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” beside her.

John Mercanti created the initial reverse design. He depicted a spectacular Heraldic Eagle, with its wings wide open and a striped shield on its chest, the great seal of the United States.

The bird holds a thin banner on its beak with the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Above the eagle's head are 13 five-pointed stars, representing the original colonies. Finally, the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “1 OZ. FINE SILVER ~ ONE DOLLAR” encircle the design.

The 2021 Type 2 Silver Eagles

In 2020, the US Mint announced it would implement a new 2021 reverse design for the American Gold Eagle and Silver Eagle. However, the new dies were not ready when production for the 2021 coins started, so the original design was kept for half a year and is, therefore, named American Silver Eagles 2021 Type 1.

As the new design was introduced during the year's second half, it became known as the 2021 Type 2 Silver Eagles.

Silver Eagle Bullion Reverse Side Type 2

Even though the design remains pretty much the same, the obverse (heads) design now more faithfully captures Adolph A. Weinman's initial vision, incorporating his customary artist mark A and W below the inscriptions " IN GOD WE TRUST."

Silver Eagle Bullion Reverse Side Type 2

Emily Damstra was the artist responsible for this new design. It shows a bald eagle landing on an oak branch, as the artist opted to portray this national symbol very naturally. However, the inscriptions around the design remained the same, with minor changes in the display.

American Silver Eagle Value Chart from 1986 to 2021

The following chart represents a pricing guide for the Silver Eagles from 1986 to the 2021 Type 2 coin. The values are found in the database of the two most prestigious grading companies in the United States, the PCGS and the NGC. 

We separated the Value Chart into Bullion coins (MS), Proof coins (PR), including reverse proof coins, and Uncirculated coins (SP), also referred to as Burnished. Remember that these prices may vary slightly according to possible fluctuations in the silver spot price.

American Silver Eagle Bullion Coins

Data from PCGS and NGC.

Silver Eagle Proof and Reverse Proof Coins

Data from PCGS and NGC.

American Silver Eagle Burnished Uncirculated Coins

Data from PCGS and NGC.

Note: Remember that when the US Mint branch where the mintage occurred is indicated after a hyphen, such as in 2025-S, it bears that mint mark. Whereas, when indicated within parentheses, as in 2025(W), it means the coin was struck at that facility but doesn't contain any mint mark.

S = San Francisco Mint / W = West Point Mint / P = Philadelphia Mint

Investing in Silver Eagles

Despite their collectible appeal or quality, the price of American Silver Eagle coins has always followed the value of silver. For example, when the coin was first produced, it was worth around $7, reflecting the silver spot price in 1985.

The last time a Silver Eagle saw a significant jump in value was in 2011, when silver reached nearly $50 per ounce and the coin traded for way over $40. Today, with the growing popularity of bullion products, the value of American Silver Eagles has been steadily increasing, and the trend is expected to continue, as the physical ownership of assets such as gold and silver provides a sense of safety.

Purchase American Silver Eagles from SD Bullion

At SD Bullion, you will find a variety of American Silver Eagle coins, bullion, proof, and uncirculated, enough to satisfy your investment needs or numismatic enthusiasm. Check out the one available in our inventory and enjoy the lowest premiums over the spot price of silver. 

Doubts? We are ready to help you with the web chat feature on this site, which you can access at the bottom right of your screen.

FAQs

How much are silver eagles worth?

The value of an American Silver Eagle is closely tied to the spot price of silver, which can fluctuate significantly. As of April 2025, silver is trading around $33 per ounce. Considering the typical dealer premium, a Silver Eagle is generally worth at least $38.

Why are silver eagles so expensive?

Several reasons contribute to the high price of Silver Eagles. They contain 1 oz of .999 fine silver (or 99.9%), guaranteed by the U.S. Mint, and are known for their beauty, iconic American symbols, and high quality. As the official U.S. bullion coin, they enjoy strong demand in the U.S. and globally. In addition to their silver content, their limited mintage and collectible appeal add numismatic value, making them more expensive than the spot price of silver alone.

How much over-spot should I pay for silver eagles?

The price of Silver Eagles depends on various factors such as numismatic value and rarity. The authorized purchasers usually pay the United States Mint around 2 or 3 dollars above the silver spot price, so you should always expect to pay a few dollars above the spot price of silver, which fluctuates around $33 as of April 2025, while a Silver Eagle price is at around $38.

How much can I sell my silver eagles for?

According to the professional grading service PCGS, buyers expect to buy a 2025 American Silver Eagle in mint state for more or less $36. The amount you can sell a Silver Eagle depends on its actual silver content, the current spot price, and any added premium based on condition, rarity, or demand. Sellers will most likely receive an amount close to the spot price plus a small premium.

FAQs

How much are silver eagles worth?

Just like any other precious metal coin, the American silver eagle's value is directly related to its metal content spot price. However, as of October 2023, according to PCGS, a 2023-W, $1 Silver Eagle in grade 69 or 70 can be worth up to $85 and $100, respectively.

Why are silver eagles so expensive?

The Silver Eagle's high price is a result of its purity, rarity, and numismatic value. So, the coin has one ounce of 99.93% silver and 0.07% copper; as an example of rarity, the 1995-W Proof had only 30,125 pieces, making it the rarest and most expensive in the series. On top of that, they are known for their top quality, global recognition, and full backing by the United States Mint.

How much over-spot should I pay for silver eagles?

The price of Silver Eagles depends on numismatic and rarity as well, and the authorized purchasers usually pay the U.S. Mint around 2 or 3 dollars above the silver spot price, so you should always expect to pay a few dollars above the spot price of silver, which fluctuates around $23 as in October 2023.

How much can I sell my silver eagles for?

Sellers expect to receive a price that covers both the spot price and the premium. So, as an example, as of October 2023, according to PCGS, a 2023-W, $1 Silver Eagle in grade 69 or 70 can be purchased for $85 and $100, respectively.