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American Silver Eagle Value Chart - 1986 Until Now

The American Silver Eagle represents the cream of the crop of the United States Mint products. Ever since its launch in 1986, it has grown to become the most important silver bullion coin program in the world. So much so that it actually shares a collector market. And we’re not referring to proof, reverse proof, and burnished versions. Some Silver Eagles in BU condition might actually reach 100 times its silver content value. Today, the program has reached the 2022's with the 2022 Silver Eagle Coin.

In this article, we will cover a brief history of the American Eagle silver coin program, its appeal as a collectible item, its iconic design, and delineate a value chart based on the current silver spot price (updated December 2021). Of course, when it comes to numismatic value, the condition of the coin is of utmost importance. Thus, we will only be covering PR and MS 69 and 70, which are the real gems when it comes to silver bullion coin collecting. Anything below that is too close to the silver spot price.

Why collect American Silver Eagles?

The American Silver Eagle is the most popular silver bullion coin in the world. Many experts will argue that they constitute the best way to invest in silver bullion because they usually fetch higher premiums. 

In addition, as we will cover in this article, some graded key dates carry such enormous numismatic value, that their prices far surpass their intrinsic value (precious metal content).

The program started in 1986 as a way to deplete the Defense National Stockpile of silver. Both the American Gold Eagle and Silver Eagle were such an astounding success through the 1990s that Congress approved the extension of the program to include Platinum coins in 1997. More recently, in 2017, the United States Mint also started producing Palladium Eagles.

Because the coins were so popular, the US Mint began producing some variations dedicated mostly to collectors. Proof Silver Eagles were already in production since the inception of the program in 1986, but other varieties and special editions were introduced over the years, including the stunning reverse proof and the Burnished Uncirculated, usually accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

The Silver American Eagle coin bears a face value of $1, issued by the United States Government and legal tender within U.S. territories. It contains 1 full troy ounce of pure silver.

You can also check out the Silver Eagle key dates for collectors.

American Silver Eagle Design


The obverse design is originally from the Walking Liberty Half Dollar coin, in production from 1916 to 1947. Adolph A. Weinman was the designer. The iconic portrait of Lady Liberty striding on a landscape touched by the sunburst of a rising sun, with the wind blowing Her gowns and the American flag wrapped around her shoulders. She has Her right arm stretched forward, as she leads the way to a brighter tomorrow while holding branches of laurel, celebrating the country’s achievements over the years on her left hand. The word “LIBERTY” adorns the outer rim on top, while the mint year appears on the lower face of the coin. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”, present in all American coinage, appears right behind Lady Liberty’s legs.

The initial reverse design was created by John Mercanti, the twelfth Chief Engraver of the US Mint. He depicted a spectacular heraldic eagle, with its wings wide open and a stripped shield on its chest, the great seal of the United States. The eagle grasps a bunch of arrows and olive branches on its talons, representing the country’s readiness for war, but the desire for peace. 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, encircling the design, are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “1 OZ. FINE SILVER ~ ONE DOLLAR”.

In 2020, the US Mint announced they would be implementing a new 2021 reverse design for both the American Gold Eagle and Silver Eagle. However, the new dies were not ready yet 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 second half of the year, it became known as the 2021 Type 2 Silver Eagles.

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 in a very natural way. But the inscriptions around the design remained the same.

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 based on the two most prestigious grading companies in the United States, the PCGS and the NGC

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

American Silver Eagle Bullion Coins

 

Mint Year PCGS MS-69 PCGS MS-70 NGC MS-69 NGC MS-70
1986 $83 $1,050 $100 $975
1987 $60 $1,200 $60 $1,025
1988 $65 $2,350 $55 $1,350
1989 $62 $1,225 $90 $1,425
1990 $72 $4,850 $90 $4,000
1991 $60 $2,800 $65 $3,600
1992 $58 $2,250 $70 $2,400
1993 $64 $4,750 $55 $4,550
1994 $54 $11,500 $75 $4,000
1995 $66 $2,600 $90 $875
1996 $110 $5,175 $120 $5,650
1997 $57 $1,225 $55 $1,200
1998 $60 $2,000 $55 $1,000
1999 $68 $13,500 $65 $12,000
2000 $58 $5,000 $60 $4,250
2000 Millenium Set $95 $14,000    
2001 $54 $1,175 $50 $850
2002 $60 $540 $55 $315
2003 $55 $215 $55 $155
2004 $56 $145 $50 $100
2005 $57 $170 $50 $150
2006 $52 $150 $50 $130
2007 $56 $110 $45 $85
2008 $54 $85 $45 $65
2009 $56 $75 $45 $70
2010 $52 $60 $45 $55
2011 25th Anniversary  $52 $77 $45 $75
2011 25th Anniversary Set $52 $65 $75 $365
2011-S 25th Anniversary Set $160 $285 $75 $365
2011-W 25th Anniversary Set     $55 $75
2011(S) $53 $57 $53 $100
2011(W) $54 $65 $50 $85
2012 $52 $77 $45 $55
2012(S) $60 $62 $40 $50
2012(W) $52 $73 $40 $50
2013 $52 $66 $40 $65
2013(S) $47 $57 $50 $77
2013(W) $47 $62 $40 $70
2014 $52 $67 $40 $50
2014(S) $50 $57 $39 $67
2014(W) $45 $54 $40 $62
2015 $52 $57 $40 $65
2015(W) $52 $57 $40 $65
2015(P)     $500 $750
2016 30th Anniversary $52 $63 $35 $50
2016(P) $58   $35 $50
2016(S)     $35 $50
2016-W 30th Anniversary $52 $57 $35 $50
2017 $52 $63 $35 $50
2018 $52 $63 $35 $50
2019 $52 $57 $35 $50
2019(W) $52 $61 $35 $50
2020 $48 $60 $65 $90
2020(W) $56 $65 $40 $50
2021 Type 1 $60 $70 $45 $60
2021(P) Emergency Issue $57 $125 $85 $155
2021(S) Emergency Issue $62 $100 $60 $90
2021 Type 2     $50 $65
2021(W Type 2     $55 $70
2021-W Type 2     $130 $190

 

Silver Eagle Proof and Reverse Proof Coins

Mint Year PCGS PR-69 PCGS PR-70 NGC PR-69 NGC PR-70
1986-S $110 #385 $125 $750
1987-S $85 $410 $75 $550
1988-S $85 $340 $70 $270
1989-S $88 $250 $70 $200
1990-S $85 $225 $70 $200
1991-S $78 $385 $70 $415
1992-S $88 $315 $70 $340
1993-P $80 $1,000 $110 $1,000
1994-P $150 $900 $135 $1,000
1995-P $82 $385 $75 $275
1995-W Anniversary Set $3,275 $19,000 $3,500 $16,500
1996-P $100 $400 $100 $350
1997-P $85 $410 $80 $475
1998-P $80 $225 $75 $200
1999-P $88 $340 $70 $240
2000-P $85 $450 $70 $300
2001-W $76 $175 $70 $135
2002-W $80 $150 $70 $135
2003-W $85 $135 $70 $135
2004-W $80 $110 $75 $100
2005-W $78 $110 $75 $100
2006-W $78 $120 $75 $100
2006-W 20th Anniversary Silver Dollar Set $85 $140 $75 $100
2006-P 20th Anniversary Silver Dolar Set Reverse Proof $110 $300 $115 $275
2007-W $78 $110 $75 $100
2008-W $76 $110 $75 $100
2010-W $74 $92 $75 $100
2011-W $78 $110 $75 $100
2011-W 25th Anniversary Set $80 $100 $80 $105
2011-P 25th Anniversary Set Reverse Proof $260 $425 $200 $400
2012-W $80 $110 $75 $100
2012-S     $75 $105
2012-S San Francisco Eagle Set $85 $110 $70 $100
2012-S San Francisco Eagle Set Reverse Proof $82 $225 $90 $185
2013-W $75 $110 $75 $100
2013-W Reverse Proof $82 $130 $100 $135
2014-W $75 $110 $75 $100
2015-W $75 $97 $75 $100
2016-W Lettered Edge - 30th Anniversary $80 $150 $75 $120
2016-W $75 $87    
2017-S $75 $100 $80 $120
2017-W $75 $100 $70 $100
2018-S $75 $100 $75 $100
2019-S     $75 $100
2019-S Enhanced Reverse Proof $1,175 $,2550 $1,500 $2,500
2019-W $75 $90 $75 $100
2019-W Enhanced Reverse Proof $145 $190 $70 $125
2020-W $82 $135 $80 $120
2020-W "V75" $475 $650 $525 $650
2021-W Type 1 $125 $225   $220


American Silver Eagle Burnished Uncirculated Coins

Mint Year PCGS SP-69 PCGS SP-70 NGC SP-69 NGC SP-70
2016-W 20th Anniversary $46 $375    
2006-W $42 $150 $60 $115
2007-W $42 $100 $55 $90
2008-W $42 $145 $50 $80
2008-W '07 Reverse $490 $1,150 $525 $1,000
2011-W $42 $110 $47.50 $70
2011-W 25th Anniversary Set $45 $100    
2012-W $60 $135 $60 $85
2012-W Uncirculated Set $100 $120    
2013-W $55 $115 $80 $150
2013-W Uncirculated Set $60 $120    
2013-W Enhanced $82 $105    
2014-W $42 $82 $55 $90
2015-W $49 $72 $40 $70
2015-W Uncirculated Set $60 $115    
2015-W First Strike $65 $135    
2016-W 30th Anniversary Lettered Edge $70 $115 $50 $100
2017-W $54 $90 $50 $90
2018-W $55 $78 $65 $90
2019-W $65 $78 $65 $90
2020-W $90 $145 $75 $175

 

Note: Keep in mind that when the US Mint branch where the mintage occurred is indicated after a hyphen, such as in 2012-S, it indicates it bears that mint mark. Whereas, when it is indicated within parenthesis, as in 2012(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

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 sate your investment needs or numismatic enthusiasm. Check out the one we have available in our inventory and enjoy the lowest premiums over the spot price of silver. 

Talk to one of our sales representatives in case you have any questions or specific needs. We are ready to help you over the phone at 1(800)294-8732 or at sales@sdbullion.com. We have a live web chat feature as well, which you can access at the bottom right of your screen.

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James Anderson
James Anderson
Senior Market Analyst & Content

A bullion buyer years before the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, James Anderson is a grounded precious metals researcher, content creator, and physical investment grade bullion professional. He has authored several Gold & Silver Guides and has been featured on the History Channel, Zero Hedge, Gold-Eagle, Silver Seek, Value Walk and many more. You can pick up Jame's most recent, comprehensive 200+ Page book here at SD Bullion.

Given that repressed commodity values are now near 100-year low level valuations versus large US stocks, James remains convinced investors and savers should buy and maintain a prudent physical bullion position now, before more unfunded promises debase away in the coming decades...

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