-
Silver American Eagles
-
Eagle Privy Silver Eagle Coins & Star Privy Silver Eagles
-
Graded Silver American Eagle Coins
-
Silver Eagles Monster Box
-
American Silver Eagle Proof Coins
-
US Mint Commemorative Silver Coins
-
Burnished American Silver Eagle Coins
Silver Eagles: Top Sellers
American Silver Eagle Coins for Sale Online
The American Silver Eagle is the official silver bullion coin of the United States, minted by the US Mint. Silver Eagles were first issued in 1986, along with its golden counterpart, the American Gold Eagle.
All American Silver Eagles are 99.9% pure silver bullion, struck in the one-troy-ounce size. The Silver American Eagle is legal tender in the U.S., with a face value of USD 1 (US dollar). Nevertheless, most are independently traded based on their silver content (intrinsic value).
Silver Eagles are the World's Favorite Silver Coin
The Official Silver Bullion Coin of The United States
Dating back to 1986, the American Eagle coin is the official silver bullion coin of the United States. The United States Government authorized the production of silver bullion coins for the U.S. with the Liberty Coin Act of 1985.
They also produce burnished (Uncirculated), proof, and reverse-proof silver eagles for collectors.
The Design Elements of Silver Eagle Coins
The Silver Eagle is an iconic piece of American coinage that is recognized around the world. Adolph A Weinman created the Walking Liberty coin obverse for the Walking Liberty Half Dollar in 1916.
The obverse side portrays Lady Liberty walking forward with the American flag draped around her shoulders, with her right hand outstretched; she is holding laurel branches in her left arm, with the setting sun behind her. The text on the obverse boldly states "Liberty" and the phrase "In God We Trust" along with the year of minting.
The American Silver Eagle receives its moniker due to the reverse. The original design, conceived by John Mercanti, portrayed a heraldic eagle with wings lifted high and 13 stars representing the 13 original states. The eagle grasps arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, representing the country's desire for peace but readiness for war. In front of the eagle's chest is the national shield. The ribbon on its beak read "E Pluribus Unum," which means "Out of many, One."
The Silver Eagle is considered one of the most beautiful silver coins produced in the world today. The bald eagle, native to North America, is a symbol of strength, courage, and the embodiment of freedom and progress.
The 2021 Design
The heraldic eagle reverse design was replaced in 2021 by a more naturally depicted bald eagle in mid-flight, carrying an oak branch as if to add it to its nest, while the obverse still features the original Half-Dollar Walking Liberty with oak branches.
The refreshed design is a creation of artist Emily Damstra. The inscriptions on the reverse side read "The United States of America," "1 oz Fine Silver One Dollar", and "E Pluribus Unum." So far, the US Mint has not released any plans to replace this new design.
The 2024 Silver Eagle weighs 1 oz and is struck from .999 fine silver. It maintains a diameter of 40.6mm (1.598 in) and is a reeded edge variation for enhanced security against counterfeiting.
Characteristics of Silver Eagles
Specifications of The Silver Eagle Coin:
- Composition: 99.9% silver purity
- Weight: 1.000 troy oz. (31.103 grams)
- Diameter: 1.598 inches (40.60 mm)
- Face Value: $1
- Edge: Reeded
A reeded edge consists of a series of closely spaced vertical grooves along the perimeter of the coin. This is a security measure to prevent clipping or shaving, preserving the coin's integrity and precious metal content.
Mint marks and their significance
Originally, mint marks were placed in coins as a quality control tool; if a coin had a mintage problem, it could be traced back to where it was minted. Nowadays, the mint adds historical value as it indicates rarity since some facilities can produce different numbers of coins through the years or special issues.
For example, From 2006 to 2008 and again in 2011, the United States Mint issued a collectible Uncirculated Silver Eagle coin produced at West Point (carrying "W" mint mark). The coins are struck on specially burnished blanks and sometimes are referred to as "W Uncirculated" or "Burnished Uncirculated."
The Proof Silver Eagle coins also feature a mint mark on the reverse design.
Types of American Silver Eagle Coins
Bullion Silver Eagles
Silver bullion coins are also called “Brilliant Uncirculated” and are the most common. These coins were initially intended to create a silver-rich market, an option for investors to buy silver as a private investment, driving the silver price down during the mid-1980s.
Proof Silver Eagles
Proof Silver Eagles are premium versions of the American Silver Eagle, crafted with exceptional detail and a mirror-like finish. These coins are struck multiple times to enhance their sharpness and luster, setting them apart from standard bullion versions. With a limited mintage and collectible appeal, Proof Silver Eagles carry higher premiums and are sought after by collectors and investors alike.
Burnished/Uncirculated Silver Eagles
The Uncirculated or Burnished Silver Eagle is a variation of the bullion version that undergoes a burnishing process to clean the oxides released by the blanks in the annealing furnace, resulting in shinier blanks.
It receives the moniker of Uncirculated because they are initially intended for collecting, not investing.
Uncirculated Silver Eagles are minted at the West Point branch and carry the “W” mint mark on the reverse.
Certified Silver Eagles
Certified Silver Eagles are coins appraised, authenticated, graded, and certified by professional rating companies, such as PCGS or NGC. The higher grades are those in Mint State or brilliant uncirculated condition.
Most third-party grading companies (PCGS, NGC, CAC) grade the condition of a coin based on the Sheldon Grading Scale, where 1 is the minimum grade and 70 is the highest. MS stands for Mint State. Any coin graded 60 or above will be in Mint State condition. Therefore, an MS70 grade indicates that a specimen is in perfect condition.
As third-party grading agencies certify and encapsulate the appraised coins, their condition remains protected and guaranteed. This process offers security that reduces counterfeiting concerns and consequently increases the search for graded Silver Eagle coins in the precious metals market.
Monster Box Packaging
They are ideal for investors who want to buy silver coins in bulk. The box is made of green plastic and arrives sealed, just like it was received from the United States Mint. There are sealed tubes containing 500 ounces of Silver Eagle coins inside. 500 one-ounce Silver Eagles are in each monster box.
See how the "Monster Boxes" of American Silver Eagles are created
The American Eagle Series
After the popularity of the American Eagle program in gold and silver versions, the U.S. Mint launched a platinum version in 1997. A palladium variant was also added to the series in 2018.
The U.S. Mint, being the official mint of an influential and respected sovereign nation, enjoys particular popularity that drums up demand for its products recognized worldwide. This ensures the investor will have a continuous fluid market to easily buy and sell U.S. Mint products.
Silver Eagles Value and Collectibility
Like all precious metals, the spot price and weight of the coin are the primary contributing factors to its value. On top of that base value, dealers add a premium, a percentage above the spot price of any bullion coin.
For the current year's silver eagles, this premium price is set by the U.S. Mint. For back-dated ones (no longer minted dates), the premium price is set by supply and demand for that specific year and the mintage figures for that specific year.
Commemorative Issues
The United States Mint is arguably one of the most successful national mints in the world. The institution is responsible not only for the production of all circulating coins in the country but also for the minting of the official US bullion coin programs, such as the American Eagle. On top of that, the Mint also issues a series of numismatic items designed for coin collecting, such as medals and commemorative coins.
Some notable commemorative silver coins include the 1900 General Lafayette Commemorative Silver One Dollar Coin and the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin.
These silver commemorative coins contain a limited mintage and are available for a restricted time. They are designed to honor landmarks and turning points in American history and culture and celebrate American People, places, and institutions.
The US Mint uses part of the revenue from commemorative coin programs to fund organizations and projects in favor of the community.
Buy U.S. Silver Eagles Online from SD Bullion
You can buy American Silver Eagles for the lowest price at SD Bullion. Shop online anytime or call our trade desk at 1-800-294-8732. American Silver Eagle Coins are also IRA eligible and add to any silver coin collection.
SD Bullion CEO Chase Turner's Overview
Silver Eagle coins are the most popular silver bullion coins in the world. If you're new to buying silver bullion or silver coins, I'd highly recommend getting some for your portfolio. Not only are they likely the most liquid coins in the world, but due to their popularity, they appreciate and hold their value unlike any other silver bullion coin you can invest in, especially if you're buying in bulk and can afford sealed boxes of silver eagles. Buy some, but don't open them. Unopened boxes get more valuable with each year that passes.
How much is a silver eagle worth today?
American Silver Eagle coins contain 1 Troy ounce of .999 fine silver bullion. The Silver Spot Price fluctuates during the day, so you can expect small ups and downs in prices, even by the minute. Additionally, bullion dealers charge a premium, which is a markup value to cover business costs and maintain a profit. At SD Bullion, once you add US Silver Eagle Coins to your shopping cart and proceed to check-out, prices will be locked-in so your purchase will no longer be affected by changes in the silver spot price.
Are American Silver Eagles IRA-eligible?
Yes, American Silver Eagles are IRA-eligible. The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) requires silver bars and silver coins to meet a purity grade of .999 or higher to be accepted as IRA funds. In order to do so, you will need to set up a self-directed retirement account and your Silver Eagles must be held by an authorized custodian. Learn more about setting up your IRA here or call 1-800-294-8732 to speak with an expert today!Can you get Silver Eagles at the bank?
Yes, you can purchase Silver Eagles at some banks, but not all of them. The US Mint only sells the bullion version of the Silver Eagles to authorized dealers (mostly bullion wholesalers and retailers). If your local bank is an authorized dealer, they can purchase and sell them. At SD Bullion, you will find a wide selection of American Silver Eagle coins for sale to meet both your investment and collection needs.Can I sell my American Silver Eagles back to SD Bullion?
Yes, SD Bullion has a very transparent and simple buyback process. Just reach out to our customer service at 1-800-294-8732 or through our web-chat feature. Our professional agents will help you through each step. You will receive a shipping label to place on your shipment and send your products for evaluation. Our inventory team will receive your package and inspect each product for authenticity. Once approved, you will receive your payment within 1-3 business days.Why should I invest in American Silver Eagles?
American Silver Eagles are one of the most recognizable silver coins in the precious metals market today, which means they are some of the most liquid forms of investing in silver bullion because investors are constantly buying and selling them.
What year is the most valuable American Silver Eagle coin?
The 1996 American Silver Eagle coin is the most valuable mint year. It has the lowest mintage of the program so far, which led to an increased demand among collectors. For the most part, the anniversary dates are naturally more desired, and they include the first year (1986), the 10th anniversary (1996), the 20th anniversary (2006), and the 30th anniversary (2016).
Are Silver Eagles 100% silver?
Silver Eagles are 99.9% pure silver. The last 0.1% is copper. Silver is very malleable and soft, so the tiny percentage of copper is added to the alloy to increase durability. You will not find 100% pure silver in the form of jewelry, bars, or coins.
How to store American Silver Eagles?
There are different tubes and boxes you can acquire to properly store your Silver Eagles. Those accessories help keep moisture off your silver coins and prevent tarnishing. As long as you stack in a cool, dry place and properly clean your silver coins from time to time, you will be able to maintain a shiny and valuable collection.
When did the Type 1 Eagle switch to the Type 2?
In 2021, as the American Eagles Program celebrated 35 successful years, the US Mint decided to innovate both the Silver and Gold Eagles with a new reverse design. The US Silver Eagle Type 2 reverse was designed by Emily Damstra, an artist from the AIP - Artistic Infusion Program. Her rendition showcases a more natural depiction of the bald eagle, as opposed to the heraldic eagle of the presidential seal used until then.How often does the U.S. Mint release new American Silver Eagle designs?
As of 2024, the US Mint has not released any information about plans to replace the current American Silver Eagle designs. The Type 2 reverse, implemented in 2021, was a celebration of the 35th anniversary of the program, and also an opportunity to add new anti-counterfeiting measures to the coins.Are there tracking devices in the Type 2 Silver Eagles (either on the coins or in the Monster Boxes)?
No, there aren’t tracking devices or microchips in the Type 2 Silver Eagles, neither on the coins nor in the Monster Boxes. This is a myth that has been debunked by many specialists.Are my older/backdated Silver Eagles worth more than the current year?
All American Silver Eagle coins contain 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver content. However, some key dates may be marginally more expensive than others, depending on the specific mintage for that year or other semi-numismatic reasons, including the coin's condition. For instance, the 1996 strike is notably one of the more sought after by collectors, as the American Eagle Program celebrated 10 successful years in 1996, and also that was the year with the lowest mintage so far in the program, with just over 3.6 million units minted that year.What are the security features on the ASE?
The US Mint has incorporated several security features on the American Silver Eagle bullion coins to ensure its authenticity and deter counterfeiting attempts. The first one is the coin possesses a reeded edge variation, which are, essentially, grooves along the perimeter, but, depending on the mintage year, the coin will have a different notch, or a missing reed. Additionally, the US Mint has perfected an advanced minting technique that creates high-definition design details. In other words, it is almost impossible to replicate the precise inscriptions and the realistic rendering of the obverse and reverse designs.Why are ASE at such a high premium compared to other coins?
The American Silver Eagle bullion coins have established themselves as one of the most sought-after silver bullion coins in the precious metals market. Investors and collectors alike appreciate the fine details and the advanced technique applied to the designs and recognize the US Mint as arguably one of the most advanced minting institutions in the world. Finally, the ASE are backed by the US Federal Government, with legal tender status within the United States of America. All those qualities combined are what makes ASE premiums higher than other similar silver coins.How many Eagles does the US Mint produce every year?
The mintage figures for American Silver Eagles vary each year and are not set by a consistent standard. Each year's release, along with its different versions, has a unique mintage. Bullion Silver Eagles are generally produced in the largest quantities, reaching multiple of millions units struck each year. Proof and burnished issues, which are aimed at collectors, are typically produced in smaller, more limited numbers. As of 2024, the largest mintage was in 2014, with 54,151,500 units struck, and the smallest mintage was in 1996, accounting for only 3,603,386 specimens.
What makes the ASE more desirable than another Country’s coin?
The American Silver Eagle (ASE) stands out for its intricate design, advanced minting techniques, and backing by the US Federal Government, ensuring legal tender status. Widely recognized worldwide, ASEs offer high liquidity and trust among investors. Their iconic Walking Liberty design, coupled with the US Mint's reputation for quality, often results in ASEs being a more desirable choice for both collectors and investors when compared to coins from other countries.Why does the ASE say its value is $1.00?
The American Silver Eagle (ASE) has a face value of $1.00 because it is designated as legal tender in the United States. However, this face value is largely symbolic, as the coin's true worth is based on its silver content and market value, which is significantly higher than $1. The $1 denomination is mainly a legal requirement, not a reflection of the coin’s actual value, which is tied to the price of silver.Do BU Coins have a Mint Mark? I see the “W” on the front of the Coin under “In God we trust”, is that for West Point?
No. The "W" mark on the obverse, below the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" are the coin designer's initials, a combination of the letters "A" and "W", which stand for Adolph Weinman, the creator of the "Walking Liberty" design. Mint Marks will only appear on the reverse of the collectible versions (Burnished and Proof). However, in 2024, the US Mint released a bullion version produced in the Philadelphia Mint that features a star privy on the obverse to indicate its origin.How can I tell if my American Silver Eagle is uncirculated?
When a Bullion Silver Eagle is still in mint condition, or in mint state (MS), preserving its original luster and design elements, without apparent wear or tear, they are considered to be in “Brilliant Uncirculated” condition, or simply BU. To be certain of your coin’s condition, you can have it graded by a third-party grading company, such as PCGS, NGC or CAC. Any coins graded from MS-60 to MS-70 (the highest grade) are considered “uncirculated”.