American Silver Eagle
In 1985, the Liberty Coin Act was established, which authorized the production of a silver coin that will serve as the official silver bullion coin of the United States. In compliance with this Act, the United States Mint produced the American Silver Eagle coin the following year and announced it as the nation’s official silver coin.
Then, in November 1986, bullion and proof versions of the American Silver Eagle became available for public purchase from the United States Mint. So far, it has been revered as one of the finest coins throughout the American coinage history.
Originally, the intention behind the coin was to introduce and release an abundance of silver into coin circulation, which the coin was able to do so, as evidenced by the consistent and gradual increase in the demand and supply of the American Silver Eagle coin. As a result, the US Mint issues around 40 million one-dollar American Silver Eagle coins during each year of the said series. The coin is strictly struck only in the one troy ounce size. Out of all the silver bullion coins existing in today’s market, it is the only whose weight and purity are guaranteed by the United States Government.
Being the nation’s official silver coin, the production of various versions of the American Silver Eagle is inevitable. This gives it that collectibility factor and provides enthusiasts and patriots with something to look forward to each year. Today, all American Silver Eagle coins are in uncirculated, proof, and burnished finishes, as well as certified options.
The Uncirculated Silver Eagles are manufactured in three mints: West Point, San Francisco, and Philadelphia Mints Proof Coins are struck twice, which makes the coins more lustrous and finely detailed. On the other hand, the Burnished Coins are minted using special blanks that have a matte finish.
Value
The American Silver Eagle is a legal tender that bears a face value of $1 backed by the federal government. As a bullion coin, it will always contain at least 1 troy ounce of silver. This means that the coin’s silver content holds most of the coin’s value. And, since it can carry so much value and is certified by the US Mint, American Silver Eagles can now be used to fund any Individual Retirement Account investments.
Design
All items in the American Silver Eagle coin series share various design elements. On the coin’s obverse, the iconic depiction of Lady Liberty by Adolph A. Weinman is usually featured. Primarily, the design was made to be used on half-dollar coins in 1916. It portrays Liberty in left-profile relief wearing the American flag over her shoulders while walking towards a horizon at sunset, to which her right arm is reaching out. Meanwhile, her left arm is carrying laurel and oak branches. America’s national motto, “In God We Trust”, can be found near her heels.
The coin’s back side, on the other hand, often displays an image of the heraldic eagle of the United States. Various versions of the design of the coin’s reverse may exist, but it will always focus on the American Eagle. Engravings on the coin’s reverse may include “United States of America” and “1 oz of Fine Silver One Dollar.”