The American Silver Eagle is one of the best-selling bullion coins in the world. The official manufacturer of the coin is the United States Mint, minting the silver Eagle since 1986.

Size, Fineness and Fine Weight

The fineness of the American Silver Eagle is 999/1000. The Silver Eagle has a fine weight of 31.103 g, which corresponds to one ounce of silver. The coin has a nominal value of $1.

Ounces Fineweight     Diameter     Thickness     Nominal Value

1oz                 31,103 g                      40,6 mm          2,98 mm             1 Dollar

History of American Eagles

The American Silver Eagle was first introduced in 1986. The silver coin is available in only the 1 oz variant, but in two different qualities. “Mint-state, uncirculated” is meant for the investor, and “Proof” quality for collectors. 1986 was the same year the United States Mint also issued the American Gold Eagle for the first time. The Gold Eagle is available in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz and 1/10 oz.  

The American Silver Eagle is minted in double-digit millions annually. Due to the high mintage, the Silver Eagle ranks with the Vienna Philharmonic and the Maple Leaf as one of the best-selling investment silver coins in the world. The first edition in 1986 had a volume of 5.096 million pieces. 

Appearance

Equipped with an edge bar, rippled edge and beautiful design, the American Eagle looks very appealing. But unlike the Gold American Eagle, the Silver Eagle does not have an ornamental circle. The front shows the motif of Lady Liberty. She wears a robe and the American flag on her shoulders. She holds laurel and oak branches in her arms. The laurel stands for peace and the oak leaves represent military power. In the upper half of the coin "LIBERTY" is imprinted and "IN GOD WE TRUST" can be seen to the right. Below is the name of the motif and the year. 

On the back is a representation of the Great Seal of the United States. The central image is the bald eagle that holds a banner with the words "E Pluribus Unum" in his beak. In a claw he holds laurel branches, which indicate a willingness to make peace.  In the other claw he holds arrows that indicate the willingness to fight. Above the Eagle, 13 stars are depicted, which stand for the former 13 founding colonies of the United States. Above the American Eagles "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" is imprinted and below  "1OZ. FINE SILVER ONE DOLLAR " can be seen.

United States Mint

The US Mint is headquartered in Washington DC and produces the Silver and Gold Eagle. The US Mint also prints the Dollar and manufactures other commemorative coins. Operating with several mint branches, each branch has its own mint-mark. The Authority (mint) was created in 1792. From 1799, it became an independent authority and in 1873 part of the Department of the Treasury.

Mint                   Mint Mark    

West Point                W

Philadelphia              P

Denver                       D

San Francisco          S

Tips: Silver Coins

Silver coins are not exempt from VAT in Germany. When buying silver coins investors should pay attention to the current price of silver and also on the premium. Premiums on silver coins can sometimes be in the double digits. 

Premiums can also vary, depending on the brand of silver coin. Most bullion dealers offer discounts for larger purchases. Silver coins should be handled with care, because silver is a very soft metal and thus can easily scratch.

Details

Country: United States

Manufacturer: US Mint

Denomination: 1 Dollar

Fineness: 999/1000

Fine weight: 31.103 g

Diameter: 40.6 mm

Thickness: 2.98 mm