Weather you are a seasoned collector or new to the game of coin collecting, the American silver eagle, will make a nice addition to your lot. This coin is a product of the United States Mint and was released on November, 24, 1986. It is composed of a complete troy once of 99.9% pure silver. The bullion version of this coin has a face value of one dollar, however bearing the silver content, is worth much more.
The American silver eagle coin is of a most beautiful nature and design. The front face of the coin features Adolph .A Weinman’s “Walking Liberty” design. This is an American favorite for sure. The head of the walking liberty is adorned with the world, liberty, with the letters of the word circling around the top portion of the coin. At the feet is inscribed, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, along with the coins issue date.
The back side of the coin was designed by John Mercanti. It features a heraldic eagle, standing behind a shield. The winged birds holds in his beak, a banner bearing the words “E pluribus unum”. E pluribus unum, is Latin for, “Out of many, one”, which is one of the phrases on the seal of the United States. The eagles right talon extends an olive branch of peace, his left talon displays a bundle of arrows. Above the eagles head, is a triangle of perfect, five point stars, in representation of the thirteen original colonies. The top of the coin reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, at the bottom is 1 OZ. FINE SILVER~ONE DOLLAR.
As mentioned, the coin is a full troy once of pure silver. It has a diameter of 40.6 mm, and a thickness of 2.98 mm, with the traditional reeded edges. The coin was first produced, or minted in 1988, and still continues today. It has been produced in three areas, the San Francisco, Philadelphia, and West Point mints.
The idea to produce the American silver eagle, was born of a desire to spend a portion of the National Defenses stockpile of silver. Several politicians felt that the stockpile was far greater than needed. Plans to reduce this stockpile had began in the 1970′s and continued through the eighties, when the coin first came to life.
Collectors bear special attention to the different types of American silver eagle coins. They first look at these coins to see if the are Bullion, Proof, and when they can come across them from another collection, inoculated. Most want, as many of each as they can get their hands on.
The bullion silver eagle, is a coin that does not bear a mint mark. The coins were produced between the years of 1986 and 1998, at the San Francisco mint, and from 1999 to 2000, at the Philadelphia mint. The only year they were minted at West Point was in 2001. These years were a test run of full production to come.
American Silver eagle proof coins, minted for full public release were as follows. The San Francisco mint produced the coins from 1986 to 1992. The coins are marked with a “S” mint mark. They were minted in Philadelphia during the years of 1993 to 2000. These were marked with a “P”. West point minting came from 2001 to 2008, and these coins were marked with “W” mint mark. Production of the coin did not exist in 2009. Minting resumed in 2010 at West Point, again the coins being mint marked with a “W”.
If you do consider collecting the American silver eagle coins, research the various special editions. There are numerous special editions prints, representing different occasions, times, and events. This includes the “Philadelphia set” which was minted in remembrance of bicentennial, “United States Millennium Coinage and Currency Set”, the “Legacies of Freedom United States and United Kingdom Silver Bullion Coin Set” ,the “Reverse Proof Silver Eagle” , the “Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set.”, and the “American Eagle 25th Anniversary Silver Coin Set”, among several others.
When purchasing these coins be sure to check them for authenticity. Look for certificates of authenticity. As well, check mint marks. Also, you need to be aware of overall condition of the coin itself. The ones which are less handled are worth more in value. You do not want a coin that has a large number of scratches or vast face wear. Marks of any kind take away from worth. Keep this in mind if purchasing coins for your private collection.
