The American Silver Eagle is the most popular silver bullion coin in the world. Production of these coins is based upon demand, and 2014 and 2015 were record-breaking years for the United States Mint in terms of sales. An estimated 44 million American Silver Eagles were struck and sold in 2014, making it easily the most coveted coin among investors and collectors. The 2016 coin is available to you.
Coin Highlights:
- Individual coins are encapsulated
- Contains 1 troy oz of .999 pure silver.
- Bears a face value of $1 (USD) backed by the federal government.
- Features the iconic Walking Liberty image.
American Silver Eagle coins were introduced in 1986, along with its gold counterpart, as the official bullion coin of the United States. Similar to the gold program, the United States Mint revived an iconic design from American coining history to feature on the obverse side of the coins.
Adolph A. Weinman, a student of the famous Augustus Saint-Gaudens, was chosen in 1915 to help in the redesign of Americas silver coins. US Mint Engraver Charles Barber had been responsible for the design of all American silver coinage dating back to 1892, but his designs were slowly phased out starting in 1912.
Weinmans depiction of Lady Liberty marching confidently westward toward the setting sun was inspiration. It depicted the nations desire for expansion and fearless approach to the unknown future, but it proved difficult for the US Mint to strike with clarity. The Mint was eventually able to produce the design effectively on the Walking Liberty Half Dollar from 1916 to 1947.
Today, the image features on the obverse face of all American Silver Eagle coins. In it, Liberty walks toward the setting sun with the American flag draped around her shoulders. The reverse features US Mint Chief Engraver John Mercantis heraldic eagle. Echoing the images of the Great Seal of the United States, the image features 13 stars representing the original colonies, and a bald eagle behind the heraldic shield of America.
