American Eagle Silver Dollar Value and Worth Guide

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Brown and White American Bald Eagle
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The American Eagle Silver Dollar is a highly sought-after coin among collectors and investors. It's a great option for anyone looking to own a piece of American history.

The American Eagle Silver Dollar was first introduced in 1986, and since then, it has become one of the most popular silver coins in the world. The coin's design is based on Adolph A. Weinman's iconic Walking Liberty half-dollar design.

Each American Eagle Silver Dollar contains one ounce of 99.9% pure silver, making it a great investment opportunity. The coin's silver content is guaranteed by the US government.

Value and Worth

The value of an American Silver Eagle coin can vary greatly depending on its year of minting, condition, and current market demand for silver bullion. Typically, these coins are priced based on the prevailing market price of silver, often with a premium above the spot price due to their collectibility and numismatic value.

American Eagle Perched on Bare Tree
Credit: pexels.com, American Eagle Perched on Bare Tree

A typical American Silver Eagle in brilliant uncirculated condition may be valued around $40 and higher, while rare silver eagles can fetch much higher numbers. The 1999 coin is the most valuable and highly sought after, with the Philadelphia mint producing 7.5 million silver eagles in 1999 as uncirculated coins.

Coins that are graded as 70 are the most valuable, and the most popular dates are 1986, 1994, 1995-W, 1999, 1996, and 2019-S.

Value Chart 1986-2021

The American Silver Eagle coin has a rich history, and understanding its value is crucial for collectors and investors alike. The coin's value can fluctuate based on various factors, including minting costs, certification fees, market demand, and scarcity.

In 1986, the American Silver Eagle coin was first introduced, and since then, it has become a popular silver bullion coin. The coin's design has undergone changes over the years, with the most recent design introduced in 2021.

Credit: youtube.com, American Silver Eagle worth great money!

The value of the American Silver Eagle coin can vary depending on its condition, rarity, and certification. Proof and burnished coins, for example, carry higher premiums than standard bullion versions due to their limited mintage, enhanced finishes, and collectible status.

Here is a breakdown of the American Silver Eagle coin's value from 1986 to 2021, based on the two most prestigious grading companies in the United States, PCGS and NGC:

Certified American Silver Eagles, especially proof or burnished editions, command even higher premiums due to their limited mintage and certification by reputable grading agencies. These coins offer not only the intrinsic value of silver but also significant numismatic appeal.

The value of the American Silver Eagle coin can fluctuate based on the market demand, but one thing is certain: certified coins hold their value better over time and can appreciate significantly. In fact, older or special editions become harder to find, making them more valuable.

Release Schedule

Gold and Silver Round Coins
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The U.S. Mint typically unveils the latest American Silver Eagle edition in January, giving investors and collectors a clear timeline to plan their purchases.

Pre-sales often start in October, but this timing can vary from year to year. This consistent release pattern allows collectors to anticipate and prepare for new releases.

Each year, the U.S. Mint issues both mint and proof versions of the Silver Eagle, with special editions occasionally introduced to commemorate significant milestones or anniversaries.

Limited mintage runs or unique finishes further enhance the collectible appeal of these coins, making them more valuable to collectors.

New releases can significantly impact the value of older coins, with the 2021 Silver Eagle commanding an even higher price than the 2022 and 2023 editions.

Design and History

The American Silver Eagle is a beautiful coin with a rich history. The coin's design is based on the walking Liberty obverse, which was previously used on Half Dollar coins between 1916 and 1947.

Credit: youtube.com, American Silver Eagle One Dollar History and Value

The walking Liberty obverse features a full-length Lady Liberty walking with an American flag draped over her shoulder, with a rising sun and a branch in her hand. The word 'LIBERTY' is engraved on the top face of the coin, with the motto 'In God We Trust' behind liberty's legs.

The coin's reverse features a heraldic eagle designed by John Mercanti, which symbolizes America's freedom, peace, and pride. The eagle has an open wing and a striped shield on its chest, representing the great seal of the United States.

Mintage

The Silver Eagle coin has been minted at three locations: the Philadelphia Mint, the San Francisco Mint, and the West Point Mint. Each of these mints has produced the coin in the past.

These three mints have produced the coin in three different forms: bullion coins, proofs, and uncirculated coins. Bullion coins are distinct in that they do not have a mintmark on the reverse.

Credit: youtube.com, "Mintage, Design, and Worth of 1990-D & 1990-P Coins

The mintmark on the reverse of the coin indicates where it was made. The letter 'P' indicates that the coin was made at the Philadelphia Mint, the letter 'S' indicates that it was made at the San Francisco Mint, and the letter 'W' indicates that it was made at the West Point Mint.

Design

The American Silver Eagle's design is a beautiful representation of the country's values and history. The coin features a stunning image of Lady Liberty on the obverse side, with her right arm stretched forward and holding branches of laurel in her left hand.

The word "LIBERTY" is prominently displayed on the outer rim, while the mint year appears on the lower face of the coin. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is a subtle but important detail that appears right behind Lady Liberty's legs.

The reverse design, created by John Mercanti, features a majestic heraldic eagle with its wings wide open and a striped shield on its chest. The eagle grasps a bunch of arrows and olive branches in its talons, symbolizing the country's readiness for war but its desire for peace.

American Eagle Photo
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The eagle's beak holds a thin banner with the inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM", a phrase that represents the unity of the American people. Above the eagle's head are 13 five-pointed stars, representing the original colonies.

The design is completed by the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "1 OZ. FINE SILVER ~ ONE DOLLAR" encircling the eagle's body.

History

The American Silver Eagle has a rich history that's worth exploring. The coin was created in 1985 as part of President Ronald Reagan's program to improve America's coins.

The design of the coin is a nod to the past, featuring the walking Liberty obverse that was previously used on Half Dollar coins produced between 1916 to 1947. This iconic design was created by Adolf A. Weinman, a renowned mint engraver and sculptor.

The coin's reverse features a heraldic eagle, which was designed by John Mercanti. This design symbolizes America's freedom, peace, and pride, and it's a powerful representation of the country's values.

Stunning shot of an American Bald Eagle perched on a barren tree against a clear blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Stunning shot of an American Bald Eagle perched on a barren tree against a clear blue sky.

The Latin phrase 'E Pluribus Unum', which means 'Out of Many, One', is incorporated into the shield on the reverse of the coin. This phrase is a reminder of the country's founding principles and the idea that unity is strength.

The American Silver Eagle has undergone some changes over the years, with plans to update the design in 2021. However, the 2020 coin is likely to be highly collected as it will be the last coin minted with the heraldic eagle design.

Sizes

The American Silver Eagle is minted in a single size, a 1-troy-ounce bullion coin, which is a deliberate choice made due to the lower cost of silver compared to gold.

This uniform size makes it impractical to produce fractional silver coins like the American Gold Eagle.

Buying and Selling

The American Eagle Silver Dollar is a popular collectible coin, and buying and selling it can be a great way to invest in precious metals.

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The coin's value is largely determined by its silver content, with each coin containing 1 troy ounce of pure silver.

In mint condition, an American Eagle Silver Dollar can sell for a premium price, often above its melt value.

The melt value of the coin is calculated by multiplying the current silver price by its weight, which is typically around $20-$30 per coin.

If you're looking to buy an American Eagle Silver Dollar, consider purchasing from a reputable dealer or coin shop to ensure authenticity and avoid counterfeits.

The coin's design and condition can also impact its value, with coins in excellent condition and featuring unique or limited-edition designs commanding higher prices.

Tasha Kautzer

Senior Writer

Tasha Kautzer is a versatile and accomplished writer with a diverse portfolio of articles. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she has successfully covered a wide range of topics, from the lives of notable individuals to the achievements of esteemed institutions. Her work spans the globe, delving into the realms of Norwegian billionaires, the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy, and the experiences of Norwegian emigrants to the United States.

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