American Silver Eagles

American Silver Eagles at BGASC

The American Silver Eagle is the official silver bullion coin of the United States, and the most popular silver bullion coin on the market today. The well-known annual release from the US Mint is available every year in multiple variations. Learn more about these iconic American Silver Eagles at BGASC, right here.

Background of the American Silver Eagle Series

In November of 1986, the American Silver Eagle debuted in a 1 oz weight for both BU coins and proof strikes. Across both variations, 6,839,783 American Silver Eagles were struck. This was all possible due to the Liberty Coin Act of 1985 which authorized the US Mint to produce an official silver bullion coin for the United States.

Since 1986, these coins have been issued annually. While American Gold Eagles expanded to include fractional ounce weights, the American Silver Eagle is exclusively issued in a 1 Troy oz weight. BU coins have been issued every year with no stoppage. Proof coins took a one-year hiatus in 2009 due to economic uncertainty. Burnished coins, for the same reason, took a two-year break from 2009-2010.

Design History

From 1916 to 1947, the US Mint issued a coin called the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. These coins featured the intriguing Liberty design, created by Adolph A. Weinman. This design would serve as the basis for the American Silver Eagle Series.

This design has been used on the obverse since the inception of the coin program. It depicts Lady Liberty walking to her left into the sun. Liberty is seen holding oak branches whilst being draped in the American flag.

From 1986 to the first half of 2021, the heraldic eagle of John Mercanti was present on the reverse field. The heraldic eagle was displayed in front-facing relief and had a shield on its chest. Above the eagle were 13 five-pointed stars.

This design was replaced in the second half of 2021. Emily Damstra created this design of a flying eagle that shows the bird in left-profile relief, holding a branch in its talons, with its wings spread wide. 2021 American Silver Eagles listed as Type 1 will feature the heraldic eagle design while Type 2 coins will showcase the new design.

Packaging

American Silver Eagles are individually shipped in protective plastic flips. For larger orders, tubes of 20, or even Monster Boxes of 500, can also be purchased.

Proof and Burnished strikes will arrive in a presentation box from the US Mint, along with a Certificate of Authenticity.

At BGASC, we also carry special occasion Silver Eagles. These Silver Eagles are available in clamshell cards with designs that celebrate life occasions, holidays, and more.

Unique Variations

BU coins are the most popular variation in the overall series. However, the US Mint offers two more variations in the series, a proof strike and a burnished coin.

Proof strikes have frosted design elements with a mirror-like background. To create this effect, these coins are struck at least twice. As mentioned above, these coins debuted alongside their BU counterparts in 1986 and have been issued every year since, except for 2009.

Burnished coins, otherwise known as uncirculated coins, are struck using a similar process as proof strikes. Despite this, these coins have the look of a BU coin, rather than a proof coin. Burnished coins were introduced in 2006 and have been issued annually except for 2009-2010. Like the other two variations, these coins are available in just a 1 Troy oz size.

Certified American Silver Eagle Coins

Another popular option for investors and collectors looking to diversify their portfolio with American Silver Eagles is to look into Certified American Silver Eagles. Certified coins are coins that are graded by a coin-grading service, such as the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

The universal standard for which coins are graded is called the Sheldon Scale. This scale grades coins from 1 to 70, with a 70 meaning it is a perfect specimen. BU, proof, and burnished American Silver Eagles can all be sent in for grading.

Certified coins offer collectors and investors more value as they know exactly what they’re receiving and what kind of condition they will be in. Certified Silver Eagles are encapsulated in protective plastic slabs, to preserve the graded condition of your coin.

At BGASC, we have a wide array of Certified Silver Eagles to choose from.

Buying American Silver Eagles at BGASC

For any questions regarding American Silver Eagles, contact the BGASC customer service team today. Our team can be reached via email, through our online chat feature, or by calling our team at 888-992-4272.