Silver American Eagle (SAE) Silver Dollar Coins

American Silver Eagle History and Design

American Silver Eagle coins were first introduced in 1986 and have since become one of the most widely recognized and collected silver eagle coins in the world. Produced exclusively by the United States Mint, the American Silver Eagle is the official investment-grade silver bullion coin of the United States.

The iconic design featured on the obverse of the coin is Walking Liberty, originally created by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman in 1916 for the U.S. Half Dollar. This timeless image of Lady Liberty draped in the American flag has become synonymous with the American Silver Eagle series and remains one of the most celebrated designs in U.S. coinage history.

Silver Eagle Coins: Specifications and Government Guarantee

Each American Silver Eagle contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and carries a legal tender face value of one U.S. dollar. While the face value does not reflect the coin’s intrinsic worth, every Silver Eagle is backed by the full faith and guarantee of the U.S. Government for weight, content, and purity.

Since its introduction, the U.S. Mint has issued Silver Eagles in multiple finishes, including standard bullion strikes and collector-focused proof versions. With the exception of 2009, when no proof coins were produced, American Silver Eagle coins have maintained consistent annual releases, adding to their long-term appeal.

American Silver Eagles for Collectors

For collectors, silver eagle coins offer a compelling blend of historical design, annual variety, and enduring popularity. Many collectors enjoy assembling date sets or focusing on special issues, proof strikes, and limited-production releases. Over time, American Silver Eagles have become meaningful keepsakes, often passed down as family heirlooms that combine precious metal value with personal significance.

The widespread recognition of the series and its long production history make American Silver Eagle coins a cornerstone of modern U.S. numismatics.

Silver Eagles for Investors and Silver Stackers

In the investment world, silver eagles are among the most trusted and liquid forms of physical silver. Their government backing, standardized weight, and global recognition make them easy to buy, sell, and store. Because American Silver Eagles are produced in large quantities and distributed by major bullion dealers, they are accessible to both new and experienced silver investors.

Whether acquired individually or in bulk, American Silver Eagle coins offer a reliable way to diversify a precious metals portfolio with government-issued silver bullion that has stood the test of time.