The Evolution of a Denomination blog series has run through just about every denomination there has been up to this point. We learned that coinage is bigger, grander, and better than we ever knew and understand much more now about the numismatic hobby in general. However, we have a few more things to get to before we officially wrap it up. Sort of doubling back in a way, we are moving on to a category that includes two different denominations: silver bullion coins.
America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins (2010-2021)
The America the Beautiful quarter dollar coins, which were produced from 2010-2021, were just one aspect of the America the Beautiful program. Alongside the quarter dollars, the United States Mint decided to also produce a “companion series” consisting of silver bullion coins that matched and honored the designs depicting the historic and natural places across the nation.
Containing five ounces of .999 pure silver, the coins were nearly identical to the quarters but were much bigger (3 inches in diameter). Their edges were also incused with .999 FINE SILVER 5.0 OUNCE instead of the reeded edge. First released in December 2010, the Mint issued five each of the bullion coin and collector edition (Specimen) coins in Original Government Packaging every year following along with the program. Most of the coins were struck at Philadelphia with only the Burnished versions containing a mint mark (‘P’).
In the first year (2010), mintages of the bullion issues were 33,000. However, the following year saw a much bigger increase to keep up with demand. Fifty-six different designs were released between 2010-2021.
American Silver Eagle (1986-Current)
First struck in 1986, the American Silver Eagle has become one of the world’s most popular and collectible silver bullion issues. More than 600 million bullion coins alone have been struck in its tenure since, with other collector edition coins in Proof, Burnished, Reverse Proof, and Enhanced finishes also struck alongside the dealer only bullion coins.
From 1986-1998, bullion coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint. In 1999 and 2000, they were issued at Philadelphia and West Point. From 2001-2010, they were struck only at West Point. However, demand started to increase, and in 2011, the Mint started minting the coins at San Francisco in addition to West Point to help with the output.
The obverse features a modified version of Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty half dollar (1916-1947) design. The reverse featuring the Heraldic Eagle was created by John Mercanti and was used until 2021 when the Mint switched to a different design in honor of the program’s 35th anniversary. A new Flying Eagle design created by Emily Damstra was used starting in late 2021-current.
Source: NGC Coin; The Official 2025 Red Book
