U.S. Silver Eagle Dollar Information

Design

• For the design of the Silver Eagle Dollar coin, the Mint chose one of the most beloved American coin designs of all time--Adolph A. Weinman's famous “walking liberty” design, which also graced the face of the popular walking liberty half dollar from 1916 through 1947. The reverse of the coin features an eagle and the words, “1 OZ. FINE SILVER – ONE DOLLAR.”

Silver Content

• The Silver Eagle Dollar is a bullion coin. This means that it contains 1 troy oz. of silver, and is made of 99.9 percent pure silver. Because the value of silver is well over $1 per oz., the $1 face value of the Silver Eagle Dollar coin is merely for show. The coins are not minted for circulation; they are purchased by collectors and silver investors.

Dates and Mintage

• The Mint began minting Silver Eagle Dollar coins in 1986 and has produced them yearly since. Most years the mintage numbers on the coins are between five and ten million coins produced. In 1996, the Mint produced only 3.6 million Silver Eagles Dollar coins, making them somewhat scarcer than the coins that feature other dates, and so more valuable.

Proof Coins

• From 1986 through 2008, the Mint produced proof versions of the Silver Eagle Dollar coins. These coins were proof struck, which gives them a frosty, vibrant appearance. The coins are placed in airtight capsules and in velvet display boxes, and are marketed to collectors.

Values

• Despite being known as a bullion coin, the Silver Eagle Dollar coin holds more value than just its silver content, as the coins are popular with collectors and are produced in fixed quantities. In 2010, the Professional Coin Grading Service valued most Silver Eagle Dollar coins at $22, which, at the time, was about $4 over the spot price of an ounce of silver.