American Silver Eagle

The American Silver Eagle is the United States Mint’s official one-ounce silver bullion coin: one troy ounce of .999 fine silver with a $1 face value, struck every year since 1986. Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty has faced the obverse since the first year; in 2021 a new reverse showing an eagle landing with an olive branch, designed by Emily Damstra, replaced John Mercanti’s heraldic eagle.

Specifications

ItemDetail
Face value$1
Fine silver content1 troy oz of .999 fine silver
Gross weight31.103 g
Diameter40.6 mm
ObverseWalking Liberty, Adolph A. Weinman
ReverseType 1: heraldic eagle (John Mercanti, 1986–2021); Type 2: eagle landing with an olive branch (Emily Damstra, 2021–)

Key dates and mintages

YearMintageNote
1986—First year of issue
1996—Lowest bullion mintage in the series
1995-W—Lowest proof mintage in the series
2021—Split year: Type 1 reverse, then Type 2 from mid-year

Source: United States Mint records and PCGS CoinFacts.

Grading American Silver Eagles

Silver Eagles are judged on the 70-point Sheldon scale like all US coins. Bullion strikings show frosted devices and heavy luster, so bagmarks on the fields and wear on Liberty’s high points decide the grade; proofs are graded on cameo contrast and hairlines on the mirrored fields; burnished (W) strikings sit between the two. See the coin grading guide for the full scale and PCGS vs NGC for how the two services differ. The American Gold Eagle is the same program in gold, with its own key dates and sizes.

American Silver Eagles in stock

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is an American Silver Eagle worth?

Bullion Eagles trade near the silver spot price plus a dealer premium; certified and signed examples add a numismatic premium for grade and label. Inventory moves with the market, so call 888-369-2950 for a current quote.

Are American Silver Eagles IRA-eligible?

Yes. American Silver Eagles meet the .999 fineness standard in IRS Section 408(m); see our guide to coins allowed in a precious metals IRA and confirm with your custodian.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Silver Eagles?

The reverse. Type 1 (1986–2021) shows John Mercanti’s heraldic eagle; Type 2 (mid-2021 onward) shows Emily Damstra’s eagle landing with an olive branch. The obverse Walking Liberty design is unchanged.

Questions about a specific date or grade? Call Elite Coin Group at 888-369-2950 or send a message through the contact page.