American Silver Eagle (1986 to Date)

Gold	$3,875.69
Silver	$49.46
Platinum	$1,434.70
Palladium	$976.61

The American Silver Eagle, first issued in 1986, is the official silver bullion coin of the United States and holds one troy ounce of .999 silver.

Obverse (Front) Design

Liberty walking toward the sun with a flag draped over her shoulders, an adaptation of the Walking Liberty design.

Reverse (Back) Design

From 1986 to 2021, a heraldic eagle by John Mercanti. From 2021, a new eagle landing with an olive branch, designed by Emily Damstra.

Coin Specifications

Date Range

1986 to date

Denomination

1 Dollar (legal tender)

Designer / Engraver

Adolph A. Weinman (obverse); John Mercanti, then Emily Damstra (reverse)

Mints

West Point, San Francisco, Philadelphia

Composition

99.9% fine silver

Precious Metal Content

1 troy oz of pure silver

Weight

31.101 g

Diameter

40.6 mm

Edge

Reeded

Mintage

—

History & Background

The American Silver Eagle was authorized by the Liberty Coin Act of 1985 and first sold in 1986. It was made to use silver from the National Defense Stockpile and to give investors an official United States silver coin.

The obverse is an adaptation of Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty design, first used on the 1916 half dollar. The reverse, by John Mercanti, shows a heraldic eagle. In 2021 the reverse changed to a new design by Emily Damstra, and collectors now divide the series into Type 1 and Type 2.

Each coin holds one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and has a face value of one dollar, although it sells for much more because of its silver content.

Collecting Tips

The price follows the silver spot price plus a premium, which changes with demand.
Avoid coins with spots or heavy toning if you want premium-grade coins.
Learn the Type 1 and Type 2 reverse difference.
Keep coins in original capsules or tubes to avoid scratches.

Photographs by Grade

American Silver Eagle (1986 to Date) MS66 obverse — MS66

American Silver Eagle (1986 to Date) MS67 obverse — MS67

American Silver Eagle (1986 to Date) MS68 obverse — MS68

American Silver Eagle (1986 to Date) MS69 obverse — MS69

American Silver Eagle (1986 to Date) MS70 obverse — MS70

Frequently Asked Questions about the American Silver Eagle (1986 to Date)

How much silver is in an American Silver Eagle?

One troy ounce of .999 fine silver.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?

Type 1 has the 1986–2021 reverse by John Mercanti. Type 2 has the new eagle reverse introduced in 2021.

Is it legal tender?

Yes, it has a face value of one dollar, but it sells for much more because of its silver content.

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