American Silver Eagle Coins
Category: Coins of the U.S. Mint
In the realm of numismatic treasures, few coins shine as brightly as the American Silver Eagle. First introduced by the U.S. Mint in San Francisco in 1986, the American Silver Eagle has transcended its original economic purpose to become a valuable piece of American numismatic heritage.
In the early 1980s, the United States held an enormous 131 million troy ounces of silver in the national stockpile. Believing that this far surpassed the nation’s strategic needs, Senator James McClure proposed to use the silver to create a new coin called the American Silver Eagle as part of the Liberty Coin Act. This proposal was eventually approved and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1985, authorizing the creation of the Silver Eagle coins for the following year.
There are currently two designs for the American Silver Eagle coin since it was first produced in 1986. The Type 1 or the inaugural design was struck from from 1986 to 2021, while the Type 2 design began in 2021 and featured a “refresh” of the American eagle.
Obverse design
The captivating obverse design of the American Silver Eagle features the iconic image of Lady Liberty walking toward a sunrise and wearing a flowing gown, while her shoulders are draped with the American flag.
Obverse of the 2017 (Type 1) American Silver Eagle
In her right arm, she carries branches of laurel and oak, representing civil and military glory, respectively. This combination of symbols conveys the nation's desire for both peace and victory. Her left arm cradles a bundle of olive branches, signifying peace and the nation's desire to promote harmony and unity.
This design by the renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman was originally used on the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. The Walking Liberty coin was produced from 1916 to 1947—a period often referred to as the “Golden Age of American Coinage.” It’s also worth noting that Weinman’s design was created during a time when the United States was involved in World War I, which adds historical context to its message of peace.
The obverse design of the Type 2 American Silver Eagle is identical to the Type 1 save for one minor update: the artist’s initials. Silver Eagle coins from 2021 now have the initials “AW” (for Adolph Weinman) under the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
Reverse Design
Silver Eagle Type 1 - Heraldic Eagle Design
The inaugural design of the American Silver Eagle, also known as Type 1, featured the work of John M. Mercanti and was struck from 1986 to 2021. The reverse featured a majestic eagle perched behind a shield, clutching both arrows and an olive branch in its talons. A cluster of thirteen five-pointed stars, arranged in an inverted triangle, represented the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States.
Reverse of the Type 1 American Silver Eagle
John Mercanti, who served as the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the design. His rendition of the American “Heraldic Eagle” is both powerful and majestic as he wanted it to reflect the strength and resilience of the nation.
The thirteen stars above the eagle pay homage to the original American colonies that declared their independence from British rule, leading to the birth of the United States.
Silver Eagle Type 2 - Eagle in Flight
The Type 2 reverse design was released in 2021 and is the first update to the American Silver Eagle since its inception in 1986. Designed by Emily Damstra and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso, the reverse part of the coin features an eagle in flight with an oak branch clutched in its talons.
Reverse of the Type 2 American Silver Eagle
Damstra, a U.S.-Canadian artist, had also designed other coins for both Canada and the United States. Initially thinking the design would be used for the American Gold Eagle rather than the Silver Eagle, she created it with the design by Miley Busiek in mind.
She had taken inspiration from wanting to show the national bird in a different way, and to emphasize traits such as “diligence, cooperation, care, and protection.” However, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin decided to switch the designs and use Damstra’s flying eagle for the silver coins instead.
Collecting Silver Eagle Coins
In the world of numismatics, the American Silver Eagle is a crown jewel, a coin that tells the tale of American history through its remarkable design and the enthusiasm of collectors and investors who recognize its enduring worth. The coin also serves as a bridge between artistic expression and economic value, embodying the essence of the nation’s heritage, and continuing to be held in high regard by collectors and investors alike.