| The Silver Eagle - A Gander At The Past Of This Awesome Coin |
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| Written by Eric McMillan |
| Friday, 24 September 2010 12:10 |
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The silver bullion of the United States is the silver eagle. First released in November of 1986 this coin is worth a dollar. It is also guaranteed to have a purity rating of 99.9% silver. This coin is certifiable by the U. S. Mint for weight and content along with its purity. Once this silver coin was introduced, a proof set was minted to be used by numismatists. The Silver Eagle has been minted at three locations including San Francisco, Philadelphia, and West Point.
The silver bullion of the United States is the silver eagle. First released in November of 1986 this coin is worth a dollar. It is also guaranteed to have a purity rating of 99.9% silver. This coin is certifiable by the U. S. Mint for weight and content along with its purity. Once this silver coin was introduced, a proof set was minted to be used by numismatists. The Silver Eagle has been minted at three locations including San Francisco, Philadelphia, and West Point. The United States Walking Liberty half dollar minted from 1916 to 1947 was the inspiration for the U. S. Silver Eagles coin. The front side of the coin was the inspiration of Adolph A. Weinman and quickly became a public favorite with the people. Of modern coinage, these silver coins were of a most beloved design. The word "Liberty" and the phrase "In God We Trust" were also struck on the obverse of the coin. The reverse of this silver coin was brought to us through the design of John Mercanti. Similar to the Seal of the United States, an eagle is shown behind a shield with a olive branch in one talon and arrows in the left talon. Thirteen five pointed stars in memory of the thirteen original colonies set above the eagle's head. Additionally, the reverse is struck with "United States of America"; and "1oz. Fine Silver-One Dollar". Without even realizing the part it would play in the minting of this coin, President Reagan made note of our large stockpile of silver and his intent was for it to be sold to reduce the national debt. Passing through the House and the Senate the project was quickly abandoned when the price of silver plummeted. The idea of selling seventy-five percent of our stockpile of silver over a three year period did not bode well with investors. While the sale of silver remained suspended, it was two years later that legislation was again introduced to use stockpiled silver for the minting of coins. This time the amendment was passed bringing about the silver eagle coin in 1985.The first striking of the coin took place in San Francisco in 1986 and the first silver eagle was born. They continue to be minted to the present. Although minted at all locations, some coins do not have a mint mark with the last location of minting being at West Pint. As different milestones were noted throughout the years, strikings of the coin were done on commemoration. The "Philadelphia Set" of various weights was struck in 1993. A 90% silver proof set called the U. S. Bicentennial was another. Minted along with Sacagawea and Presidential dollars, "Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Sets" were made available directly from the mint. Many of these sets were purchased by coin collectors. One significant variety of the silver eagle series came about in 2008. Some slight alterations were made at that time on the reverse design. In 2008 an error was made in striking the coin with the previous year. A die error making the 'U' in United States look different as well as the dash that was previously between the words silver and one. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. Eric McMillan is an ex real estate guy, who markets online and is a coin collecting enthusiast. Visit his website for additional information on the history and value of the American silver eagle. While you're there, grab your complimentary copy of his Guide to Gold and Silver Coins. |