The demand for Silver American Eagles has steadily grown since the national coins’ introduction in 1986, fueled in part by volatile economic and geopolitical events in the past few decades.

Along with gold, silver is considered a safe haven from the unpredictability of stocks, bonds and other paper assets. Gold and Silver American Eagles, in particular, offer the advantage of having their precious metal content and purity guaranteed by the U.S. government.

Silver American Eagle bullion and proof coins

Silver American Eagles generally come in two variants: bullion and proof. In choosing one over the other, you have to consider what your investment objectives are. Do you simply want to purchase coins for their silver content value, or are you looking to invest in collectible coins?

Silver American Eagle bullions are popular among investors because their price closely follows the spot price of silver. While you have to pay a premium over the spot price, this is generally a reasonable amount, making the bullions affordable to many investors.

Proof Silver American Eagles, on the other hand, carry a higher premium than bullions. The main reason for this is the coins’ greater collectible value. It can potentially command a much higher price in the future in the collector’s market.

If you’re looking to buy and sell silver assets based on the movement of silver’s price on the market, then bullion coins would be the better choice.

On the other hand, if your objective is to invest in silver for the long term, then Proof Silver American Eagles promise better returns in the future.

Proof Silver American Eagles as collectibles

American Silver Eagles in any form have numismatic value, as stipulated in the Liberty Coin Act of 1985, which authorized the minting of these coins.

Proof Silver American Eagles, however, have especially been created for the collector’s market. Their collectability comes from the following:

• Limited minting. Production of Proof American Eagles is regulated by the U.S. Mint. The yearly quantity is based on orders received by the U.S. Mint from dealers and private sellers, and the ratio of proof to non-proof coins is generally 1:5. Occasionally, the U.S. Mint produces proof coins at below-average quantities to ensure collectability.
• Enhanced finish. While bullion and Proof American Eagles have the same designs, proof coins go through more production processes for an enhanced finish. In producing proof coins, the dies are treated with chemicals, resulting in a mirror-like smoothness on the background and a frosted finish on the foreground. The coins are also struck twice or more by the dies, giving the design better definition.

Features of Proof Silver American Eagles

Here are some of the features of Proof Silver American Eagles:

• They’re minted by the United States Mint at West Point, and have the mint’s “W” hallmark.
• The obverse shows Adolph A. Weinmen’s popular Walking Liberty draped by the American flag. Her right hand is extended, and her left hand holds laurel and oak branches.
• The reverse shows the heraldic eagle with shield, holding an olive branch on its right talon and arrows on its left.
• The year of mintage is shown on the obverse below Liberty’s figure.
• Proof Silver American Eagles come in just one-oz. coins, with a face value of $1
• It contains 0.999 troy ounce of 99.9 percent silver
• Proof Silver American Eagles are sealed in a capsule, and come with a velvet display box and an outer box