First released in 1986, Silver American Eagles have become one of the world’s most popular silver bullion investments. It is also considered the most popular coin in the United States, achieving record sales of 47 million in 2015.

Struck by the U.S. Mint, it is the country’s official silver coin, with a 99.9% fine silver content guaranteed by the U.S. government. This makes Silver American Eagles acceptable as investment-grade silver bullion around the world.

The popularity of Silver American Eagles can be attributed to several factors:

• Affordability – Silver is much cheaper than gold and is available in larger amounts than any other investment-grade precious metal.
• Availability and liquidity – Silver American Eagles are easy to buy from trusted dealers around the country. Their guaranteed silver content and high demand make them easy to sell as well.
• Legal tender – With their nominal value of $1, Silver American Eagles are considered legal tender and can thus be transported across borders without difficulty.
• Value – The value of silver has been rising and is seen to increase even more in the future.
• IRA eligibility – Silver American Eagles’9% fine silver content makes them eligible as a self-directed IRA investment.
• Economic uncertainty – Just like gold, silver is seen as an effective investment diversifier, offering a safe haven in times of economic uncertainties. The demand for silver spiked considerably between 2008 and 2011, in the wake of the Great Recession. New sales highs were seen from 2013 to 2015.

Silver American Eagles as collectible items

Another factor in Silver American Eagles’ popularity is their collectability. With their stunning patriotic design and excellent craftsmanship, Silver American Eagles are among the most beautiful coins in the world.

The Liberty Coin Act of 1985, which authorized the production of these coins, also guarantees their numismatic value. A new edition is released annually, with the year of release shown on the obverse.

The design of Silver American Eagles was inspired by older American coins. The obverse features an image of the “Walking Liberty,” which was first used in the 1916 half-dollar coin. The reverse shows an eagle with a shield, and 13 stars representing the original 13 colonies.

Certification also enhances a Silver American Eagle’s collectible value. Conducted by independent coin-grading firms like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), a certification guarantees that a coin is authentic.

Certification also involves grading a coin’s quality. The highest possible grade that a coin can get is 70. Silver American Eagles with a grade of MN70 (for uncirculated coins) or PR70 (for proof coins) are considered near perfect. A grade of 68 to 69 is also highly desirable.

Certified coins are slabbed, or set in tamper-proof clear plastic cases that have been sonically sealed to lock in their pristine condition.

Silver American Eagles come in either uncirculated or proof versions. Proof Silver American Eagles are finished at a higher standard than uncirculated ones, and thus have a higher collectible value. They may be purchased directly from the U.S. Mint, although some are also available in the secondary market.

Proof Silver American Eagles have been struck with special dies, resulting in clearer features, a frosted effect, and a polished mirror finish.