The coin features an obverse design of Walking Liberty. As mentioned, the coin was first unveiled at a public ceremony presided over by Treasury Secretary James A. The American Silver Eagle Type 1 was the original coin in this beloved series. During the 2008 recession, the public’s obsession with the Silver Eagle briefly exploded.Īnd now, as Americans grapple with the financial and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems that the Silver Eagle might be due for yet another resurgence in popularity and sales. The history of the Silver Eagle’s popularity is largely linked to public interest in bullion as a hedge against financial uncertainty. Mint, 2021 sales for the American Silver Eagle exceeded 2020’s sales by over 800,000. The coin was an immediate success and has enjoyed an unprecedented level of popularity for over three decades. “I don’t need a pick and shovel to start the San Francisco Silver Rush of 1986.”īaker couldn’t have been more correct. During the ceremony, he delivered a famous line to his audience:
The Silver Eagle was originally released in front of an audience in a highly publicized striking ceremony.Īt the time, the Secretary of the Treasury was James A. The exceptional popularity of Walking Lady Liberty made her inclusion on the American Silver Eagle a no-brainer. The design was first featured on the Walking Liberty Half Dollar – another classic American bullion coin. Weinman first created the ‘Walking Liberty’ design that the coins feature even today.
While the minted history of the Silver Eagle technically begins in 1986, the real history of the coin goes all the way back to 1916, when Adolph A. While the original Type 1 Silver Eagle featured the Heraldic Eagle of the United States, the newly released Type 2 shows the Bald Eagle flying with an olive branch in its talons. The reverse depicts a version of the American Bald Eagle. The obverse side includes a depiction of Lady Liberty walking into a setting sun. Mint unveiled the American Silver Eagle in 1986 and the coin has been released once yearly ever since.Īmerican Silver Eagle coins generally contain one troy ounce of 99.9% silver bullion. Compared to other official government coins – such as the Silver Britannia – the American Silver Eagle is relatively new. Every government mint has its own official coin, and these bullion pieces provide a level of value and consistent collectability that is tough to match. The American Silver Eagle is known as the United States Mint’s official silver coin. Keep reading for a detailed analysis of the differences between the Type 1 and the Type 2 American Silver Eagle. Mint’s most popular coin are valuable collectible items, we always recommend that investors research extensively before deciding on the coin that’s best for them. And yes, Lady Liberty still walks on the obverse of the Type 2 Silver Eagle.īut there are a few key differences between the Type 1 and Type 2 Silver Eagles that you should know about. Don’t worry even the new reverse side still features a beautiful American Bald Eagle. Mint only recently released images of the all-new designs and security features of the beloved, classic American coin. Rumors of the Type 2 American Silver Eagle have persisted for years, but the U.S. This year marks the first year that bullion enthusiasts can get their hands on the brand-new Type 2 Silver Eagle. If 2021 is the year of the Silver Eagle, there is one major reason why. Even considering this history of exceptional popularity, 2021 has been an unprecedented year for global interest in the American Silver Eagle. The United States Mint produces a limited number of these coins each year, making their release an extremely anticipated event. Its design is classically American the majestic American Bald Eagle decorates one side while Lady Liberty walks on the other.
For decades, the American Silver Eagle has been among the most revered coins on the bullion market.