The Origin Story
The American Silver Eagle coins were first minted on October 29, 1986, at the San Francisco Mint, following the U.S. Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, which called on the U.S. Mint to begin minting bullion coins. Recall that between 1933 and 1974, gold bullion being held in private hands was illegal in the U.S.
Design
- Heads: The obverse design features Adolph A. Weinman's famous "Walking Liberty," a full-length figure of Liberty in stride with her right hand extended and branches of laurel and oak in her left hand.
- Tails: On the reverse, until 2021, the reverse featured a heraldic eagle with a shield design. After 2021, the reverse has an eagle landing on a branch.
Production Details
American Silver Eagles are one full troy ounce of .999 fine silver and have a legal tender face value of one U.S. dollar.
5.3 million American Silver Eagles were minted in its inaugural year.