American Silver Eagles: Worth Every Cent

Throughout the history of the United States Mint, it has produced millions coins of coins released as general currency (think of mostly pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and even half-dollars). Along with the production of these "everyday" type coins, the Mint quietly works on different types of coins; gold, silver and platinum coins that are created purely as investments or for coin collectors with an affinity for American coins that are produced with a purity and design quality that are second to none. Specifically, the coins that tend to be the most popular are the coins produced by the American Silver Eagle Coin Program.

The coin's design stems from the work is based off Adolph Weinman, who's half dollar design from the 1916 edition of the "Walking Liberty." coin still inspires the respect and admiration of coin enthusiasts everywhere.

Beginning production back in 1986, the U.S. Mint began the production of fine silver bullion coins, that would be aimed at collectors as they were subjected to an exhaustive minting procedure, that begins with coin blanks made of fine silver that can only be mined exclusively here in the United States. Produced in 99.9% pure silver American Silver Eagles are the official silver bullion coins of the United States, and as such, are respected worldwide for the guarantee of weight, content and purity all of which are backed by the United States government. You will find that this guarantee goes a long way in insuring that anyone who buys or sells silver eagle coins, is dealing with a silver asset of the highest possible quality.

These coins are currently in high demand as they are a hedge against falling dollar values in tough economic climates. The stability of silver gives American Eagles their true benefit in regards to potential long term gains.

Available in four different denominations,including 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 oz versions, the coins are affordable to most collectors and investors, as the smaller sizes allow for even beginners in the fields of coin collectors and silver bullion investment to begin to slowly add small amounts of physical silver to their portfolios. More advanced investors, or those wishing to add even rarer silver bullion coins to their collections may also focus on the uncirculated or proof editions that are produced in limited amounts by the United States Mint.

American Silver Eagle coins can be wise investments for those investors looking to spread out into a diversified number of assets as part of a balanced portfolio. To collectors however, the coins are worth the cost due to their intricate design and rarity.

Proof Silver Eagle Coins

Proof versions of American Eagle Silver Coins are manufactured by the United States Mint for collectors eager to add these beautiful and rare coins to their portfolio. For over 20 years, these silver proof versions were produced only in the introduced one ounce size as presented by The American Eagle Proof program. Shipped by the Mint encased in hard plastic holders,each coin is bundled with an official government issued package complete with velvet lining and an original (COA) or certificate of authenticity which states the physical characteristics and authenticates that the coin is 99.9% pure silver.

Coin enthusiasts consider circulating coins which may also be referred to as a business strike, to be a distinct group from silver proof dollars which are only intended for collectors. These proof versions are struck more than once with specially configured dies which produce a mirror-like background above frosted images. Through this process an unbelievable amount of fine detail is retained on the coin's surface. The force of these strikes, forcing the raw silver into the deepest crevices of the die, giving the coin this enhanced look. This sort of intricate detail just can't be achieved on non-proof coins versions. To finish the process, an acid treatment is conducted which gives these coins their trademark frosted appearance with a polished mirror-like background design. The contrasting finish is known by numismatists as a cameo finish.

Because they are fabricated with dies that have been treated using special methods, the coins end up with a beautiful, unique appearance. The technology used today givesthe proof coins the highest quality design.

Liberty striding is illustrated bearing towards the sunrise on the front of the coin and holding onto branches of laurel and oak signifying The United States history of military and civil glory. On the coin's reverse, you will see John Mercanti's heraldic eagle grasping an arrow in its left talon and an olive branch with it's right.

Through the years, it has been manufactured in three different places. Between the years dating 1986 through to 1992, the coin's manufacturing location was the San Fransisco mint, and after that time up until the year 2000, the coins were made in the Philadelphia Mint. Ever since 2001, these proof eagles have been produced at West Point mint. Before that,in the 1995 the West Point mint produced a small amount of limited edition proof coin sets which included four American Eagle proof coins made of gold and silver bullion. During the 20th anniversary in 2006, the Mint pulled out all the stops and released what was perhaps the most popular mintage ever produced. These Anniversary editions remain highly sought after by bullion investors and should remain to be in high demand for generations to come.

Investing In Silver Bullion Coins

Silver coins are one of the oldest forms of coinage. Silver has been used as a currency since ancient times, including the silver drachma used by the ancient Greeks. Many factors go into determining the value of silver coins, including condition, rarity, age, condition and scarcity.

Besides being coveted by collectors, silver bullion is popular among investors and has an international trading currency symbol of XAG under ISO 4217. Historically silver has been the most affordable precious metal available.

Since 1986, the United States Mint has produced one-dollar "Silver Eagles". Each Silver Eagle contains at least one troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver. Many times, silver will track the price of gold due to store of value demands, but may have a varying ratio. That ratio is often analyzed by bullion investors. Throughout most of the 19th century, that gold to silver ratio was fixed by law in Europe and the U.S. at 1:15.5, meaning that one troy ounce of gold would purchase 15.5 ounces of silver.

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