The American Silver Eagle is the official silver bullion coin of the United States. It was first released by the United States Mint on November 24, 1986. It is struck only in the one-troy ounce, which has a nominal face value of one dollar and is guaranteed to contain one troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver.

American Eagle Silver Proof Coins are collector versions of the official United States bullion coins and are only available in the one ounce size. American Eagle Silver Proof Coins are minted at the U.S. Mint at West Point and bear the “W” mint mark.

The U.S. government's guarantee of the weight, content and purity of the coin give it an advantage over other silver bullion coins. American Eagle Silver coins are one-ounce and made from 99.9% pure silver bullion, with a small amount of copper added to increase durability.

Proof Silver American Eagles bear a mint mark on the reverse. Uncirculated versions do not have a mint mark.

They represent honesty, truth, majesty, strength, courage, wisdom, power and freedom. As they roam the sky, they are believed to have a special connection to God.

The silver eagle was the symbol of the republic and the Roman Empire used the golden eagle as its symbol. I became the personal emblem of the Caesars, representing supreme authority. The rise of Christianity brought me still more honor. To the early Christians, the eagle was the symbol of ascension.

There are many varieties of Silver Eagles including the regular uncirculated coin, the proof, burnished finish, and reverse proof. Silver Eagles have been minted at Philadelphia, West Point, and San Francisco Mints. These options make the series more dynamic and appealing to collectors.

Unlike many other forms of American currency, American Silver Eagles have been produced in a way that will be worth more than their face value, which is why American Silver Eagles are among the most prominent American coins ever made.

Background. American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins are coins whose weight and purity are guaranteed by the United States Government. They're also allowed in an IRA. Each coin contains a minimum of one troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver.

Natural silver consists of a mixture of two stable isotopes: silver-107 (51.839 percent) and silver-109 (48.161 percent). The metal does not react with moist air or dry oxygen but is oxidized superficially by moist ozone. It is quickly tarnished at room temperature by sulfur or hydrogen sulfide.

Mint marks are letters that identify where a coin was made. They hold the maker responsible for the quality of a coin. When the U.S. used precious metals such as gold and silver to make circulating coins, a commission evaluated the metal compositions and quality of coins from each of the Mint facilities.

How To Spot A Fake American Silver Eagle

1. The thickness of the coin should always be 2.98 mm or .
2. Since these coins are silver, they should ring when you lightly tap the edge of an American Silver Eagle.
3. Study the lettering on the coin.
4. The font is always the same; it doesn't change from year to year.