Collecting Silver American Eagles

By James Buchanan

American Silver Eagles are highly regarded by both collectors and investors, and are some of the most attractive bullion coins that you can possibly acquire for your portfolio or coin collection.

The American Eagle Coin Program started in 1986, and has become the authorized bullion silver coin of the United States of America. Put out by the Mint, American Silver Eagles are unique in that the coins may be included by individuals for the funding of their IRA's.

The government mints these coins with 1 troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver. This is one of the small number of bullion bullion coins in the world to be created with such a large extent of silver. The coins have a nominal face value of 1 dollar while the actual value of each silver eagle coin is based upon the actual spot price of silver.

These silver bullion coins were made and produced with the prominent Walking Liberty design by Adolph A Weinman on the obverse. If you've ever seen the memorable half dollar coins made between the years of 1916 to 1947, then you will surely be familiar with this attractive interpretation of Lady Liberty. This is important in that these coins have helped the design depicted on the silver eagles to become such an iconic figure. The crest on the coin's reverse was crafted by John Mercanti, which features a heraldic eagle with its wings spread.

There are a number of collectors of American Silver Eagles and each has his or her individual reason for becoming involved in the hobby. A number of collectors are in love with the coin's spectacular craftsmanship, while others enjoy the coins for their possible long term value.

To ascertain the value of a individual coin, many considerations should be taken into account, counting factors such as the year that the coin is created, as some years they production numbers were lower than others, thereby reducing the overall numbers of coins in the hands of the general public. Coin minted in 1993 and 1995 or anniversary editions for instance, are apt to be among the coins that collectors are searching out, and bring higher interest when sold through coin dealers or at auctions.

Today, American Silver Eagles are enjoying a great surge in popularity, due to the uncertain economic climate. As precious metals tend to make a excellent hedge against falling dollar values, investors are looking for the safety presented by silver and gold bullion products. - 31899

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