2017 American Silver Eagle

The American Silver Eagle coin was first minted in 1986, and it is the official silver bullion coin of the United States. As a bullion coin it is not circulated as money, but it is the simplest way to invest in silver, since its value varies with the price of silver, even though the coin has a face-value of one dollar.

The Silver Eagle coin contains 1 troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver, and is 1.598 inches in diameter and 0.1173 inches thick. Besides the bullion version, there is a collector’s or proof version of the coin, with the mint mark “W” on it, to indicate it was produced at the West Point facility of the US Mint.

The ‘heads’ side shows Liberty personified as a woman, stepping forward to meet the rising sun and wrapped in the folds of the American flag. Her right hand reaches forward, and in her left she carries branches of laurel and oak. Laurel symbolizes victory and eternity, while oak is a symbol of endurance and longevity. Above and around her head is the word “Liberty” and to her left the words “In God we trust”. At her feet is the year of release. The design is by Adolph A. Weinman.

The ‘tails’ side shows the American eagle, in the traditional heraldic manner, with a shield for protection and an olive branch for peace in the right claw, while the left claw carries arrows symbolic of the capacity for self-defense. Above the eagle’s head are 13 stars representing the founding states. In his mouth is a banner with the words “E Pluribus Unum” on it. These translate from Latin as ‘out of many, one’ – a reference to the formation of a union by the group of founding individual states. Around the eagle are the words “United States of America. 1 oz. fine silver _~ one dollar” This side was designed by the former U.S. Mint Sculptor and Engraver, John Mercanti.

The 2017 Silver Eagle coin is a very popular investment as well as a collector’s item. Considered to be one of the most beautiful coins in the world, it is valued by collectors for that alone. In uncertain times, bullion remains a safe-haven, and the value of silver increases as uncertainty about the future and the state of the world increases. This means that during times of crisis the Mint may be unable to keep up with the demand for bullion coins, creating a strong re-sale market. The 2016 coin was released in September 2016, and the Mint sold 262,816 coins on the first day.

The 2017 coin is already available for pre-order. At this point the price is lower – close to the spot value of silver, and it will increase once the coin has been issued. Over time these coins increase in value, since only a limited number are minted each year. For both its bullion value and its collectors value the 2017 American Silver Eagle Coin is a reliable addition to a secure portfolio.