subject: The American Silver Eagle - A Glimpse At The Past Of This Cool Coin [print this page] First released in 1986, the silver eagle became the bullion of the United States officially. Having a one dollar value, this coin has made of 99.9% pure silver. Weight, content, as well as purity are all certified by the U. S. Mint. Ever since the introduction of this silver coin into society, it has been minted in Philadelphia, West Point and San Francisco. To the delight of coin collectors a proof set was struck as well.
One of the most popular and beloved coins in American history, the Walking Liberty fifty cent coin was the inspiration for the U. S. Silver Eagles. Originally created by Adolph A. Weinman and minted from 1916 to 1947, the coin was a mainstay of the American public. The words "Liberty" and 'In God We Trust' was emblazoned on the front of these silver coins.
The reverse of this silver coin was brought to us through the design of John Mercanti. Similar to the Seal of the United States, an eagle is shown behind a shield with a olive branch in one talon and arrows in the left talon. Thirteen five pointed stars in memory of the thirteen original colonies set above the eagle's head. Additionally, the reverse is struck with "United States of America"; and "1oz. Fine Silver-One Dollar".
Without it being his intention, the birth of these coins actually originated while President Reagan inhabited the White House. The US had a large stockpile of silver and in 1982 the President requested the sale of that silver to aid in balancing the budget. Approved by the House and Senate that seventy-five percent of the stockpiled silver could be used over three years. The plan was quickly abandoned when silver value plummeted.
The suspended sale of silver stayed in effect until two years later when it was suggested the extra silver be used in the minting of silver coins. Legislation was introduced and passed and the silver eagle coin was born in 1985. San Francisco saw the first striking in 1986 and minting continues to the present time. Having been minted at all locations, the last point of minting was West Point.
Minting of the coins were used for various milestones as the years have passed. A collection of various weights, referred to as the 'Philadelphia Set' was minted in 1993. The 'U. S. Mint Bicentennial' was a 90% proof set. While minting Presidential dollars and the Sacagawea dollars, these fine silver eagle coins were made available for purchase from the U. S. Mint to the public in sets.
The year 2008 brought about some changes in the silver dollar quite by chance. In setting up to strike the coins, the year was inadvertently entered as 2007. Along with that little error, a complication with the die being used altered the letter 'U' in United and did not reflect the dash that had always been added.
by: Eric McMillan
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