Product Details
 
This release marks the 25th issue of the annual American Silver Eagle Program from the U.S. Mint, featuring one of the most recognized and admired designs in American coinage. Paired with its .999 fine silver purity, the Silver Eagle remains a cornerstone of modern bullion ownership.
 
Coin Highlights
 
Contains 1 troy oz of .999 fine silver
 
Multiples of 20 are packaged in mint-issued tubes
 
Individual coins ship in protective packaging
 
Worldwide mintage: 40,020,000 coins
 
Obverse features Lady Liberty draped in the American flag, walking toward a rising sun
 
Reverse displays a heraldic eagle beneath 13 stars representing the original colonies
 
Guaranteed and backed by the U.S. Mint
 
Celebrated for its timeless artistry and intrinsic value, the Silver Eagle blends classic American symbolism with enduring silver appeal. The 2011 American Silver Eagle is a standout addition to any silver holding.
 
History of the American Silver Eagle Program
 
During the 1970s and early 1980s, the United States explored ways to reduce the Defense National Stockpile by selling excess silver. While initial plans considered issuing bullion coins, opposition from refiners and concerns over market impact delayed execution. Instead, the government released large quantities of silver directly into the market—approximately 105 million troy ounces—which contributed to a short-term decline in silver prices.
 
After years of debate and suspension, progress resumed in 1985. On June 21, 1985, the U.S. Senate approved an amendment authorizing a national silver bullion coin. The bill was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on July 9, 1985, formally establishing the program under the Liberty Coin Act. Although the law took effect on October 1, 1985, production was delayed until the following year. The first American Silver Eagles were officially released on November 24, 1986, launching what would become one of the most successful bullion programs in the world.
 
The Design (1986–2021)
 
The obverse design is based on “Walking Liberty,” originally created in 1916 by Adolph A. Weinman. Long admired for its elegance and symbolism, the design depicts Liberty moving confidently toward a new day, embodying freedom and optimism.
 
The reverse, designed by John Mercanti, features a heraldic eagle with a shield, an olive branch, and arrows—an image inspired by the Great Seal of the United States. Above the eagle are thirteen five-pointed stars, representing the original Thirteen Colonies. This reverse design was used from the program’s inception through 2021 and remains one of the most iconic images in modern U.S. coinage.