Product Details
 
The 29th release in the annual American Silver Eagle Program from the U.S. Mint showcases one of the most iconic and widely admired designs in American coinage. Paired with its .999 fine silver purity, the Silver Eagle continues to stand as a benchmark for modern silver bullion.
 
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: 47,000,000 coins
 
Obverse features Lady Liberty draped in the American flag, walking toward a rising sun
 
Reverse depicts a heraldic eagle beneath 13 stars, symbolizing the original colonies
 
Guaranteed and backed by the U.S. Mint
 
Renowned for its timeless imagery and intrinsic value, the Silver Eagle seamlessly blends classic American artistry with enduring bullion appeal. The 2015 American Silver Eagle remains a trusted and recognizable silver issue worldwide.
 
History of the American Silver Eagle Program
 
In the 1970s and early 1980s, the United States explored selling silver bullion as a way to reduce the Defense National Stockpile, citing domestic supply needs that exceeded strategic requirements. The proposal faced resistance from refiners who feared negative impacts on domestic mining and downward pressure on silver prices. During this period, the government released approximately 105 million troy ounces of silver directly into the market rather than as coinage, which contributed to a short-term decline in silver prices.
 
After years of debate and delays, progress resumed in 1985. On June 21, 1985, the U.S. Senate approved legislation 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 effective October 1, 1985, the act required a delayed launch. The first American Silver Eagles were officially released on November 24, 1986, beginning one of the most successful bullion coin programs in the world.
 
The Design (1986–2021)
 
The obverse features the legendary “Walking Liberty” design, originally created in 1916 by Adolph A. Weinman. The design portrays Liberty striding confidently forward, draped in the American flag, symbolizing freedom, progress, and optimism.
 
The reverse, designed by John Mercanti, presents a heraldic eagle behind a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows—imagery inspired by the Great Seal of the United States. Above the eagle are thirteen five-pointed stars, representing the original Thirteen Colonies. This classic reverse design was used from the program’s inception through 2021 and remains one of the most recognizable images in modern U.S. coinage.