American Eagle: US Mint Silver Investment Coin
The American Eagle is the flagship silver bullion coin of the U.S. Mint and one of the best-selling silver coins in the world. Let's look at its history, fineness, and the design it has carried since 1986.
History: the U.S. Mint's flagship coin since 1986
The silver American Eagle has been struck since 1986 by the United States Mint (U.S. Mint), as part of the American Eagle Bullion Coin Program, which today also includes a gold and, since 1997, a platinum version. The obverse revives the historic Walking Liberty design from the half dollar minted between 1916 and 1947 by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman – one of the most admired motifs in American numismatics.
999/1000 fineness and the eagle design
The coin is struck from pure silver with a fineness of 999/1000 Ag, weighs 31.1 g (one troy ounce), and carries a face value of 1 USD – legal tender in the United States. Since 2021, the reverse has featured a redesigned landing American eagle motif by Emily S. Damstra, replacing the original heraldic eagle-with-shield design by U.S. Mint engraver John Mercanti, which appeared on the coin from 1986 to 2021.
| Parameter | 1 oz American Eagle (Ag) |
|---|---|
| Metal | Silver (pure) |
| Fineness | 999/1000 (99.9%) |
| Weight | 31.1 g (1 troy ounce) |
| Diameter | 40.6 mm |
| Face value | 1 USD (legal tender) |
| Mint | U.S. Mint (USA) |
| First minted | 1986 |
| Certificate | none (bullion coin) |
Why investors choose the American Eagle
- Worldwide recognition – one of the most traded silver coins, alongside the Maple Leaf and Britannia.
- Backed by the U.S. Mint – as a bullion coin it ships without a certificate, but authenticity is guaranteed by the reputable state mint and its globally recognized design.
- Legal tender – the 1 USD face value gives the coin the status of official US currency.
- An accessible entry into silver – thanks to silver's lower price compared with gold, it's an affordable choice for beginners and portfolio diversification.
The U.S. Mint also strikes a gold and platinum version of the American Eagle, though GOLDU does not currently offer these. If you're interested in choosing a gold investment coin, see our guide How to Choose an Investment Gold Coin.
Unlike investment gold, investment silver is not exempt from VAT in the Czech Republic and is subject to the standard tax rate. The general principles of investing in silver are covered in Investment Silver: When It Pays Off and What to Watch For.
We currently have the 1 oz American Eagle 2026 silver coin from the U.S. Mint in stock – see it in the Investment Silver category in our shop.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fineness of the silver American Eagle?
The coin is struck from pure silver with a fineness of 999/1000 Ag (99.9%) and weighs 31.1 g, one troy ounce.
Is the silver American Eagle subject to VAT?
Yes. Unlike investment gold, investment silver is not exempt from VAT in the Czech Republic and is subject to the standard 21% rate. The price shown in the shop already includes tax.
Is there a gold version of the American Eagle?
Yes, the U.S. Mint strikes a gold (and, since 1997, a platinum) version of the American Eagle alongside the silver one. GOLDU currently carries the 1 oz silver version.
Does the coin come with a certificate?
No. As a bullion coin, the American Eagle ships without a certificate – authenticity is guaranteed by the reputable U.S. Mint and its globally recognized design.
Is the American Eagle suitable for beginners?
Yes. Thanks to its recognizability, liquidity, and silver's lower price compared with gold, it's one of the most accessible choices for a first precious metal purchase.
