Since its discovery around 4000 BCE, silver has been coveted by people both as an exchange medium and for making luxury items. The first U.S. silver dollar coins were minted in 1792. In 1986, the U.S. Mint released the first American Eagle, a silver bullion coin with a design based on A.A. Weinman's 'Walking Liberty,' originally introduced on the half-dollar in 1917. Collectors and investors alike appreciate the beauty and value of these coins, and according to the U.S. Mint, over 30 million American Eagle Silver bullion coins were sold in 2012, with similar sales for preceding years. However, as with any investment, despite their popularity and value, it is wise to consider these eight points before purchasing these precious coins.
1. The Official Silver Bullion Coins of the United States
IRA-Approved Silver Eagles Reminder: To include these items in your Precious Metals IRA, you must first contact our Precious Metals IRA Department at (800) 418-0235. IRA-Acceptable Silver Products - In the midst of the various social, political, and financial factors that continuously impact today's global economy, an IRA based on the value of Silver provides some financial reassurance and stability.
The American Eagle Silver Bullion coin is authorized by Title II of the Liberty Coin Act of 1985, which mandates that it has a nominal face value of $1 and contains one troy ounce of 99.9 percent pure silver. The coins are the only silver bullion coins in existence whose weight, content, and purity are guaranteed by the U.S. Government and certified by the U.S. Mint.
Due to the strict regulations regarding their printing, American Eagles are easily identified. Every American Eagle Silver Bullion coin is minted according the specifications listed in the chart below.
Specification Standard | Description |
Mintage | Minted every year since 1986 by the U.S. Mint |
Gross weight | 31.10 grams or 1 troy ounce |
Diameter | 1.60 inches |
Thickness | 0.12 inches |
Front design | Lady Liberty gliding toward the sun |
Rear design | Silver eagle behind a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons 13 stars sit above the eagle to represent the original colonies |
Face value | $1 |
These specifications make it easy for buyers and sellers to identify American Eagle coins. Furthermore, the details of the design can be compared against other types of silver bullion and collectible coins.
2. Their Value Is Largely Symbolic
American Eagle Silver Bullion coins are considered legal tender and have a face value of $1. This value is largely symbolic; however, as they are traded based on the market rate for silver, plus a small premium. Their actual silver market value is much higher than their $1 face value.
3. Three Versions of American Eagle Silver Coins
The U.S. Mint produces three versions of the American Eagle Silver coins. There is a proof version and an uncirculated collector ' s version as well as the bullion version. The bullion version is only distributed to the public through a network known as Authorized Purchasers to include wholesalers, brokerage firms, precious metal and coin dealers, and some banks. The U.S. Mint only sells the proof and collector's versions directly to the public.
4. The Only Silver Coins Allowed in an IRA
American Eagle Silver Bullion coins are considered investment-grade silver bullion coins and are the only official investment-grade silver coins in the United States. As such, these coins can be used to fund Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Major investment markets around the globe also accept them. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) exempts the American Eagle Silver Bullion coins from IRS 1099 reporting, which provides the investors with an added level of privacy.
5. American Eagle Coins Are Easy to Buy and Sell
One measure of a good investment is its liquidity. American Eagle Silver Bullion coins are easily bought and sold through any Authorized Purchaser. Their distinct design, with the eagle and shield, reeded edges, and brilliant luster, along with their U.S. Government backing and clear mark of fineness, makes them easily identifiable and highly tradable.
6. Added Costs for Storing Silver Coins
One difference between investments, such as stocks and mutual funds, and coin investments is the need for storage space. Once purchased, these silver bullion coins are delivered to the buyer's address. Depending upon the number ordered, the buyer may need to secure a safety deposit box or other secure storage facility. Buyers should be wary of sellers who, rather than delivering the coins, offer to store them in a secure facility for the buyer.
7. More Expensive Than Silver Rounds
American Eagle Silver Bullion coins are priced slightly higher than standard silver bullion rounds.. Therefore, it is necessary that buyers perform some research and carefully consider which type of coin best suits their investment goals before purchasing one or the other. Buyers should also keep in mind that American Eagle Silver Bullion coins are sold in rolls of 20 or boxes of 500 rolls.
8. Bullion Coins Are Not the Same as Collectible Coins
Bullion coins differ from collectible coins in a few ways. The resale value of collectible coins is determined in large part by the numismatic value of the particular coin as opposed to the actual value of the silver content in the coin. The value is dependent upon what a dealer is willing to pay for it, and therefore, is subject to wide fluctuations. Bullion coins have a resale value based on the actual precious metal content in the coin. The physical price of silver, plus a small premium, determines the value of a bullion coin.
How to Buy American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins on eBay
Buyers searching for American Eagle coins can find several Authorized Purchasers and individual sellers on eBay. eBay's user-friendly search functions make it easy for buyers to locate American Eagle Silver Bullion coins with little effort. Buyers need to simply type the words related to their search into the search box, which can be found on any eBay page, and then hit the search button to return thousands of listings for American Eagle silver coins. Filters allow shoppers to quickly narrow their results based on a number of parameters: to include top-rated sellers, location, and buying method. The site's seller rating system, along with buyer feedback, helps consumers and investors identify reliable, trusted sellers when making a large purchase.
Conclusion
American Eagle Silver coins are the finest silver coins issued by the United States Mint. Made of one full ounce of troy silver, with a small amount of copper added for durability, these desirable and valuable coins are purchased by investors all over the world. As legal tender, the face value is only $1, but their actual value is much higher. Silver is the most affordable precious metal, making silver bullion an affordable investment for any investor. The price of silver rarely declines, which means there is a low risk of investing in American Eagles. Despite their relative safety as an investment, buyers should consider the points outlined above in order to make an informed, intelligent purchase.
Since its discovery around 4000 BCE, silver has been coveted by people both as an exchange medium and for making luxury items. The first U.S. silver dollar coins were minted in 1792. In 1986, the U.S. Mint released the first American Eagle, a silver bullion coin with a design based on A.A. Weinman's 'Walking Liberty,' originally introduced on the half-dollar in 1917. Collectors and investors alike appreciate the beauty and value of these coins, and according to the U.S. Mint, over 30 million American Eagle Silver bullion coins were sold in 2012, with similar sales for preceding years. However, as with any investment, despite their popularity and value, it is wise to consider these eight points before purchasing these precious coins.
1. The Official Silver Bullion Coins of the United States
The American Eagle Silver Bullion coin is authorized by Title II of the Liberty Coin Act of 1985, which mandates that it has a nominal face value of $1 and contains one troy ounce of 99.9 percent pure silver. The coins are the only silver bullion coins in existence whose weight, content, and purity are guaranteed by the U.S. Government and certified by the U.S. Mint.
Due to the strict regulations regarding their printing, American Eagles are easily identified. Every American Eagle Silver Bullion coin is minted according the specifications listed in the chart below.
Specification Standard | Description |
Mintage | Minted every year since 1986 by the U.S. Mint |
Gross weight | 31.10 grams or 1 troy ounce |
Diameter | 1.60 inches |
Thickness | 0.12 inches |
Front design | Lady Liberty gliding toward the sun |
Rear design | Silver eagle behind a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons 13 stars sit above the eagle to represent the original colonies |
Face value | $1 |
These specifications make it easy for buyers and sellers to identify American Eagle coins. Furthermore, the details of the design can be compared against other types of silver bullion and collectible coins.
2. Their Value Is Largely Symbolic
American Eagle Silver Bullion coins are considered legal tender and have a face value of $1. This value is largely symbolic; however, as they are traded based on the market rate for silver, plus a small premium. Their actual silver market value is much higher than their $1 face value.
3. Three Versions of American Eagle Silver Coins
The U.S. Mint produces three versions of the American Eagle Silver coins. There is a proof version and an uncirculated collector ' s version as well as the bullion version. The bullion version is only distributed to the public through a network known as Authorized Purchasers to include wholesalers, brokerage firms, precious metal and coin dealers, and some banks. The U.S. Mint only sells the proof and collector's versions directly to the public.
4. The Only Silver Coins Allowed in an IRA
American Eagle Silver Bullion coins are considered investment-grade silver bullion coins and are the only official investment-grade silver coins in the United States. As such, these coins can be used to fund Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Major investment markets around the globe also accept them. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) exempts the American Eagle Silver Bullion coins from IRS 1099 reporting, which provides the investors with an added level of privacy.
5. American Eagle Coins Are Easy to Buy and Sell
One measure of a good investment is its liquidity. American Eagle Silver Bullion coins are easily bought and sold through any Authorized Purchaser. Their distinct design, with the eagle and shield, reeded edges, and brilliant luster, along with their U.S. Government backing and clear mark of fineness, makes them easily identifiable and highly tradable.
6. Added Costs for Storing Silver Coins
One difference between investments, such as stocks and mutual funds, and coin investments is the need for storage space. Once purchased, these silver bullion coins are delivered to the buyer's address. Depending upon the number ordered, the buyer may need to secure a safety deposit box or other secure storage facility. Buyers should be wary of sellers who, rather than delivering the coins, offer to store them in a secure facility for the buyer.
7. More Expensive Than Silver Rounds
American Eagle Silver Bullion coins are priced slightly higher than standard silver bullion rounds.. Therefore, it is necessary that buyers perform some research and carefully consider which type of coin best suits their investment goals before purchasing one or the other. Buyers should also keep in mind that American Eagle Silver Bullion coins are sold in rolls of 20 or boxes of 500 rolls.
8. Bullion Coins Are Not the Same as Collectible Coins
Bullion coins differ from collectible coins in a few ways. The resale value of collectible coins is determined in large part by the numismatic value of the particular coin as opposed to the actual value of the silver content in the coin. The value is dependent upon what a dealer is willing to pay for it, and therefore, is subject to wide fluctuations. Bullion coins have a resale value based on the actual precious metal content in the coin. The physical price of silver, plus a small premium, determines the value of a bullion coin.
How to Buy American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins on eBay
Buyers searching for American Eagle coins can find several Authorized Purchasers and individual sellers on eBay. eBay's user-friendly search functions make it easy for buyers to locate American Eagle Silver Bullion coins with little effort. Buyers need to simply type the words related to their search into the search box, which can be found on any eBay page, and then hit the search button to return thousands of listings for American Eagle silver coins. Filters allow shoppers to quickly narrow their results based on a number of parameters: to include top-rated sellers, location, and buying method. The site's seller rating system, along with buyer feedback, helps consumers and investors identify reliable, trusted sellers when making a large purchase.
Conclusion
American Eagle Silver coins are the finest silver coins issued by the United States Mint. Made of one full ounce of troy silver, with a small amount of copper added for durability, these desirable and valuable coins are purchased by investors all over the world. As legal tender, the face value is only $1, but their actual value is much higher. Silver is the most affordable precious metal, making silver bullion an affordable investment for any investor. The price of silver rarely declines, which means there is a low risk of investing in American Eagles. Despite their relative safety as an investment, buyers should consider the points outlined above in order to make an informed, intelligent purchase.