Silver Eagle Production by Year: Figures of Value & Mintages

Sometimes, coins do not enter the global market but remain a collecting treasure for numismatists and investors alike. Not long ago, in 1986, the US Mint commenced a program that presupposed the mintage of coins, both of silver and gold content, for those who appreciate history trapped in the forms of art. 

American Gold Eagle mintages, as well as those of silver production, represent the inventive side of American numismatics that prioritizes exclusivity, traditions, and artistic expression at the same time. Today, we would like you to get acquainted with the first year American Silver Eagle and explore the best app to check coin value for free. 

A Quick Look at the Silver Eagle Program

Silver Eagle Program, i.e., a part of a larger American Eagle campaign, has become one of the most recognizable coin series worldwide. The goal of the Liberty Coin Act of 1985, which granted the program authorization, refers to the omnipresent provision of an accessible and reasonably priced means of acquiring pure silver in the form of a coin. What is more, it was direct support from the government, which is always good for the reputation of local authorities and other powers that be.

As for the selling price of these coins, it is usually determined by silver rates and collector demand, though each American Silver Eagle has a face value of one US dollar. The coins are favored by numismatists of all sorts as these units of currency come in burnished, proof, and bullion varieties, with different mintages and limited editions each: 

• Burnished Coins: As a rule, they have a smooth, matte appearance, for they are struck from specially polished blanks, which seems appealing to collectors because these tend to be characterized by the lowest mintage silver eagles ever.

• Proof Coins: Another group of first-year silver eagles refers to proof coins that have a crisp, mirror-like finish with frosted designs locked in distinctive packages/cases.

• Bullion coins: Lastly, the most popular coins in the group are represented via bullion coins, which are mainly used for investing (and collecting, obviously). They are priced according to the current silver prices and have the typical brilliant shine others cannot boast.

Related article: The 1987 Quarter Value.

Annual American Eagle Mintages

Market demand, silver prices, and economic conditions all have an impact on the annual mintage figures, which fluctuate considerably from year to year. In order to satisfy investor demand, the US Mint occasionally boosts production, especially during uncertain financial times or periods of high silver prices. 

Thus, for example, more than 47 million bullion coins were minted in 2015, which was the highest point of mintage. However, other years have had substantially fewer mintage numbers, which increases the value of particular editions in the end. Burnished silver eagle mintages has also hard times during 2019 with only 129,000 coins released at that time. 

American Gold Eagle mintages, in turn, could have boasted a larger number of the initial 1.3 million coins produced. The figures, though, have changed throughout time. For you to clearly understand this statement, mintages had peak seasons in the late 1980s and early 2000s, while production declined in several 1990s years as a result of declining demand.

American Silver Eagle Key Dates

As stated above, coin production always reflects the current situation. This is why it is important to be aware of some rare silver eagle dates that may lay the foundation for these units of currency to grow in price. 

• 1986: The first year of  American Silver Eagle series production.

• 1996: The bullion Silver Eagle is a major rarity because it has the lowest mintage of any bullion ever.

• 2006: A special reverse-proof coin introduced to commemorate the series' 20th anniversary.

• 2011: The 25th-anniversary set, which came with a burnished and low-mintage reverse proof.

• 2021: A crucial year as it saw the switch from the original to the new designs, which generated a lot of interest in both versions available.

The prices are usually set by the public itself, for it is demand that creates supply in the numismatic landscape, not vice versa. Nevertheless, it gives rise to speculations and improper assessment techniques for those who are interested in it. Hence, it might be reasonable for anyone involved in numismatics to know how to evaluate coins right on the spot. But how?

Value Assessment is Easier Than Ever

In order to identify a coin and understand how much it might cost, one is free to employ extra digital tools equipped with essential numismatic features and encyclopedic knowledge as well. Coin ID Scanner is one of those apps that may offer the most comprehensive set of instruments for instant coin assessment by scanning an item with a smartphone camera for anyone regardless of their level of proficiency. 

Along with quick identification, Coin ID Scanner provides real-time market data for their users to determine a coin's current value when needed, for example, you can simply check the 1974 aluminum penny worth in the app. Rest assured that it may remove any uncertainty and give customers access to accurate, current pricing data, too. Besides, the app offers educational resources, e.g., articles, special guides, and instructions on coin grading and collecting techniques. Isn't it magnificent, by the way? 

If you wish to obtain such a coin as an American Silver Eagle, be ready to make informed decisions, understand numismatic basics, and appropriately assess coin conditions/value to elevate your coin collection to new heights!

Sources: 

1. https://www.usmint.gov/coins/coin-medal-programs/american-eagle/silver-bullion 

2. https://www.govmint.com/coin-authority/post/what-are-the-emergency-production-silver-eagles