This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy thru these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
United States silver eagles are 1-ounce silver bullion coins that are usually bought, sold, and traded for a price very close to the current metal value.
The first $1 silver eagles are dated 1986 and have been a regular U.S. Mint release since then.
The obverse of the American Silver Eagle may look familiar to seasoned coin collectors. It’s none other than the widely declared most beautiful design ever placed on a coin — Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty — which graced the U.S. half dollar from 1916 to 1947.
Collecting Silver Eagle Coins
American Silver Eagle dollar coins are struck in both uncirculated and proof formats and are sold by the U.S. Mint and private coin dealers.
As bullion coins, silver eagles are extremely popular among investors — because prices fluctuate very closely with prevailing silver prices. Just as silver prices have risen in recent years, so have the values of Silver Eagle bullion coins.
Uncirculated silver eagles are generally less expensive than proof versions and are often favored by investors — because their values are much closer to the relative bullion value.
Proof versions of American Silver Eagle coins, while also popular with investors, have a large following among coin collectors.
Some proof issues are relatively scarce, and demand high premiums over the prices of uncirculated specimens from the same year.
Here’s my list of the joys and challenges of collecting American silver eagles.
Scarce American Silver Eagle Coin Values
While most silver eagles (especially uncirculated examples) are highly common, there are some scarce dates.
Following are some of the scarce uncirculated and proof dates in the Silver Eagle series. Prices for these dates tend to follow collector demand, rather than direct silver bullion fluctuations:
- 1996 Silver Eagle: $57 to $110 in Mint State-63 through Mint State-69
- 2006-W Silver Eagle: $50 to $575 in Mint State-63 through Mint State-70
- 2006-W 20th Anniversary Silver Eagle: $65 to $2,000 in Mint State-63 through Mint State-70
- 2006-W 20th Anniversary First Strike Silver Eagle: $90 to $3,250 in Mint State-63 through Mint State-70
- 2008-W Reverse of 2007 $1 Silver Eagle: $375 to $2,100 in Mint State-63 through Mint State-70
- 2008-W Reverse of 2007 First Strike Silver Eagle: $430 to $2,500 in Mint State-63 through Mint State-70
- 1993-P DCAM Proof Silver Eagle: $100 to $4,500 in Proof-63 through Proof-70
- 1994-P DCAM Proof Silver Eagle: $175 to $3,000 in Proof-63 through Proof-70
- 1995-P DCAM Proof Silver Eagle: $127 to $1,300 in Proof-63 through Proof-70
- 1995-W DCAM Proof Silver Eagle: $3,700 to $35,000 in Proof-63 through Proof-70
- 1996-P DCAM Proof Silver Eagle: $80 to $1,200 in Proof-63 through Proof-70
- 1997-P DCAM Proof Silver Eagle: $80 to $1,275 in Proof-62 through Proof-70
- 2006-P 20th Anniversary DCAM Proof Silver Eagle: $170 to $650 in Proof-63 through Proof-70
- 2006-P Reverse of 20th Anniversary DCAM Proof Silver Eagle: $180 to $1,200 in Proof 63 through Proof-70
*”W” is the mint mark for West Point, New York. DCAM is the widely used acronym for Deep Cameo Proof, or a coin with frosted images and mirror-like backgrounds (also called fields).
To find the current American Silver Eagle dollar value, check out the Professional Coin Grading Service’s Silver Eagle price guide.
Grading Silver Eagle Coins
Many American Silver Eagle dollar coins have been slabbed by grading services. These silver eagles normally receive grades of Mint-State 67 or Proof-67 and higher.
If you are purchasing American silver eagles for bullion investment, you’re probably best buying typical-quality uncirculated Silver Eagle coins.
Typical, uncirculated American silver eagles in grades Mint State-60 through Mint State-63 are those which cost the closest to the silver bullion price (aside from any worn or impaired silver eagles you may find on the market).
Slabbed high-grade examples and proof Silver Eagle dollar coins (which are highly desirable collector coins) cost far more than average uncirculated silver eagles. It’s fair to say that most high-grade silver eagles and proof silver eagles are priced according to the coin collector and investor market, rather than the bullion market.
Prices for American Silver Eagle dollar coins can fluctuate daily. To find current silver values, check out a site like APMEX , which has up-to-date bullion values.
Where To Buy The American Silver Eagle Dollar Coin
Most coin dealers sell both uncirculated and proof versions of silver eagles.
There are also many bullion brokers who sell and help facilitate the sale of Silver Eagle dollar coins.
Uncirculated and proof versions of current American Silver Eagle coins are available on the U.S. Mint’s site, as well.
Here are 6 ways to buy Silver Eagle coins at cheap prices.
Tips To Avoid Buying Fake Silver Eagle Coins
I’m the Coin Editor here at TheFunTimesGuide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek. I’ve authored nearly 1,000 articles here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins (many of them with over 50K shares), and I welcome your coin questions in the comments below!
Do you have an article on selling back 1 oz silve eagles and silver bars? I’m wondering what I could expect to get paid over spot for each of these standard types of silver bullion. Ultimately I’m trying to determine the best return on my investment in silver bullion, for future purchases.
Sincerely,
Brian
Hi, Brian —
Unfortunately we don’t yet have an article specifically focusing on the sale of silver bars and bullion coins to coin dealers.
While I can’t provide any investment advice, I can say anecdotally that silver bullion coins generally bring somewhere between 3 to 10% return over spot, as I have witnessed both from my personal experience and in hearing about what others have gotten when selling bullion coins. Though, those amounts vary both on the dealer and, in many cases, the number of pieces being sold at one time.
Are your coins proofs or uncirculated? Proofs tend to bring a slightly higher return over spot than uncirculated (but proof bullion coins also cost more to buy).
Silver bars will probably be bought for at spot or just a tad above. That’s because silver bars are usually the most efficient way to buy, store, and sell bullion; it, however, also lacks the collector market bullion coins have.
I hope this helps at least a bit.
Thank you for the information, im just getting started in this new hobby /investment.what is the value of a Burnished coin over the rest though?
I have a 2004 1oz fine silver one dollar coin in the case, want to know it’s value.
Marian,
Your 2004 1-ounce silver coin is worth around $35 to $40.
I’ve noticed many arguents over the slabbed MS69 and MS70 25th Anniversary Silver Eagles lately…which year is the REAL 25th? 2010 or 2011? Many companys selling both years as the 25th! Pls advise…
Ron,
Great question! The answer comes in knowing this: the FIRST American Silver Eagle was dated 1986. Now, technically, the 2010 ASE is the twenty-fifth consecutive year of the series — just like an annual event that first started in 1986 would have held its 25th gathering in 2010. However, a child born in 1986 would be celebrating a 25th birthday in 2011…
In other words, the 2010 is the 25th ASE, but 2011 marks the 25th ANNIVERSARY of the ASE program.
I hope this makes sense.
If you want my answer, I’d probably buy the 2010, because that year marks the striking of the 25th coin in the annual ASE series.
Regarding slabbed silver eagles…pls explain the differences between all the different/meanings importance if any of the colored labels…red, blue, black brown etc.
Are you referring to the silver eagles that come in packages from the U.S. Mint or those which have grades listed on the labels (like Ms-69, PF-68, etc.)?
In either case, if it’s what I think you’re referring to (the color of the presentation box in the case of coins straight from the Mint), over the course of many years, the U.S. Mint had different color presentation cases for coins in proof condition.
Please let me know if this is what you’re referring to or not so I can further clarify if necessary…
I’m trying to figure out why some slabbed graded coins have red labels, some have blue labels and some have black or brown? Is there a guide we can all referr to? Would be nice to know WHY the labels/inserts are different colors. I see them on various slabs…anniversary, as well as first strikes or first issue…so what determines which coin gets what color? Some even have yellow or green and there is no special event happening…pls clarify.
Ron,
The “first strike” or “first issue” designation you see on certain slabs refers to a group of coins that is claimed to have been among the first struck of the design during a certain year. However, it’s important to know that there is a lot of hype built around coins billed as first strikes, and any additional value these coins may have is really only because of the supposed novelty of having a coin that may have been among the first 10,000 or even 100,000 (or more) struck in a year.
As for colored inserts, there isn’t a particular industry-wide standard used for deciding what coins get what color labels; such things are usually dictated within a given company and, for example a blue label on a coin from company X may not mean the same thing as a blue label from company Y.
In fact, you may be surprised to learn that even the grade one coin receives can be different between company X and company y.
Hi, I just purchased 10 new 2014 silver eagles from apmex and they all have some strange semi frosted circular patterns to them on both sides mostly visible and blending with the shiny portions in the fields. Is this considered normal variations from the mint and is this good or bad on the future value.
Hello, Mote –
The frosty patches are often resultant from the striking of the coin and indicate that they are uncirculated, but perhaps you have something a little more eye catching than usual?
If you’d like to submit a photo as an example I’ll be glad to look at it and see if it is just luster or something else.
Thanks!
I have been buying the american eagle silver dollars for my daughter as an annual christmas gift. I have been getting the proof graded 70 mostly for a cool collection for her in time. My question is…Does it matter from a value or collectable standpoint if I buy them from the us mint itself vs a private dealer who has graded it? I have seen this years mint price is 59$ (today) but some private vendors have them for 45-50$; are these different some how? does the label matter for value or validity–star vs bald eagle label etc… I dont know much about it so any basic info is very helpful.
Thanks so much
Great question, Jessica –
The short answer is that a Proof 70 American silver eagle has the same value no matter from whom you buy it or where you found it. In recent years, there has been a push to sell so-called “First Strike” silver eagles, which are purported to be rare or somehow more valuable than later strikes, but in reality the U.S. Mint may strike 50,000 to 100,000 silver eagles on the first day of production for a given year, so there are many, many “First Strike” coins out there; the same goes for similar coins packaged by the U.S. Mint.
I’d suggest that if you want to buy your daughter high-grade silver eagles on an annual basis (and that’s a wonderful thing to do, by the way), buying them graded from a private coin dealer is just fine. If you want to ensure you’re buying a high-grade piece, many dealers offer silver eagles encapsulated by coin grading firms such as PCGS and NGC. These are HIGHLY reputable coin certification companies, and I’d take their word any day that the “Proof 70” coin inside their holders really is a “Proof 70.”
Good luck!
Joshua, Thanks for all the information. I am curious to know the difference and any value impact it might have for a Silver Eagle and one listed as a “Reverse”?
Hello, Nick –
You’re welcome, and yes, there is a value difference between a “regular proof” silver eagle and one listed as a “reverse proof.” The reverse proof specimens were made via a special process that creates frosted fields and mirror-like design devices. Based on the year, the reverse silver eagles are worth $100 to $300 or more, versus $50 to $70 for a more typical proof silver eagle.
Best,
-Josh
I’m new to collecting but want to do it for long term investment. Which silver coins do you recommend for this investment? I started collecting Morgan dollars and 2014 silver eagle dollars non graded. Is this a good start?
Hello, Elaine —
Investing in coins can be a great way to hopefully pickup profits over the longterm, but I always advise caution when using coins solely for investment purposes. In my lifetime I’ve lived through two huge silver busts (In the 1980s, and 2011-present).
Rare coins depreciated quickly in the 1990s after a huge run in the 1980s. So, what I will say is this — Morgan dollars are a classic series with an always present collector/investor market, but they, too, have seen declines over the years (notably late-1989 through 2001).
You might find this link VERY helpful; it covers historical values of Morgan dollars going back to the 1960s. You’ll see the highs, lows, and how certain dates have performed over the course of time: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/morgan-dollars-values/
If you like Morgan dollars, by all means buy them with the hope of seeing profits. But realize that losses can and do happen in the rare coin market as the economy experiences highs and lows.
I hope find this reply helpful!
-Josh
Thanks for getting back to me with my questions. My goal is to buy a portfolio of silver besides Morgan dollars do you think silver bars would be a wise investment?
Hi, I found a 1923 penny in my safe. The penny looks to be in great condition as far a numbers and designs are clear. The only thing is that it appears to have ink on it as the face is very dark. Is it worth anything in that condition. Also, how much are the 2004 hologram silver dollars worth? Someone is selling me 3 out of the four in the ultimate collection. Thanks
FOR EACH YEAR SINCE 1986 IF YOU COLLECTED ALL SILVER EAGLE FOR EACH YEAR HOW MANY WOULD THERE BE. I KEEP HEARING DIFFERENT NUMBER FOR TOTAL.
Hi, George —
If you cobbled together a date set of American Silver Eagles with one coin from each year, you would currently need 30 pieces for a 1986-2015 inclusive silver eagle collection.
Best,
Josh
Hey Joshua,
I am purchasing an entire set of silver eagles tomorrow! I am paying $890.00- is this a good price?
Thanks in advance,
Chris Gillum
Hello, Chris —
Given current silver prices at about $14.50 an ounce, $890 is not a bad price at all for all 30 coins. I’ve seen a couple lower prices but many that charge more right now. I trust each piece is in uncirculated/bullion condition?
Enjoy your ASEs!
Josh
Joshua,
I have the set. They are all uncirculated. I really appreciate the good information on this forum! It has been very helpful. I was born in 1986, so not only was the first year my birth year silver dollar, but every year after hold some kind of different chapter and story for my life. I will add one every year now! What direction should I take my collection in next?
Thanks,
Chris Gillum
What a marvelous idea, Chris! As far as where to go with your collection next, that’s up to you. However, if you’re interested in modern coins and are interested in a fun (not necessarily profitable, but neat nevertheless), you might consider commemorative coins dating back to 1986. The ’86 U.S. commemoratives honor the Statue of Liberty, which celebrated its centennial that year. Any more questions, please feel free to ask!
Happy collecting,
Josh
That’s $61 a coin… How is this a good price? I am genuinely curious as I am beginning to invest as well
Hi, Rich —
My calculations show that $890 divided by 31 comes to around $28 per coin. You’re probably looking at this from a bullion standpoint versus the numismatic standpoint that Chris was asking about. While a lot of people tend to view silver eagles only as bullion coins (which stems from a “stack ’em high in the vault” investing philosophy), many others collect American Silver Eagles as collector coins and are building albums that span the entire series, going back to 1986, the year the first silver eagles were made. So, I would advise you to consider that angle as well if you’re looking for a creative (and possibly lucrative) alternative to collecting and investing in silver eagles. I hope that helps!
Best,
Josh
Thanks Josh, my apologies, I believe I did come up with that number given the price per ounce, divided by the $890. I already replied to you in a question I asked, as I am a collector of gold coins and bullion and am looking to add silver to my portfolio. I just didn’t think that these coins held a numismatic value yet. However, having a complete set does make more sense. Do you believe the value on the 2016 coin will hold some numismatic value being that they are the 30th coin? Or do you think they are being too massly produced to hold that value? Thanks for your time.
Best
Rich
No worries!
At this point so far, the U.S. Mint is on track to break records (yet again) on American Silver Eagle mintages, so it’s doubtful that the 2016 bullion ASE will carry a significant premium. For the most part, ASEs from the past decade or so are trading very close to spot, though pieces from the 1980s, as well as the scarce 1996 date, are all selling for notable premiums.
Thank you for your questions,
Josh
Hi does a 2010 silver eagle hold any more value than a 2015 silver eagle of the same purity? ie. Does the value change with age of the coin?
Hi, J —
Great question. The basic answer is that, for the most part, older American Silver Eagles, especially those from the 1980s, carry a small numismatic premium due to age and, really, scarceness. The 1996 ASE is presently considered the “key” date of the series and is worth about $55 to $65 right now. As for a comparison between a 2010 and 2015 ASE, these are worth similar amounts now as both are quite common.
But, the general answer to your question, again, is yes — date does matter when it comes to pricing ASEs on a numismatic basis.
Good luck!
Josh
Hey Josh, new collector/investor here. Recently bought some 2016 American Silver Eagle $1 Brilliant Uncirculated US Mint coins. Would you recommend that I stick with that or switch it up?
Hi, Rich —
I don’t provide investment advice, per se (be careful of anyone who does when it comes to coins — there’s no such thing as a “sure bet” when it comes to investing in coins). What I suggest is if you like American Silver Eagles but want some variety, perhaps you might enjoy collecting one date from each year of the series, dating back to 1986. No matter what the metals markets are doing, complete sets of American Silver Eagles tend to be popular with buyers.
I hope this helps! Good luck, and please feel free to ask any other coin-related questions you may have.
Best,
Josh
Understandable. I also, should have clarified more. I am a collector of gold coins with numismatic and bullion value. Silver is where I am new and for many reasons. I plan on diversifying my portfolio with silver coins and bullion. Thanks for the advice as I didn’t realize these coins, even from 1986, held any numismatic value yet. But, in my own experiences with my gold coins, I know that can change at any time and for a number of reasons. Thank you for your time. And I definitely think I will be coming here for future questions.
Best
Rich
Hi, Rich!
Absolutely, silver is an exciting place to invest because, as with gold coins, there are so many different types of coins you can collect. American Silver Eagles are attracting a numismatic crowd, though bear in mind that any collector premiums on most bullion/uncirculated specimens, except for the 1996, are slim. The 1996 ASE is worth around $50 at this point because of its low mintage — aside from the proof and burnished specimens, the 1996 ASE is among the most expensive of the silver eagles.
Please feel free to check back here any time with your coin-related questions!
Best,
Josh
Say Josh, I have a 1989 American Eagle S proof coin that has a frosted Walking Lady AND THE FIELD IS GOLDISH LOOKING both sides it is different from all the others I have, Not sure why coin is like this they did not start making burnished AEs until 2006 I think. Got any idea why coin has this mirrored goldish field.
Hi, Doug —
Images of the 1989-S American Silver Eagle would help, but it sounds like your coin has acquired some gold toning, which is not unusual for a coin of its age and metallic composition. If it’s a toned 1989-S American Gold Eagle, it could be worth anywhere from its usual base value of about $55 to $100 or more if the toning and surfaces are desirable.
Best,
Josh