Overview
About the American Silver Eagle
The American Silver Eagle contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and is the most widely traded silver coin in the US. Almost every dealer buys and sells it.
That popularity usually means a higher premium over spot than many other 1 oz silver coins. Some buyers pay it for the easy resale; others prefer cheaper rounds or foreign coins.
For background on the metal itself, see our silver guide.
Reference
Specifications
| Issuer | US Mint |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| First year | 1986 |
| Type | Bullion coin |
| Metal | Silver |
| Purity | .999 fine |
| Gross weight | 31.103 g (1 troy oz) |
| Pure silver content | 1 troy oz (31.103 g) |
| Diameter | 40.6 mm |
| Thickness | 2.98 mm |
| Face value | $1 (US) |
| Available sizes | 1 oz |
Try it
Melt value calculator
Pre-filled with the latest price. Edit it to try another price.
Melt value
$60.46
0.999 troy oz of pure silver
Melt value is the metal content at spot. Dealers sell above it (the premium) and usually buy below it. Rare coins can be worth far more than melt.
Pre-set to one American Silver Eagle. Change the weight to value several coins, or a different size.
Look closer
Design and security features
Design
The obverse shows Adolph Weinman's Walking Liberty, first used on the half dollar from 1916 to 1947.
From 1986 until mid-2021 the reverse showed a heraldic eagle by John Mercanti ("Type 1"). Since mid-2021 ("Type 2") it shows an eagle landing with an oak branch, by Emily Damstra.
Security features
Type 2 coins (from mid-2021) have a reeded edge variety: a small section of the edge reeding is shaped differently from the rest.
Watch out for
What to check when buying
- Very widely faked. Silver-plated copies are common, especially online. Check weight, size and the ring of the coin, and buy from established dealers.
- Design and date that don't match. The landing-eagle reverse only exists on coins dated 2021 or later. A Type 2 design with an earlier date is fake.
- Magnetic coins. Silver isn't magnetic. A coin that sticks to a magnet is fake, though passing the test doesn't prove it's real.
- White spots aren't a sign of a fake. "Milk spots" are a cosmetic issue on some genuine silver coins.
Retirement accounts
IRA eligibility
Generally yes. American Eagle coins are named in US tax law as allowed IRA investments. Rules change and custodians set their own lists, so confirm with your IRA custodian before buying.
IRA metal has to be held by a custodian in an approved depository, not at home.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much silver is in an American Silver Eagle?
An American Silver Eagle (1 oz size) contains 1 troy oz (31.103 g) of pure silver at .999 fineness, in a coin weighing 31.103 g in total.
What is an American Silver Eagle worth?
At the latest silver spot price of $60.52 per troy ounce, the metal in one coin is worth about $60.52. Dealers sell above melt value (the premium) and usually buy back a little below it.
Can an American Silver Eagle go in an IRA?
Generally yes. American Eagle coins are named in US tax law as allowed IRA investments. Rules change and custodians set their own lists, so confirm with your IRA custodian before buying.
How can I tell if an American Silver Eagle is fake?
Compare it with the published specs: a genuine 1 oz coin weighs 31.103 g and is 40.6 mm across. Very widely faked. Silver-plated copies are common, especially online. Check weight, size and the ring of the coin, and buy from established dealers. If you're unsure, ask an established dealer to test it.
This page is for general education only and isn’t financial, tax or legal advice. Melt value is an estimate of metal content, not a dealer quote, and prices may be delayed. Check current details with a dealer or a licensed adviser before making decisions.