The driving force behind the creation of the Silver American Eagle was the government’s desire to sell off some of the Silver from the Defense National Stockpile. Although states with heavy mining interests and some legislators opposed the sale of Silver, in 1985, the Senate agreed to permit the sale of Silver after an amendment was made to the bill permitting such action. Later in 2002, after it became apparent the stockpile of Silver would be depleted, an additional bill was passed that would allow the government to purchase Silver on the open market once it became necessary.
Coin Highlights:
Contains 1 oz of fine Silver.
Eligible for Precious Metals IRAs.
Obverse: Adolph A. Weinman’s design shows Lady Liberty draped in an American flag, walking gracefully as the sun rises over a ridge.
Reverse: A heraldic eagle is shown below 13 small stars, representing the original colonies.
Metal Weight (oz): 1.00
Average Thickness (mm): 2.98
Dimensions (mm): 40.6