Silver American Eagle Bullion Coins

The American Eagle Coins have been in circulation since 1986 and have been a mainstay in the investment portfolios of Americans since that time. The Silver Bullion is a popular choice for IRA investors. While the more widely circulated, the Gold Bullion Coins, are an excellent choice for your precious metals IRA. Understanding the differences and what qualifies as IRA eligible silver will make you a more knowledgeable investor. 

Understanding American Eagle Bullion

Bullion Coin Definition: Definition taken from usmint.gov “Precious metal coin traded at current bullion prices.”

American Eagle Coin Program – includes bullion coins minted out of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium

Bullion Coins: Considered investor’s version of the silver-minted coins. Coins are not finished like their proof coin counterpart.

When did they start making? 1986 – present

Authorized Legislation – Public Law 99-61

Falls Under the “American Eagle Coin Program”

Minted: US Mint ** Bullion Coins Do Not Feature A Mint Mark

Design History: The front of the coin (obverse) is based on Adolph A. Weinman’s 1916 “Walking Liberty” half-dollar design.

Starting in 2021, the reverse shows the eagle coming in for a landing, carrying an oak branch as if to add it to a nest. For security enhancements, the addition of reeded edge variation was also added starting in 2021.

Prior to 2021, the reverse showed a heraldic eagle and shield. Grasping an olive branch in the right talon and arrows in the left. This original design by John Mercanti was a symbol of strength and endurance.

Specification of the Coin:

99.9% silver composition with a 1.0000 troy oz of weight and the coin comes in one option.

Face Value of the Coins

U.S. Mints only produces 1 size of the Silver Bullion Coin.

• One Ounce $1.00 face value and is made up of 99.9% silver.

What’s Observed on the Coin?

Obverse:

• Liberty
• In Gold We Trust
• Year

Reverse:

• United States of America
• E Pluribus Unum
• 1 oz Fine Silver
• One Dollar

Where to buy U.S. Silver Bullion Coins:

A buyer of bullion coins must purchase from a 3^rd party source as the U.S. Mint does not sell directly to the consumer. A purchase can be made through a Gold IRA company, a local coin dealer, or online gold and silver retail seller.

American Eagle Coins can be gold, silver, platinum, or palladium and the US mint has standard coins or limited editions.

American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin

Silver Bullion as an Investment:

American Silver Eagle Bullion coins are available for purchase and allowed into your Investment IRA portfolio.

Both proof and bullion coins are good investment options and overall, one is not better than the other. Understanding the differences is important for an investor’s portfolio.

Bullion coins are less scarce and you may find them in various degrees of condition circulated throughout the United States and abroad. While similarly struck, the bullion coin is not finished to the degree of the Silver Proof Coins, and therefore it lacks the luster of the finished Proof.

Bullion coins are valued based on the Spot Price of Silver. Whereas the Proof Coins are valued at the spot but also typically demand a premium due to the scarcity and vigorous minting process.

Ideally, your bullion coins can be a valuable asset to your Silver IRA or a favorable cash purchase. Understanding the difference between the proof coin and the bullion coin will help you understand the difference in initial cost to purchase and their value in your portfolio.