An American eagle silver dollar is truly a thing of
beauty. There is however, more to it than just its appealing exterior. It is
also a form of investment that you can use in the future. Here’s what you should
know about this silver dollar.
U.S. Government Backing
There are a few good reasons to get this coin. One of
the most convincing is the fact that it is backed by the U.S. government under
the authority of congress. The government itself gives its guarantee of purity
and authenticity so you are certain that you have a genuine article. It is
produced by the United States Mint. Currently, it is minted at West Point, New
York. At face value, it is worth one dollar and is legal and tender. An American
eagle silver dollar can therefore be validly used for your Individual Retirement
Account.
Classic Design
The silver dollar’s design is quite recognizable. One
side carries the Walking Liberty design by Adolph A. Weinman. This design first
graced the half dollar in 1916 and has since been a well-loved and cherished
design. It symbolizes hope, liberty and strength. This heads side of the coin
carriers the inscriptions “In God We Trust,” “Liberty” and the year of minting.
On the other side of the American eagle silver dollar is
of course, an American eagle. The eagle with a shield is a design that has been
credited to John M. Mercanti. Printed words to look for include “United States
of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” “One Dollar” and “1 oz Fine Silver.”
Details
As with every other collectible, there are fake versions
of this coin. Even the usual inscriptions and back front designs can be
carefully copied by con men. This is why it is important to check other
important details of the coin to ensure authenticity. Some manufacturers of
replicas may miss one or two important features of the real silver dollar.
· Like other coins, the design is typically raised.
You can easily feel the raised inscription when you feel it with your fingers.
Many fake coins are nearly smooth to the touch
· An American eagle silver dollar has Lady Liberty
carrying oak and laurel branches. The eagle has an olive branch on the left
talon and arrows on the other.
· The coin is made of 99.9% pure silver. It has a
reeded edge with 201 reeds. It has a diameter of 40.6 mm. Its proof version is
3.10 mm thick while its uncirculated version is 2.98 mm. It weighs 31.1 g.
· The dates of the coins should only be from 1986
to the present. Coins dated earlier are clearly fakes.
· The hem of Lady Liberty actually carries a small
inscription. It has the design creator, Weinman’s initials.
· Near the eagle’s olive branch is an initial. This
is a clue as to where the coin was minted. A letter S stands for San Francisco.
These are coins from 1986-1992 only. Coins from then on to 2000 have a letter P
which signifies Philadelphia. Coins from 2001 to the present have a letter W for
West Point.
An American eagle silver dollar is truly worth
cherishing. Do make sure though that you have the real thing.
