As many coin collectors and investors understand, American Silver Eagles are a great coin to purchase, hold or trade. As one of the most popular silver coins ever minted, it is widely recognized and valued for its beauty, quality and credibility. For those collectors and investors hoping to take their collection to the next level, acquiring graded American Silver Eagles are a great way to boost overall value. These and other coins can be purchased from Metals.com.
Beginning in 1986, the American Silver Eagle was struck for the purpose of selling it to the public and as a way of addressing the additional stockpiles of silver being held by the U.S. Government. Featuring the Adolph Weinman Walking Liberty design and the American eagle design on the back, almost 7 million coins were produced in the first year.
Buying two kinds of Silver Eagles
Since its inception, the American Silver Eagle coins can generally be found in two versions by collectors; an uncirculated coin and a proof coin. Every coin struck in a given year by the U.S. Mint and sold to the public is an uncirculated coin. There is no special handling and these coins do not necessarily carry the highest grades. A proof coin is struck by using polished blanks, receives special handling and can easily be found in higher grades.
American Silver Eagles can be graded by either the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). There are other grading services, but these are the two most respected and reputable services. In addition, these two services have extensive dealer networks and publish their criteria and grading standards. A grade of MS-70 is the highest grade for coins and connotes a perfect specimen while Proof-70 coins are the highest graded proof coins.
The good thing about American Silver Eagles graded by NGC and PCGS is they are very liquid, meaning they can easily be bought and sold. In addition, there is a peace of mind that comes with graded coins, knowing that you don’t have to guess at the value of the coin and others will have confidence in the grading as well.
One doesn’t have to be a long-time collector or investor to purchase graded American Silver Eagles. Their beauty, value, and relatively affordable price make such a purchase a wise decision that could pay significant dividends down the road.
The Metals.com Staff
