.999 Fine Silver · U.S. Mint · Legal Tender
Silver
American Eagle
The official silver bullion coin of the United States, minted since 1986 with .999 fine purity and iconic Walking Liberty design.
Live Silver Eagle Pricing
Current market data for Silver American Eagle coins.
Silver American Eagle Price
Product pricing (SAEV)
Current Ask Price
$118.23
per 1 oz Silver Eagle
Bid
$114.17
Ask
$118.23
Market Stats
Open
$114.85
High
$123.34
Low
$108.14
Prev Close
$108.32
As of: Jan 27, 2026, 10:10 AM
Silver Eagle (SAEV) pricing from Monex • Updated on page load
Why Silver American Eagles?
The U.S. Mint's flagship silver bullion coin combines .999 fine purity with the backing of the United States government.
.999 Fine Purity
Each Silver American Eagle contains exactly one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, with weight, content, and purity guaranteed by the United States government.
U.S. Legal Tender
As official legal tender with a $1 face value, Silver Eagles carry the full faith and credit of the United States, ensuring worldwide dealer recognition and trust.
IRA Eligible
Silver American Eagles are specifically approved for Precious Metals IRAs under IRS rules. Their .999 purity exceeds the IRS minimum for tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
Who Buys Silver American Eagles?
Silver Eagles appeal to investors who prioritize U.S. government backing, strong liquidity, and iconic American design.
Precious Metals Investors
Investors seeking physical silver exposure choose Silver Eagles for their government-guaranteed purity and the strong secondary market that ensures easy buying and selling.
IRA Account Holders
Those building Precious Metals IRAs value Silver Eagles for their IRS-approved status, U.S. government guarantee, and strong secondary market for eventual distributions.
Collectors and Numismatists
The iconic Walking Liberty design and annual date changes appeal to collectors who appreciate both the artistry and the intrinsic silver value.
Capital Requirement
Based on current Silver Eagle (SAEV) ask price:
per 1 oz Silver Eagle
Silver Eagle pricing varies with silver spot and dealer premiums
Silver Eagle vs Other Coins
Understanding how the Silver American Eagle compares to other government-minted silver coins.
| Feature | Silver Eagle | Maple Leaf | Britannia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Purity | .999 | .9999 | .999 |
| Issuing Mint | U.S. Mint | Royal Canadian | Royal Mint |
| Face Value | $1 USD | $5 CAD | £2 GBP |
| IRA Eligible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Typical Premium | 4-6% | 3-5% | 3-5% |
| Best For | U.S. Investors, IRAs | Highest Purity | Security Features |
Iconic Design & Heritage
The Silver American Eagle features one of the most celebrated coin designs in American numismatic history.
Obverse: Walking Liberty
The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman's iconic Walking Liberty design, originally created for the 1916 half dollar. Lady Liberty strides confidently toward the rising sun, draped in the American flag.
Historical Note: This design is widely considered one of the most beautiful in American coinage history, chosen by the U.S. Mint for the Silver Eagle program launched in 1986.
Reverse: Heraldic Eagle
The reverse features a heraldic eagle with shield, holding an olive branch and arrows. The original design (Type 1, 1986-2021) was created by John Mercanti. In 2021, Emily Damstra designed the new Type 2 reverse.
Type 2 (2021-present): Features a more detailed eagle in flight with a modernized design, while maintaining the coin's distinctive American symbolism.
Questions & Answers
Common questions about Silver American Eagle coins answered by our editorial team.
What is a Silver American Eagle?
The Silver American Eagle is the official silver bullion coin of the United States, first minted in 1986. Each coin contains exactly one troy ounce of .999 fine silver with weight, content, and purity guaranteed by the U.S. government. The obverse features Adolph Weinman's iconic Walking Liberty design, while the reverse displays a heraldic eagle.
Why choose Silver Eagles over other silver coins?
Silver American Eagles offer U.S. legal tender status, government-guaranteed purity, and the strongest liquidity of any silver coin in American markets. While they may carry slightly higher premiums than some international coins, their recognition by dealers and IRA custodians makes them the preferred choice for many U.S. investors.
How much does a Silver American Eagle cost?
At current silver prices, a Silver American Eagle costs approximately ~$110–$120 depending on spot price and dealer premiums. The price consists of the silver spot value plus a premium typically ranging from 4-6% for standard bullion coins.
Are Silver Eagles easy to sell?
Yes, Silver American Eagles are among the most liquid silver coins in the world. As the official U.S. silver bullion coin with legal tender status, they are recognized and readily purchased by dealers worldwide. Most established dealers will buy Silver Eagles at competitive prices, typically within 2-4% of spot.
Can I hold Silver Eagles in my IRA?
Yes, Silver American Eagles are specifically approved for Precious Metals IRAs by the IRS. Their .999 fine purity meets IRS requirements, and their status as U.S. legal tender makes them a preferred choice for IRA investors. Coins must be held by an approved custodian in an approved depository while in your IRA.
Further Reading
View current pricing or browse the resource library for detailed guides on premiums, storage, and IRA eligibility.