Design & History
The story behind the Silver American Eagle's iconic designs, from Adolph Weinman's Walking Liberty to Emily Damstra's modern Type 2.
America's Silver Bullion Coin
The Silver American Eagle is the official silver bullion coin of the United States, first minted in 1986. It features one of the most celebrated designs in American numismatic history: Adolph A. Weinman's Walking Liberty.
Unlike many modern bullion coins designed specifically for investment, the Silver Eagle's obverse draws from a classic American coin design, connecting today's investors with over a century of numismatic heritage. This combination of historic artistry and modern bullion standards has made the Silver Eagle the most popular silver coin in America.
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, with her arm extended in a gesture of freedom.
- •Designer: Adolph A. Weinman (1916)
- •Original use: Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947)
- •Silver Eagle use: 1986-present (all types)
Historical Note: This design is widely considered one of the most beautiful in American coinage history, which is why the U.S. Mint chose it for the Silver Eagle program.
Reverse: Type 1 vs Type 2
The reverse design changed in 2021, creating two distinct types of Silver Eagles. Both feature an eagle, but with different artistic interpretations.
Type 1 (1986-2021)
Designed by John Mercanti, featuring a heraldic eagle with shield, holding an olive branch and arrows. Stars above, "E PLURIBUS UNUM" banner, and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" inscription.
Type 2 (2021-present)
Designed by Emily Damstra, featuring an eagle in flight carrying an oak branch. Includes enhanced anti-counterfeiting features and a more dynamic, modern appearance.
Note: Both Type 1 and Type 2 contain identical silver content (1 oz .999 fine) and are equally valued for their silver content.
The Designers
Adolph A. Weinman (Obverse)
German-born American sculptor (1870-1952) who created the Walking Liberty design in 1916. He also designed the Mercury Dime used from 1916-1945.
His Walking Liberty design has graced American coinage for over a century, first on the half dollar and now on the Silver Eagle.
John Mercanti (Type 1 Reverse)
U.S. Mint Chief Engraver (1974-2010) who designed the original heraldic eagle reverse for the 1986 Silver Eagle launch.
His design was used for 35 years, making it one of the longest-running reverse designs in U.S. bullion history.
Emily Damstra (Type 2 Reverse)
Artist in the U.S. Mint's Artistic Infusion Program who designed the new eagle reverse introduced in 2021.
Her design features an eagle landing with an oak branch, symbolizing strength and longevity, with enhanced security features.
Michael Gaudioso (Type 2 Sculpting)
U.S. Mint Medallic Artist who sculpted Emily Damstra's Type 2 design for production.
His sculpting work translated the artistic design into the precise relief needed for coin production.
What Design Signals to Investors
For Silver Eagle investors, the coin's design conveys more than visual appeal:
U.S. Government Authority
The design elements signal official U.S. Mint production with weight and purity guaranteed by the United States government.
Instant Recognition
The Walking Liberty design is immediately recognizable to dealers and investors, facilitating quick transactions and supporting liquidity.
Collector Crossover
The artistic merit appeals to both bullion investors and numismatists, potentially broadening the buyer pool when selling.
Anti-Counterfeiting
Type 2 Eagles include enhanced security features. The intricate Walking Liberty design is also difficult to replicate accurately.
Silver American Eagle Timeline
Walking Liberty design debuts on U.S. half dollar
Walking Liberty Half Dollar production ends
Liberty Coin Act authorizes Silver Eagle program
First Silver American Eagles minted (Type 1)
Type 2 reverse design introduced (Type 1 and Type 2 both minted)
Type 2 design continues; Silver Eagle remains America's premier silver bullion coin
Learn more at Monex Silver Eagle History
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