American Silver Coins at BullionMax
The history of American silver coins can be viewed through two lenses: past and present. Historically, the US Mint issued silver circulation pieces with 90% silver content. Since the 1980s, the mint has also issued commemorative and investment-grade silver bullion coins.
Historic American Silver Coins
Historic U.S. silver coins hold significant historical and numismatic value. Many of these coins were circulated as legal tender and played a vital role in commerce during their time. Here are some notable historic U.S. silver coins:
- Morgan Silver Dollar: The Morgan Silver Dollar, minted from 1878 to 1904 and in 1921, is one of the most iconic U.S. silver coins. It features a portrait of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
- Peace Silver Dollar: The Peace Silver Dollar was minted from 1921 to 1928 and in 1934-1935. It was introduced to commemorate the end of World War I. The obverse displays the profile of Lady Liberty wearing a tiara of rays, while the reverse depicts a perched eagle on a rock. Like the Morgan Dollar, it contains 90% silver and 10% copper.
- Barber Coinage: The Barber coin series includes the Barber Dime (1892-1916), Barber Quarter (1892-1916), and Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915). Designed by Charles E. Barber, these coins feature Liberty’s head on the obverse and various heraldic motifs on the reverse. They are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Modern American Silver Coins
Modern American silver coins refer to the coins issued by the United States Mint that contain silver content and are produced for collectors or investors. The U.S. Mint has a rich history of producing silver coins, and while some of the coins are no longer in production, there are several notable series that are still being minted today.
- American Silver Eagle: The American Silver Eagle is one of the most popular and recognizable silver coins in the world. First minted in 1986, it features the iconic Walking Liberty design on the obverse (front) and a heraldic eagle design on the reverse (back). The coin contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and has a face value of one dollar.
- America the Beautiful Quarters: This series was launched in 2010 and honors national parks and other national sites across the United States. The coins feature unique reverse designs representing different locations, while the obverse features a portrait of George Washington. The America the Beautiful Quarters are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
- American Innovation Dollars: Introduced in 2018, the American Innovation Dollars celebrate innovation and pioneering efforts from each state and U.S. territory. The series features four coins issued each year, and the reverses depict different themes related to innovation. The obverse portrays the Statue of Liberty. While most of these coins are minted in a copper-nickel composition, there is a special edition that contains 99.9% silver.
- Presidential Silver Medals: The United States Mint has also produced silver medals featuring the images of past U.S. presidents. These medals, made from .999 fine silver, are larger and heavier than regular coins. They pay homage to the achievements and contributions of notable presidents.
- Special Commemorative Silver Coins: The U.S. Mint releases various commemorative silver coins to honor significant events, anniversaries, or individuals in American history. These coins come in different sizes, weights, and designs, and their silver content varies accordingly. Examples include the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coins and the 2021 Morgan and Peace Dollar Centennial Silver Dollars.
Buy American Silver Coins at BullionMax
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. BullionMax customer service is available to assist you at 800-729-3202, online using our chat service, and via our email address.
