The American Silver Eagle is the official silver bullion coin of the United States. It was first released by the United States Mint on November 24, 1986. It is struck only in the one-troy ounce, which has a nominal face value of one dollar and is guaranteed to contain one troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver.
The obverse design of the American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins is based on Adolph A. Weinman's Walking Liberty half dollar, produced from 1916 to 1947. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful American coins ever minted. In 2021, the U.S. Mint marked the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program with a refreshed design.
Thanks to technological advancements in the design and minting process, the design now encompasses some of Weinman's original details that were not previously possible.
Since 2021, the reverse shows an eagle coming in for a landing, carrying an oak branch as if to add it to a nest. To give the new coins an added level of security, they have also been updated with enhanced security features, including a reeded edge variation.
From 1986 to 2021, the reverse depicted a heraldic eagle with a shield, grasping an olive branch in the right talon and arrows in the left. The design, by John Mercanti, symbolized strength and endurance