1996 1 oz American Silver Eagle Coin

American Silver Eagles may be the best-sold series among the most popular silver coins. The US Mint has maintained regular editions since the program’s first release.

The 1996 issue, the 11th of the program, has a particular characteristic that makes it unique. It had the lowest mintage of American Silver Eagle bullion coins, with only 3,603,386 units struck.

A restricted number of coins available in the market tends to contribute to their value because of their potential for rarity over the years, making collectors crave these particular coins. And investors with a diversified investment portfolio would enjoy the opportunity of acquiring such kind of asset. They could potentially turn a larger profit in the future.

Coin Highlights of American silver eagles

Contains 1 oz of .999 pure silver;
Bears a USD 1 denomination and legal tender status;
IRAs eligible;
11th and lowest strike of the silver bullion coin;
Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty on the obverse;
John Mercanti’s Heraldic Eagle on the reverse.

The Design

As a standard for American Eagles, the obverse showcases the Walking Liberty by Adolph A. Weinman. The original image dated back to 1916 and stamped the Half Dollar Coin until 1947. The US Mint rescued this beloved image to be the American Eagles motif, and it has not changed since release.

In the image, Lady Liberty has the American flag draped on her shoulder, and it flies as she walks towards the sun’s rays. She carries oak and laurel branches in one hand and stretches the other in a warm welcome.

The word “LIBERTY” appears on the upper rim, while the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” lies aside, and the year of mintage is on the bottom.

The reverse design is Chief Engraver John Mercanti’s creation. It depicts the Heraldic Eagle with wings outstretched, with the National Shield in front of its breast. The animal carries arrows and olive branches on its talons and a banner with the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on its beak.

Thirteen pointed stars representing the original colonies form a triangle shape above the Eagle. The country’s name arches above on the outer rim, while the coin’s data regarding face value, weight, metal content, and purity is on the bottom.

Details