Silver American Eagles Turn 40 in 2026

Silver American Eagles, United States bullion coins with a face value of $1, celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2026. These 1-ounce, .999-fine silver pieces were born from efforts in the late 1970s and early ’80s to liquidate surplus silver from the National Defense Stockpile. However, they have become a mainstay U.S. Mint offering beloved by both collectors and investors. “American silver Eagle bullion coins are the most important silver coins being struck in the world today,” says Michael Garofalo, a numismatic consultant who served for years as director of numismatics for bullion juggernaut APMEX. “As we approach the 40th anniversary of these coins, silver Eagles have assumed the leadership role as the world’s most desirable and collected silver coins.”

Many silver coins, such as Austrian Maria Theresa thalers, Mexican eight reales, and Morgan dollars, are no longer used in circulation, yet remain important to collectors and investors.  “Collectors and investors love the design, stability, and instant liquidity that these coins possess,” adds Garofalo. “May they rule the world of silver coin collecting for many decades to come!”