1986-2011 Silver American Eagle Bullion Coin Sales Figures

The 2011 Silver American Eagle bullion coin was released by the US Mint on January 3, 2011. The American Eagle series was authorized by Congress in 1985 (Public Law 99-61) with the first production run beginning in 1986. The Silver American Eagle is struck in 1 oz, .999 fine silver, and is the only silver coin allowed in an IRA.

The chart of US Mint sales figures shows mintages from 1986-2011.

*1986-2009 figures are "Year-Dated" coins sold, as provided by the United States Mint. Since 2010 sales will not get finalized until later in 2011 and 2011 sales figure not until 2012, both years of data include total Silver Eagles sold during a month as provided in US Mint unaudited weekly sales reports.

Sales Figures Chart Options
Scroll the chart with the slider.
Adjust visible area using slider's handles.
Mouse over the graph to see the guide.
Scroll by dragging the graph. Press the All, 1, and 2 buttons. Click on the blue Full Screen icon.

Here are the latest coin sales by month for 2011 Silver Eagles:

2011 Silver American Eagle Bullion Coin Sales Figures
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June
6,422,000 3,240,000 1,417,000 - - -

July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
- - - - - -

 

Year-to-date Silver American Eagle bullion coin sales are at 11,079,000. March 18, 2011, is the "as of date" for the figures.

Silver American Eagle Bullion Coin Information

American Silver Eagles have been issued in three major "flavors" since their introduction in 1986 -- all feature the same design. From the very beginning, collector proof and investor bullion versions were minted. A collector uncirculated option was added in 2006.

The bullion Silver Eagles are intended for investment purposes and the US Mint must strike them in sufficient quantities to meet public demand. These coins do not feature the special collector finishes, the West Point 'W' mint mark, and are distributed through different channels. The Mint sells all its bullion coins through a network of "Authorized Purchasers," who then resell them to the public for a small premium above the current silver spot price. Demand dictates their mintages. The collector proof and uncirculated versions, on the other hand, have higher premiums, the special finishes and the public can buy them directly from the Mint.

Recent Silver Eagle History

Demand for bullion Silver Eagles has been unprecedented in the last two years, resulting in several negative events such as periodic sales suspensions, rationing, and the cancellation of collector versions.

As the above chart highlights, demand took off in 2009. The year set an all-time high in sales for the bullion coins. Levels were so high that the Mint's inventory of silver planchets was strained. To keep as many bullion eagles flowing as possible, the Mint canceled 2009 collector Silver Eagles.

"The coin was not available in 2009 because of high demand for the United States Mint's American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin," stated the Mint. "Legislation mandates that American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin production take precedence over the numismatic version of the coin. Economic conditions drove investor demand for the United States Mint's silver bullion coins to unprecedented highs in both Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010."

Demand in 2010 turned even higher than 2009. Sales smashed the all-time annual record set in 2009. However, the Mint was able to work with vendors and increase the quantity of planchets. That, along with a dip in August and September sales, enabled the Mint to end order rationing for the bullion versions and announce after a one year gap that it would sell 2010 Proof Silver Eagles on November 19, 2010. It did so. The US Mint has already announced that the collector 2011 Proof Silver Eagle would be released on June 30, 2011. The collector 2011 uncirculated version still has a "To Be Determined" schedule.

Silver American Eagle Design

On the obverse or heads side of all Silver Eagles is Adolph A. Weinman's "Walking Liberty" design that was seen on Half Dollars which circulated in American change between 1916-1947. The coin features a rendition of Lady Liberty walking while holding an olive branch.

The reserve or tails side of the coin features a Heraldic Eagle and shield, symbolizing strength and endurance. It was engraved by John Mercanti.

Silver American Eagle Coin Specifications

The following are the specification for the bullion American Gold Buffalo coin:

   Mint: United States Mint
   Mint Mark: None
   Finish/Condition: Circulated
   Metal Content: .999 fine silver
   Gross Weight: 31.103 grams
   Fine Weight: 1 oz
   Diameter: 40.60 mm
   Thickness: 2.98 mm
   Edge: Reeded
   Mintage Limit: Based on demand
   Face Value: $1
   Obverse Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
   Reverse Designer: John Mercanti

For more information on the coins, visit the US Mint website at http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/?action=american_eagles