Share This Article
Collectors and investors have more options for buying precious metals than ever before. From kilogram bullion bars to fractional currencies, the possibilities are nearly limitless. If it’s the best American silver dollars you’re looking for, though, your options are limited.
This doesn’t mean you’ll have difficulty finding items to purchase. The U.S. Mint has produced silver coins since 1794. Once the government removed silver from circulating coins in 1965, though, the precious metal only appeared in certain coinage runs.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of American silver dollars to choose from. Whether you’re looking for bullion value or historical significance, there’s a coin out there that you’ll love. And since many hold minimal numismatic value, they’re affordable to almost everyone.
Bullion American Silver Dollars
Although America is no stranger to silver coinage — with even quarters and dimes containing the metal before 1965 — it’s venture into the bullion realm is much more recent. While many silver dollars came before bullion issues, they didn’t contain nearly as much of the white metal.
It would be nice if there were a large variety of bullion silver coins to choose from. Unfortunately, there is only one bullion issue currently available. Luckily for investors and collectors alike, it’s a beautiful specimen that’s desired the world over.
American Eagle Silver Coin
Any item that serves as America’s official silver bullion has to make this list. The American Eagle silver coin was first available in 1986. The U.S. Mint certifies the weight, content and purity of these strikes. The Walking Liberty design — first seen in 1916 — emblazons the coin’s obverse.
The obverse of the coin features the American bald eagle. While these beautiful designs certainly make the coin coveted, it’s no doubt the full troy ounce of 999 silver that stands out to most. And although it has a face value of only a dollar, its intrinsic value is substantially higher.
This American silver dollar stands out thanks to its bullion value, but the U.S. Mint didn’t stop there. They also produce proof and uncirculated versions of the dollars for coin collectors who want something special. These can offer elevated numismatic value.
If it’s just the silver you’re looking to invest in, though, a common random year specimen will suffice. The mint made most of these solely for their precious metal worth, so you shouldn’t have an issue finding one at a price not too high over spot value.
Vintage American Silver Dollars
When you want to pack as much silver into a single coin as possible, the bullion American Eagle is definitely the way to go. Of course, you don’t need an entire ounce in a single item for it to hold worth. Even the 90% silver dimes are valued for their precious metal content.
Of course, these small denominations hold little other value. If you’re looking for silver with historic significance, though, you’ve got a few options available. In fact, some of these coins were around for historic events ranging from America’s last witch trial to the Great Depression.
Morgan Silver Dollar
If you want to get really historic with your American silver dollars, the Flowing Hair dollars offer an amazing opportunity. Of course, you’ll need a few million dollars to buy some of these specimens. Fortunately, the Morgan dollar offers nearly as much history at a fraction of the cost.
First minted in 1878, the intent for producing the Morgan silver dollar was to help re-inflate the value of the dollar. The economy had taken a substantial hit in 1873, and production of the coin was one of the many measures meant to help.
Minting of the coin ended in 1904, but it returned for one year in 1921. A special production occurred in 2021 as well. All runs of this American silver dollar featured Lady Liberty on one side and the bald eagle on the other. What’s most appealing to investors, though, is the 900 purity silver content.
While the precious metal within the coin certainly holds value, recent history has shown that the artistic design is just as coveted. Several private mints have created reproductions of the coin in bullion form. These are clearly marked, however, so you can differentiate them from authentic Morgans.
Peace Silver Dollar
When production of the Morgan dollar ended in 1921, the Peace silver dollar replaced it. The U.S. Mint stopped production of the coin in 1928, but it was resumed in 1934 and 1935. The coin never again appeared until a special production occurred in 2021.
Like the 2021 Morgan dollar special run, the modern production of the Peace dollar contained 999 fine silver. The original strikes of the coin, however, had a purity of 900. Because of the large size of the coin, though, this still equates to over three-fourths of a troy ounce.
This American silver dollar holds a special place in U.S. history due to why it was minted. In 1907, the government began a complete redesign of American coinage. This was thanks to President Teddy Roosevelt’s belief that the country’s coins didn’t convey beauty.
The designer of the coin had only worked with the mint once before to produce a commemorative coin in 1920. Even so, his design has had a long-lasting effect on American coinage. We may even see future commemorative issues thanks to high demand.
Collectable American Silver Dollars
Both bullion and historic coins carry their own significance. There are certain American silver dollars, though, that break the mold entirely. In some cases, this is because they commemorate historical events. At other times, it’s because they represent a new direction for the U.S. Mint.
A momentary glance at the following silver dollars would tell you they’re uniquely American. And if their silver content isn’t enough to impress, the fact that they massively expanded U.S. silver coinage should be. If you have an opportunity to own either of these coins, go for it.
U.S. Commemorative Silver Dollar
Owning an American silver dollar from history creates a special feeling. Of course, there are countless historical events that these coins have nothing to do with. The U.S. commemorative silver dollar series seeks to remedy this situation.
Unlike their bullion counterparts, these coins only contain 900 pure silver. This doesn’t make them any less desirable, though, among collectors and investors alike. The commemorative series has been around since 1986, and each year features issues of historical significance such as:
- 2020 Women’s Suffrage Centennial
- 2018 World War I Centennial
- 2015 March of Dimes
- 2014 Civil Rights Act
- 1998 Black Revolutionary War Patriots
- 1998 Robert F. Kennedy
While you can buy many of the coins from this series for a small premium over spot price, there are a few years that hold higher value. The most important thing to remember, though, is that not all these coins contain silver. Keep this in mind when seeking coins to buy.
In fact, there are even several gold dollars from this series. Remain vigilant when researching these coins. That’s the only way to ensure you know exactly what you’re getting.
Colorized American Silver Eagle
While this list has already gone over the American silver eagle, the coin is so popular that you can find multiple versions of it. In fact, you may have run across colorized offerings of the coin on late-night shopping networks. If these coins interest you, though, there are a few things to know.
The most important factor to consider is that third parties colorize many of these coins. Most collectors essentially see this as damaging the American silver dollar. Fortunately, government mints have recognized the demand for these coins and responded appropriately.
Authentic colorized American Eagle silver coins are now produced through a partnership between the U.S. and Perth Mints. Rather than going through a third party and hoping for the best, you can purchase these beautiful American silver dollars from reputable mints.
Buy the Best American Silver Dollars Today!
While this guide may only list five series of coins, the selection among them is extensive. Even if you aren’t drawn to the most common silver dollars, the U.S. commemorative series has something for every taste. If something in America is important to you, there’s a related coin.
When seeking the best American silver dollars, though, it’s important that you go through a reputable company. There’s an epidemic of counterfeit silver coins in America, and if you’re not careful, you could end up losing your investment.
At Silver Gold Bull, all our coins come directly from respected government and private mints. When you buy an item from our online store, you receive a guarantee of authenticity. Visit our U.S. Silver Dollars page today to see our wide array of bullion and collectable coinage.
