1996 American Silver Eagle

The 1996 American Silver Eagle had a total mintage of just over 3.6 million coins from the Philadelphia Mint. This was a smaller mintage than previous years, and has the lowest mintage of regular issue (non-proof) coins in the entire Silver Eagle coin series. The 1996 American Silver Eagle remains a key date in the series. Most of the coins between 1994 and 1998 had a lower mintage due to lower demand. Around 1999, the demand increased for the Silver Eagles, which led to an increase in production of the coins again.

History of the 1996 American Silver Eagle

The 1996 American Silver Eagle is a valuable coin that can command higher prices for some of the highest grades of the coin. It’s possible to find in perfect condition, and is worth the effort to find a well-struck coin. The design on the reverse of the American Silver Eagle was inspired by the “Walking Liberty” design of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar that was designed by Adolph Weinman. It was one of the most beloved designs of all American coins and was revived for the American Silver Eagle coins. The reverse was designed by John Mercanti. It features the American Bald Eagle behind a shield. The eagle is holding arrows and an olive branch in its talons. Above the eagle are 13 five-pointed stars that represent the 13 original colonies.