The American Silver Eagle has passed its 35-year anniversary, and I'm curious to hear from hobbyists --- do you collect and/or invest in these coins? What do you think of them?
POLL: Do you collect and/or invest in American Silver Eagles?
This is a public poll: others will see what you voted for.
POLL: Do you collect and/or invest in American Silver Eagles? 114 votes
Yes, I’m an active collector (but not a bullion investor). I’m constantly upgrading my set(s), and/or I compete in registries, or am otherwise very active (e.g., seeking one of every variety and format).
4%
5 votes
Yes, I’m an active investor (but don’t consider myself a numismatic collector). I “stack silver” or otherwise actively accumulate significant quantities of American Silver Eagles for their bullion value.
1%
2 votes
Yes, I consider myself an active numismatic collector AND a bullion investor (I collect formats and varieties, and also buy bullion ASEs for their silver value).
8%
10 votes
Yes, I’m a casual collector; I collect them, but not as my primary hobby niche, and I’m not a “completist” looking for every variety and format.
12%
14 votes
Yes, I’m a casual investor. I buy for their investment potential when the timing feels right, and/or I don’t invest regularly, and/or I invest but in small amounts.
4%
5 votes
Yes, I consider myself both a casual collector AND casual investor.
10%
12 votes
No; I own some, but don't consider them a carefully assembled collection or a significant investment.
37%
43 votes
No; I don’t collect or invest in them at all, and I don’t own any.
No; I own some, but don't consider them a carefully assembled collection or a significant investment.
I have a few proofs, a reverse proof, some burnished and ms. Before I turned my focus to just gold coinage I collect WLH’s. The ASE is a great way to see a fully struck, larger sized walker. Not an investment for me as coins are a hobby.
No; I don’t collect or invest in them at all, and I don’t own any.
I don’t care much for them. It’s like collecting the same Commemorative coin over and over and over again. Silver also isn’t an investment. If anything it’s a hedge against inflation.
Some people may say collecting other circulation issues by date and MM is just collecting the same coin over and over and in a sense it is, but there are significant differences in striking characteristics from one year to the next in circulation issues and you can’t assemble a set of them in 69.
You could literally go on eBay and buy every single ASE in 69 in a matter of minutes. Where’s the fun in that?
Edited to add I do own one. It was a giveaway prize from NGC on Instagram. Otherwise I wouldn’t own any.
Yes, I consider myself both a casual collector AND casual investor.
I like the ASE's and was collecting the series as proofs until they skipped a year - then I quit, except for some special issues. And yes, I have the 1995W... had it since '96. Cheers, RickO
I don't collect them but have two dansco albums complete (minus proofs). Now I just buy two every year to keep the set current. I'll pass them to my 2 kids someday...
No; I own some, but don't consider them a carefully assembled collection or a significant investment.
I have some that I sent in for grading, but just a few, and have some just for their silver bullion content, but mainly I buy them every year to give out as Christmas presents to some relatives and to people at work.
Yes, I’m a casual collector; I collect them, but not as my primary hobby niche, and I’m not a “completist” looking for every variety and format.
I am somewhere between casual and active collector. When I started getting into coins, I was WAY too young to think of collecting any full set of a coin type, nevermind owning any gold. But I love all the classic designs.
As I started getting an income, and later a better salary, the ASEs and AGEs (and eventually - Buffalo) came out. They had the great classic designs on the obverse, I could get them direct from the mint, and I got hooked on proof coins (courtesy of the silver Bicentennial proof set).
So over decades I wound up slowly acquiring most of the proof / rev proof coins (of various fractions of the AGE). In recent years I started cataloging what I actually had - and saw what I missed over the years, and back-filled these aftermarket.
I recently picked up a Pf69 95W ASE from HA, and scratched that itch. Missing the V75 Gold Eagle (pipe dream), and a few rev proof AGEs and Buffalo.
No; I own some, but don't consider them a carefully assembled collection or a significant investment.
I have one or two that I’ve had a long time. Would buy more as bullion if the premium was right (but I’m not a stacker, really, so it would have to be a steal).
Yes, I consider myself both a casual collector AND casual investor.
I did get the home run from the mint (2019 ERP) which I traded for 13 silver eagles and and ounce of Gold! Currently have dwindled down the Silver eagle collection to a Dansco full of type 1s non proofs ( need to go back and drop in a 2021 to finish it out) and a WTC 2001 in a Collectors Universe Slab.
I did not vote as none of the above fit my criteria exactly. I don't collect them and don't invest in them, but I have one that is required for my "Complete Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set (1796-Date)".
Back in the day I did have 1986-1990, but sold everything off in the 1990's when I started my Nolan Ryan collection.
Yes, I consider myself an active numismatic collector AND a bullion investor (I collect formats and varieties, and also buy bullion ASEs for their silver value).
Yes, I'm a "completist". And a stacker - I picked up a roll each year since '86 - so I guess I could say I have 20 complete sets.
I'm stopping, however, at the 102 different date, mint mark, and finishes of the Type 1 Heraldic eagle. Only the 2008 with reverse of '07 are in slabs, so no registry for me. (but they're all 70s for sure )
Absolutely - Highly recommend for investment. I go where the deal is.
Both slabbed & raw. They are a really super deal vs generic dollars plus have more silver in them. I will not buy Classic dollars at current prices. Bought a slabbed 69 ASE for $39.50 the other day.
I also like the Mexico Libertads - beautiful coins.
No; I own some, but don't consider them a carefully assembled collection or a significant investment.
I had bought some each year for 10 years, but when silver shot up I shed most of them and not felt bad at all. I always felt they ruined the Walkers memory. One of the most beautiful coins of the 1900's, if not the most beautiful.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
No; I own some, but don't consider them a carefully assembled collection or a significant investment.
I have some. I recall a couple were free gifts for subscribing to Coinage (?). This one has turned out interesting, it's just been sitting in one of the coin drawers.
If we were all the same, the world would be an incredibly boring place.
Yes, I consider myself both a casual collector AND casual investor.
I recently won a Silver Eagle Dansco album. So, I decided to try to fill it with only Toned Eagles. Thus far, I have 21.
Looking forward to completing my special set.
Thanks
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
Yes, I’m a casual investor. I buy for their investment potential when the timing feels right, and/or I don’t invest regularly, and/or I invest but in small amounts.
I focus on Classic, rare, numismatic series rather than silver Eagles.
I have about a half dozen 69s. I wouldn't ever pay the high 70 premiums.
They are fun to own, though, and salt some away when silver is low.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
No; I don’t collect or invest in them at all, and I don’t own any.
I answered the poll as having none, but I do actually have one. I've had a few rolls in the past but am not stacking bullion at the moment so just have one that I have encased as a reminder of a certain year in my life.
Yes, I consider myself both a casual collector AND casual investor.
When you really think of the Silver Eagle.
Probably the US Mint's most successful
program, EVER!
Think of all the Presidents these coins passed. From,
Ronald Reagan to the present, Joe Biden.
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
No; I own some, but don't consider them a carefully assembled collection or a significant investment.
I have owned a couple of partial ASE sets, one as a dealer another as a collector. I bought and sold the set I had as a dealer at the sale show. I held the set as a collector for week, couldn’t get interested in it and sold it. I have a few Proofs and few pieces I received for speaking at a club, but that’s it.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
Yes, I’m an active collector (but not a bullion investor). I’m constantly upgrading my set(s), and/or I compete in registries, or am otherwise very active (e.g., seeking one of every variety and format).
I like them. Not everything in the polling statement is true though. Yes, I’m an active collector (but not a bullion investor). This much is true. It's fun trying to get all the mint marks as they come out.
I’m constantly upgrading my set(s), and/or I compete in registries. Not true, I'm not competing in registries...
or am otherwise very active (e.g., seeking one of every variety and format). Well, I don't think I'm actively searching for everything I'm missing but I don't have the 95 W like Ricko does, maybe someday I will.
Yes, I’m an active investor (but don’t consider myself a numismatic collector). I “stack silver” or otherwise actively accumulate significant quantities of American Silver Eagles for their bullion value.
I am not a "numismatic collector" of silver eagles. I quit collecting them when the spotting issue first surfaced. ASEs are however the bulk of my silver stack.
I am however a "numismatic collector" of other US coins. Some might find the poll wording for this choice a bit misleading and think that it means they are not a collector of any numismatics.
Stacked them until the premium started getting excessive. Wouldn’t buy them again until premiums come down.
The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
@Swampboy said:
I collected up until they were yanked from the Redbook
Why would they do that?
You'd have to ask the editor.
"My Redbook says "The most recent available mintages for American Silver Eagles can be viewed online at www............"
Oh no...they didn't try to pull that crap they did with Final Fantasy 9's strategy guide where it sometimes said "to find out more about so-and-so, check this Play-Online sort of place" did they?? Of course after just a few years that Play-Online place would be no more and you're left with what amounts to guide with more holes in it that Swiss Cheese.
Seriously, if I wanted to go online for info, I'd go online for the info...you get the Red book or any other sort of book/guide because you want the info in book form. Not for it to be some sort of smart ass telling you to "just look it up online" to cover up literally a half ass job :P
Yes, I’m an active collector (but not a bullion investor). I’m constantly upgrading my set(s), and/or I compete in registries, or am otherwise very active (e.g., seeking one of every variety and format).
Just for something different, I decided to do the reverse proof set. Then I did the special strikes too. But that was not enough. Now I completed the entire set. I think everything is in 70 except 69 for the 1995-W proof and the 2015-(P). Never really regarded then as coins before though.
Comments
Too boring. Same design over and over.
I collected up until they were yanked from the Redbook
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
They are in my 2022 Redbook.
I used to have them back in the day from 1986-2007 and sold them all.
Now, I won't build the set because I worry about milk spots down the road.
Mike
My Indians
Danco Set
All years with mintages?
They put them back in?
That's good news
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
A coin has to be older than me to attract my interest. My favorite series is Barber quarters.
I just double checked to make sure. And yes, as far as I can tell all dates and mintages are in there
How’s that Cherrypickers’ Guide coming along?
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Just more hunks of silver.
I have a few proofs, a reverse proof, some burnished and ms. Before I turned my focus to just gold coinage I collect WLH’s. The ASE is a great way to see a fully struck, larger sized walker. Not an investment for me as coins are a hobby.
Successful BST with drddm, BustDMs, Pnies20, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty, Bullsitter, felinfoel, SPalladino
$5 Type Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/type-sets/half-eagle-type-set-circulation-strikes-1795-1929/album/344192
CBH Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/everyman-collections/everyman-half-dollars/everyman-capped-bust-half-dollars-1807-1839/album/345572
I heard one guy say there are now more SAE collectors than Morgan dollar collectors
I don’t care much for them. It’s like collecting the same Commemorative coin over and over and over again. Silver also isn’t an investment. If anything it’s a hedge against inflation.
Some people may say collecting other circulation issues by date and MM is just collecting the same coin over and over and in a sense it is, but there are significant differences in striking characteristics from one year to the next in circulation issues and you can’t assemble a set of them in 69.
You could literally go on eBay and buy every single ASE in 69 in a matter of minutes. Where’s the fun in that?
Edited to add I do own one. It was a giveaway prize from NGC on Instagram. Otherwise I wouldn’t own any.
I like the ASE's and was collecting the series as proofs until they skipped a year - then I quit, except for some special issues. And yes, I have the 1995W... had it since '96. Cheers, RickO
Do you think that grouping includes the “stackers”?
I don't collect them but have two dansco albums complete (minus proofs). Now I just buy two every year to keep the set current. I'll pass them to my 2 kids someday...
Click on this link to see my ebay listings.
I have some that I sent in for grading, but just a few, and have some just for their silver bullion content, but mainly I buy them every year to give out as Christmas presents to some relatives and to people at work.
Mr_Spud
I don’t really stack them. Have a couple rolls but mostly I just try and find them at shows with a bit of color to fill my dansco.
My Ebay Store
I like Silver eagles. I have the full bullion set (well except for 1996 when the proof cost less than the bullion??).
I have the current design also.
And I have a few of the special finishes (limited release)
And when I have extra cash, I get a few as bullion, but it depends on the premium.

I guess I'm not a casual collector, I should change my vote
My current registry sets:
20th Century Type Set
Virtual DANSCO 7070
Slabbed IHC set - Missing the Anacs Slabbed coins
I use to collect them until the mint raised their prices. No more!
My Original Song Written to my late wife-"Plus other original music by me"
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8A11CC8CC6093D80
https://n1m.com/bobbysmith1
I am somewhere between casual and active collector. When I started getting into coins, I was WAY too young to think of collecting any full set of a coin type, nevermind owning any gold. But I love all the classic designs.
As I started getting an income, and later a better salary, the ASEs and AGEs (and eventually - Buffalo) came out. They had the great classic designs on the obverse, I could get them direct from the mint, and I got hooked on proof coins (courtesy of the silver Bicentennial proof set).
So over decades I wound up slowly acquiring most of the proof / rev proof coins (of various fractions of the AGE). In recent years I started cataloging what I actually had - and saw what I missed over the years, and back-filled these aftermarket.
I recently picked up a Pf69 95W ASE from HA, and scratched that itch. Missing the V75 Gold Eagle (pipe dream), and a few rev proof AGEs and Buffalo.
I have one or two that I’ve had a long time. Would buy more as bullion if the premium was right (but I’m not a stacker, really, so it would have to be a steal).
I did get the home run from the mint (2019 ERP) which I traded for 13 silver eagles and and ounce of Gold! Currently have dwindled down the Silver eagle collection to a Dansco full of type 1s non proofs ( need to go back and drop in a 2021 to finish it out) and a WTC 2001 in a Collectors Universe Slab.
It's all about what the people want...
I did not vote as none of the above fit my criteria exactly. I don't collect them and don't invest in them, but I have one that is required for my "Complete Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set (1796-Date)".
Back in the day I did have 1986-1990, but sold everything off in the 1990's when I started my Nolan Ryan collection.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
Yes, I'm a "completist". And a stacker - I picked up a roll each year since '86 - so I guess I could say I have 20 complete sets.
I'm stopping, however, at the 102 different date, mint mark, and finishes of the Type 1 Heraldic eagle. Only the 2008 with reverse of '07 are in slabs, so no registry for me. (but they're all 70s for sure
)
Absolutely - Highly recommend for investment. I go where the deal is.
Both slabbed & raw. They are a really super deal vs generic dollars plus have more silver in them. I will not buy Classic dollars at current prices. Bought a slabbed 69 ASE for $39.50 the other day.
I also like the Mexico Libertads - beautiful coins.
I had bought some each year for 10 years, but when silver shot up I shed most of them and not felt bad at all. I always felt they ruined the Walkers memory. One of the most beautiful coins of the 1900's, if not the most beautiful.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
I have some. I recall a couple were free gifts for subscribing to Coinage (?). This one has turned out interesting, it's just been sitting in one of the coin drawers.
If we were all the same, the world would be an incredibly boring place.
Tommy
I don't care for them other than a good flipping opportunity but they're the only place to find well struck obverse Walkers.
I recently won a Silver Eagle Dansco album. So, I decided to try to fill it with only Toned Eagles. Thus far, I have 21.
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Looking forward to completing my special set.
Thanks
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.I focus on Classic, rare, numismatic series rather than silver Eagles.
I have about a half dozen 69s. I wouldn't ever pay the high 70 premiums.
They are fun to own, though, and salt some away when silver is low.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Well, until 2021. They clipped the poor Eagle's wing! Awww.
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Also, they changed the rev lettering a tad in 2008.
I for one, love these darn things.
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.Would it be bad form to ask if these SAE's will be in the new 6th edition vol 2 Cherrypicker's guide?
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
I answered the poll as having none, but I do actually have one. I've had a few rolls in the past but am not stacking bullion at the moment so just have one that I have encased as a reminder of a certain year in my life.
They're as common as weeds in my yard. No thank you!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
i may buy a few to sell but not going to keep them
2003-present
https://www.omnicoin.com/security/users/login
When you really think of the Silver Eagle.

Probably the US Mint's most successful
program, EVER!
Think of all the Presidents these coins passed. From,
Ronald Reagan to the present, Joe Biden.
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.I have owned a couple of partial ASE sets, one as a dealer another as a collector. I bought and sold the set I had as a dealer at the sale show. I held the set as a collector for week, couldn’t get interested in it and sold it. I have a few Proofs and few pieces I received for speaking at a club, but that’s it.
I like them. Not everything in the polling statement is true though. Yes, I’m an active collector (but not a bullion investor). This much is true. It's fun trying to get all the mint marks as they come out.
I’m constantly upgrading my set(s), and/or I compete in registries. Not true, I'm not competing in registries...
or am otherwise very active (e.g., seeking one of every variety and format). Well, I don't think I'm actively searching for everything I'm missing but I don't have the 95 W like Ricko does, maybe someday I will.
I am not a "numismatic collector" of silver eagles. I quit collecting them when the spotting issue first surfaced. ASEs are however the bulk of my silver stack.
I am however a "numismatic collector" of other US coins. Some might find the poll wording for this choice a bit misleading and think that it means they are not a collector of any numismatics.
Too many specialties killed my desire to continue this set.
Wayne
Kennedys are my quest...
Why would they do that?
D's: 50P,49S,45D+S,43D,41S,40D,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 241,435,610,654 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
Moderns aren’t really in my collecting scope.
MY GOLD TYPE SET https://pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/complete-type-sets/gold-type-set-12-piece-circulation-strikes-1839-1933/publishedset/321940
do stackers buy them in slabs?
I voted no, but I actually have one in my Type set.
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
You'd have to ask the editor.
"My Redbook says "The most recent available mintages for American Silver Eagles can be viewed online at www............"

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
I am considering trying to put together a date set, but the premiums on silver coins right now seems too high.
Stacked them until the premium started getting excessive. Wouldn’t buy them again until premiums come down.
Oh no...they didn't try to pull that crap they did with Final Fantasy 9's strategy guide where it sometimes said "to find out more about so-and-so, check this Play-Online sort of place" did they?? Of course after just a few years that Play-Online place would be no more and you're left with what amounts to guide with more holes in it that Swiss Cheese.
Seriously, if I wanted to go online for info, I'd go online for the info...you get the Red book or any other sort of book/guide because you want the info in book form. Not for it to be some sort of smart ass telling you to "just look it up online" to cover up literally a half ass job :P
D's: 50P,49S,45D+S,43D,41S,40D,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 241,435,610,654 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
Start with the regular cheap ones and fill in the more expensive ones later.
D's: 50P,49S,45D+S,43D,41S,40D,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 241,435,610,654 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
Just for something different, I decided to do the reverse proof set. Then I did the special strikes too. But that was not enough. Now I completed the entire set. I think everything is in 70 except 69 for the 1995-W proof and the 2015-(P). Never really regarded then as coins before though.