In 1986 the mint began producing bullion coins, which were never put in circulation, in both gold and silver, supposedly for people to use as investments like stocks and bonds. And some folks actually do buy these coins with the idea that they can be used for money in some future scenario where it might be necessary or expedient. But the fact is that most of these coins have been acquired by collectors and while it is true that they can be sold for profit, many of us simply love to display and admire them for their beauty. To bolster that opinion, note that the mint has also produced a number of proofs of these coins along with the uncirculated issues.

The silver American Eagle contains 1 ounce of 99.93 pure silver, hosts the Walking Liberty on the obverse that was used on the half dollar coin, and displays a shield eagle on the reverse.

This is the reverse of the coin at left.