1994 Silver Eagle

One thing that I was thrilled to find while cleaning-out my parents' house was a 1994 Silver Eagle, a .999 Fine Silver bullion round. The Silver Eagle is the official silver bullion round of the US. I had no clue that my parents had such a thing, nor any idea where they acquired it.

This one is in perfect condition, packaged in a hard plastic case with a cardboard insert, which allows the round to be viewed (on both sides) without touching it. (Handling silver can transfer oils to the metal, causing tarnish to form more quickly.)

Collectors of coins will immediately recognize the "Walking Liberty" design by Adolph A. Weinman that appears on the obverse. It is based on the same image that was used on the "Walking Liberty Half Dollar" from 1916 to 1947.

Production of these silver rounds began in 1986.

To ensure wide distribution of the coins, the United States Mint awarded a contract to Grey Advertising to assist in marketing and publicizing the coins domestically and internationally. [source]

In addition to the American Silver Eagle, there are also American Gold Eagle and American Platinum Eagle rounds for those who have a little more money to invest. 💰 I think it would be awesome to see all three, together, in one shot! Does anyone reading have all three versions?

The reverse has an eagle designed by John Mercanti, who was Chief Engraver of the US Mint from 2006 to 2010. In his career with the Mint, beginning in 1974, Mercanti designed more coins and medals than any other employee in the history of the US Mint. After bearing the same reverse design for over thirty years, the Silver Eagle will undergo changes to the reverse within a couple of years:

The reverse of the bullion Silver Eagle will be redesigned in 2021 and will include anti-counterfeiting measures. The new features will be introduced later on the proof and other numismatic Silver Eagles. [source]

I already had a couple of Silver Eagles in my collection, but it is nice to have added another one, this inherited from my parents.