2002 American Silver Eagle

2002 American silver eagles are popular bullion coins that attract bullion investors and numismatists alike, thanks to their large size (40.6 millimeter diameter), one ounce of .999-fine silver, and beautiful design. In fact, it is safe to say that the American silver eagle is by far one of the most beloved bullion coins in the world, and has easily become as widely recognized as older bullion coin series, such as the Canadian Maple Leaf and South African Krugerrand.

While precious metal investors would love any bullion coin that boasts a full ounce of silver, what really helps to sell this coin to collectors is its obverse design – a painstaking replication of the Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty design, which debuted on the half dollar in 1916 and remained on the coin until 1947. The reverse of the American silver eagle boasts a glorious heraldic eagle, which was designed by John Mercanti in 1985 for the 1986 inaugural release of the American silver eagle.

All 2002 American silver eagles were minted at the West Point, NY, mint. In total, a little more than 11 million silver eagles were made that year, with 10,539,026 uncirculated examples and 647,342 proof specimens. Proof examples, which cost about $20 over prevailing spot price, are generally more treasured by numismatists, while the uncirculated specimens – which can be had for a small premium over bullion value – are the darlings of bullion investors.