The 1987 1 oz American Silver Eagle is one of the most iconic and sought-after silver coins in the world. As part of the prestigious American Silver Eagle series that began in 1986, the 1987 edition represents a cornerstone piece for both seasoned collectors and new investors entering the precious metals market. These stunning coins combine the timeless appeal of American numismatic heritage with the intrinsic value of one full troy ounce of pure silver.

What Makes the 1987 American Silver Eagle Special

The 1987 American Silver Eagle is a legal tender coin minted by the United States Mint, making it an official U.S. currency coin with a face value of one dollar. However, its true value lies far beyond its nominal denomination, as the coin contains exactly one troy ounce of .999 fine silver. This high purity level ensures that collectors and investors receive genuine, government-guaranteed silver content with every purchase.

What sets the 1987 vintage apart from modern Silver Eagles is its vintage appeal and relative scarcity compared to more recent years. Coins from the 1980s represent an important chapter in the American Silver Eagle story, capturing a moment in time when the U.S. Mint was still establishing this now-legendary series. Collectors prize 1987 Silver Eagles for their historical significance and investment potential.

Design and Aesthetic Features

The obverse side of the 1987 American Silver Eagle features a stunning rendition of Lady Liberty, designed by the legendary engraver Adolph A. Weinman. The iconic design shows Liberty walking gracefully, holding an olive branch and draped in the American flag, with rays of sunlight breaking behind her. This powerful image of freedom and hope has become one of the most recognizable designs in all of American coinage.

The reverse side showcases an American bald eagle landing on a rocky crag, clutching an olive branch in its talons. Designed by John Mercanti, the eagle design symbolizes strength, dignity, and American sovereignty. The reverse also includes the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "ONE DOLLAR," "1 OZ. FINE SILVER .999," and the year "1987." The combination of these two masterful designs makes the 1987 American Silver Eagle a true work of numismatic art.

Investment and Collectibility

The 1987 1 oz American Silver Eagle represents an excellent option for precious metals investors seeking tangible assets backed by genuine silver content. Unlike many other investment vehicles, physical silver coins provide direct ownership of a commodity with real-world industrial and monetary demand. The American Silver Eagle's government backing and guaranteed purity make it one of the most trusted and liquid silver coins available on the global market.

For collectors, the 1987 date carries additional appeal. As one of the early years in the American Silver Eagle program, coins from this vintage are increasingly difficult to find in higher grades, particularly those that have been well-preserved. This scarcity factor, combined with the coin's popularity, has made 1987 Silver Eagles particularly attractive to serious numismatists building comprehensive collections.

Coin Specifications

• Year of Issue: 1987
• Coin Type: American Silver Eagle
• Weight: 31.101 grams
• Diameter: 40.6 millimeters
• Thickness: 2.4 millimeters
• Composition: 99.9% pure silver (.999 fine)
• Silver Content: 1 troy ounce (31.1035 grams of pure silver)
• Legal Tender Status: Yes – United States legal tender with a face value of $1.00
• Mint Mark: No mint mark (Philadelphia), or "S" (San Francisco), "W" (West Point), or "O" (New Orleans) depending on production facility
• Obverse Designer: Adolph A. Weinman (original design from 1916)
• Reverse Designer: John Mercanti
• Edge: Reeded
• Certification: Can be certified by professional grading services such as NGC, PCGS, or ICG

IRA Eligibility and Tax-Advantaged Investing

Yes, the 1987 American Silver Eagle is eligible for inclusion in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), specifically Self-Directed IRAs that allow for precious metals investments. This makes the 1987 Silver Eagle an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their retirement portfolios with tangible assets while potentially enjoying tax-advantaged growth.

To include 1987 American Silver Eagles in an IRA, the coins must meet the IRS's fineness requirements (99.9% purity for silver), which these coins satisfy. The coins must be stored in an approved depository rather than held personally, and the account must be administered through a qualified custodian experienced in precious metals IRAs. This IRA eligibility has made American Silver Eagles, particularly older vintages like 1987, even more popular among retirement investors seeking inflation protection and portfolio diversification.

Storage and Preservation

Proper storage and handling of your 1987 American Silver Eagle is essential for maintaining its condition and value. Silver coins should be stored in cool, dry environments away from humidity and corrosive elements. Many collectors prefer to store coins in protective holders, capsules, or slabs that prevent unnecessary handling and exposure to air and moisture.

When handling 1987 Silver Eagles, it's recommended to use cotton gloves or hold them by the edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin to the coin's surface. Direct contact with bare fingers can accelerate toning and potentially damage the coin's appearance over time. For valuable specimens, professional-grade storage solutions such as safety deposit boxes or vault storage are often recommended.