Whitman proudly announces the highly anticipated release of fifth edition of American Silver Eagles: A Guide to the U.S. Silver Bullion Coin Program. This fully revised edition comes just in time ahead of the 40th anniversary of the iconic Silver Eagle and kicks off a broader celebration of coauthor John Mercanti’s remarkable 50-year career as a visionary artist, designer, and numismatist.
Since its introduction in 1986, the American Silver Eagle has become the most collected silver bullion coin in the world, with more than 673 million struck to date. In this new edition, coauthors John M. Mercanti, 12th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, and David J. Ryder, the 34th and 39th Director of the Mint, team up to offer unparalleled insight into the coin’s history, production, and enduring popularity.
"John Mercanti and David Ryder each bring a wealth of experience and expertise in numismatics," said John Feigenbaum, President and CEO of Whitman Brands. "But it’s their connected history, personal relationship, and collaboration that elevate this already best-selling book to an entirely new level!"
Fresh Insight
This deluxe fifth edition introduces readers to:
- A new Foreword by David Ryder
- History of the U.S. Bullion Coin Program
- In-depth coverage of the Type II redesign and the stunning Flying Eagle reverse
- Updated mintage figures, specs, and visual galleries
- Expanded coin-by-coin analysis covering 2021–2025 releases
- An illustrated appendix cataloging John Mercanti’s prolific design portfolio
- A new section covering how to collect Silver Eagles
Program in Review
Launched in 1986 under the American Eagle Coin Program and authorized by the Liberty Coin Act of 1985, the American Silver Eagle quickly became a cornerstone of the global bullion market. Each coin contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and originally featured Adolph A. Weinman’s classic Walking Liberty design on the obverse, paired with John Mercanti’s heraldic eagle on the reverse.
In 2021, the reverse was updated to showcase a striking flying eagle design by artist Emily Damstra. While produced primarily as bullion for investors, Silver Eagles also carry legal tender status and have gained significant popularity among collectors for their artistry, symbolism, and enduring market presence. Today, they remain one of the most widely traded and collected silver coins in the world.
"Silver Eagles are not just coins — they are national symbols of artistry, commerce, and trust," said Mike Schneider, Director of Partnerships and Collaborations at Asset Marketing Services, LLC. "This updated guide is the definitive roadmap to a beloved American legacy."
Notable releases covered in this edition
- 2023‑W Proof (West Point) — open‑mintage release.
- 2024‑Star Privy Uncirculated — unique bullion coin with collector appeal.
- 2025 Uncirculated W — updated design/security rollout.
- 2025 250th Anniversary Military Proofs — especially the Army privy, highly collectible.
Limited Collector’s Edition Now Available Exclusively at govmint.com
Don’t miss your chance to own American Silver Eagles: A Guide to the U.S. Silver Bullion Coin Program, alandmark tribute to America’s most beloved silver coin and the two men whose careers helped shape its legacy, and the perfect gift for silver enthusiasts and coin collectors of all levels — now available for pre-launch purchase in a special Collector’s Edition at govmint.com.
Published by Whitman®, the most trusted name in numismatic literature, American Silver Eagles will be available for purchase in both large (8.5×11) and small (6×9) formats at Whitman.com, govmint.com, Amazon, Whitman’s Ebay Store, Walmart.com, and bookstores, hobby shops, and other authorized retailers nationwide September 2025.
Title: American Silver Eagles: A Guide to the U.S. Silver Bullion Coin Program
Authors: John M. Mercanti, David J. Ryder
ISBN: 9780794853969
Format: Hardcover
Dimensions: 8.5×11 inches
Pages: 264
Retail: $49.95 USD
whitman.com
About Whitman Brands™
Formed from the 2023 merger of the numismatic publishing powerhouses of CDN and Whitman, Whitman Brands unites iconic series and titles like the Red Book, Blue Book, 100 Greatest, Paper Money of the United States, and Cherrypicker’s Guide, plus, an expansive line of folders, albums, and supplies that have defined the retail market for decades, with the pricing and data-rich expertise of industry-standard publications like Greysheet, Greensheet, Red Book Quarterly, The Banknote Book and CDN Exchange.
