July 26, 2009 Yes. Today, silver is worth $13.87. Also today, the 1987 proof American Silver Eagle is valued from $30 to $5000 depending upon the actual condition of the coin. So, as you can see the proof coin is valued far more than the silver in it.
With those dates, the coins are Silver Eagle bullion coins that are made from one ounce of silver and value is whatever the spot price of silver is at time of sale.
The current price of silver is about $17/oz
Always buy coins, well known and collected coins such as the American Silver Eagle or the Canadian Maple leaf. They sell for a small premium above spot silver price, but are much easier to liquidate because their silver content is known. The Silver Eagle has numismatic value too, some coins that were sold as bullion are now worth thousands.
The issue price for the proof 1999 Silver Eagle was $24.00.
With those dates, the coins are Silver Eagle bullion coins that are made from one ounce of silver and value is whatever the spot price of silver is at time of sale.
These were sold as bullion coins and track the price of silver, about $17/oz at this point. Those sold in "government packaging" should be proof coins. A 1992 S proof eagle should retail in the neighborhood of $60.
American Eagle coins vary wildly in price depending on what type of coin it is, and the price of silver. They all contain 1 troy ounce of silver and the generic bullion coins are worth, at the time of writing a bit more than spot price of silver which is $29. If you have a proof coin in special mint packaging, it is worth quite a bit more around $60. Also, depending on collector demand, certain years might be worth a bit more.
The current price of silver is around $17/oz
Silver spot price = about $14/oz
The value of .999 pure silver coins varies with the spot price of silver on the market. A one-ounce silver coin will always be worth, at a minimum, the spot price of silver. Depending on the condition of the coin and the market in general, it may be worth up to 100% more. Proof coins are worth more than the coins that are not circulated, which in turn are worth more than lower-grade coins that may have been handled or have scratches, dings, etc. With the spot price of silver approaching $35, a current check of asking prices for the 2003 American Eagle ranged from $40 for a specimen that is not circulated, to over $110 for a PR70-rated proof coin. Check the current spot price of silver daily.
If you mean a 1988 Silver Eagle, only Proof and bullion coins were struck in that year. From 1986 to 1992, proof Silver Eagle coins were minted at San Francisco and these coins bear the "S" mintmark and have a current retail value of $20.00. Bullion Silver Eagle coins dated 1988 were also struck at San Francisco but do not have mintmarks, the value of these coins depends on the spot price of silver at time of sale. As of today it's about $18.30.
If you mean a 1988 Silver Eagle only Proof and bullion coins were struck in that year. From 1986 to 1992, proof Silver Eagle coins were minted at San Francisco and these coins bear the "S" mintmark and have a current retail value of $40.00. Bullion Silver Eagle coins dated 1988 were also struck at San Francisco but do not have mintmarks, the value of these coins depends on the spot price of silver at time of sale. As of today 3-27-11 it's about $37.32