The American Silver Eagle is a silver bullion coin issued by the United States Mint since 1986, containing one troy ounce of 99.9% silver. The 1996 Silver Eagle is notable for its lower mintage compared to other years, making it a sought-after collectible among numismatists. The coin features Adolph A. Weinman's iconic Walking Liberty design on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. Collectors often evaluate these coins based on their condition, type, and rarity in the marketplace.