Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 2/16/2010

Question
I HAVE A SILVER DOLLAR COIN IN GOOD CONDITION THAT HAS NO DATE STAMPED ON IT. IS THIS UNUSUAL OR A COMMON THING? I AM NOT REALLY EDUCATED ABOUT COINS BUT I HAVE HAD IT FOR AT LEAST 20 YEARS AND MY MOM HAD IT FOR YEARS PRIOR. I DON'T KNOW HOW OLD IT IS. IT IS AN OLDER COIN WITH THE LIBERTY LADY ON THE FRT AND A FLYING EAGLE ON THE BACK WITH THE WORDS--ONE TROY OUNCE .999 FINE SILVER.
I AM NOT EVEN SURE IT IS A REAL COIN. ANY INFO WOULD BE COOL. THANKS SO MUCH

Answer
Hi Martha,
You have a privately made silver bullion round, intended as a way to invest in silver. There are a wide range of designs, but the Liberty and eagle is the most common. It is based on the design of the old Morgan and peace silver dollars from the late 1800's and early 1900's. The silver rounds like yours were made throughout the 1970's and 80's, and to a lesser extent today. They almost never have an exact date, but 1975 to 1985 is what it would be.
Although the value lies in the silver, currently around $16 per ounce, these are becoming collectible. If you look on eBay, for example, it's common to see rounds in excellent condition selling for around $20 and even a little more.
Thanks for the question! =)