The American Silver Eagle - Love At First Sight

It was a beautiful sunny day in the spring of 2007. Birds were announcing the coming of summer. Deer were foraging in the fields, looking to fatten back up after a long and cold winter. Friendly smells filled the air as fresh flowers were opening up to the warm and inviting sun. Where was I? I was fumbling through an old, dusty and very dimly lit antique shop, looking for that "sleeper". That prized little possession sometime long ago forgotten. That little gem, covered in soot, begging for a polishing and reuniting with light. Something small and special that someone somewhere would love again. I would snatch it up, take it home, breathe life into it once more, and find a new "rightful" owner. I had been interested in coins since childhood, always fascinated by their luster and intricate designs. Silver coins really held a place in my heart as I always appreciated the underdog of a precious metal. I had no idea who I was about to meet.

I turned a corner, my eyes finally adjusting to the low level of cheap lighting in this quaint little shop. I stopped in my tracks and stood in awe. Replacing the dimness and bleakness of this dismal, relic and junk-filled abode, was this light. Not just any light you see, but a white, blinding, crystal clear glow that illuminated its surroundings as a firefly does in the dark woods of night when looking for an opposing sex to alleviate its loneliness.

She was beautiful! Her robe, long and flowing, while the emblem of my homeland waived behind her. The sun gently rose in the distance to announce a new day and fresh ideas. She pointed the way, giving direction to a brighter and wealthier future. Her silver tone glistened, reflecting the small surrounding light and yet giving off so much more of her own as an amplifier. I was in love!

"If you need any assistance sir, let me know", came this voice from the distance. I barely heard it. Without being able to speak, I raised my arm and with an outstretched finger, pointed to this silver maiden I had yet to take my eyes off of. A figure appeared through the dusty light as I heard the sound of keys jingling. He fumbled for the correct key, being an antique himself, and slowly, much to my growing impatience, found the correct one and opened the showcase.

"What would you like to see?" He asked me.

"That beauty right there" I spoke.

He reached in, following my gaze, and touched her. My heart hurt for a moment, not wanting anyone to "dirty" her or pollute her with their vileness or lack of knowledge or grace. Realizing she was in a tough, protective shell, I calmed, and waited.

He placed her in my hand. My heart leapt. I had never seen such beauty, nor held it so close. I gazed upon her for what seemed to be a lifetime. She bore a sign, "In God We Trust", reminding me of my roots and whom my homeland really had to thank for such pleasures and accomplishments. She reflected even more so now any light she could gather from a distance. I turned her around. Her back was just as beautiful. This terrific, heraldic eagle with wings spread, holding a shield and banner of its own, showing true power and strength and independence. The name of my homeland rose above this eagle, telling me the true birth of this beautiful maiden. Below were the words that finalized my decision. They were as follows… "1 OZ. FINE SILVER".  I was speechless!

"All set sir?" came the old and familiar voice from the distance once more.

"I'll take her home with me", I spoke.

It took me 21 years to discover her, but sometimes we must be patient and wait to find true beauty. Since then I have brought many more of her kind home with me, not to "replace" her, but to give her more company.

Sounds crazy huh? That's the story of my first American Silver Eagle.  Not only has she become the most sought after and most desired silver coin of the world, she has become my favorite as well. Her value, while more than doubling already since I have owned her, has become almost priceless to me.

Care to meet her? You can view her and even pick up one of your own at www.TheEagleEmpire.net . Even if you don't want or need to take one home for yourself, at least gaze upon her for a brief moment. I'll bet you too will be "hooked"!