This is a popular vintage 1981 U.S. Strategic Stockpile Silver Trade Unit (1 troy ounce, .999 fine silver).
Quick Facts & Historical Context
- The Origin: In 1980 and 1981, the U.S. government auctioned off silver from its strategic defense reserves to normalize market prices after an infamous attempt by the Hunt brothers to corner the silver market.
- The Minting: While the round features the “U.S. Assay Office San Francisco” name, it was actually struck by private entities (such as Continental Coin & Jewelry Corporation) using the authentic government-stockpiled silver they purchased at those auctions.
