James,
My experience with [US Mint] Silver Eagles is similar to your description [of their lack of widespread recognizability]. I traded 1 silver eagle for some merchandise at $20 USD per Eagle.
The person was happy. I explained to them that this was 1 oz. of silver and at the time of the trade it was equal to the amount that I told them. A few days later I went back seeking to trade again and they told me that since the face value [marked] on the coin was $1 USD that it was all the value they would exchange it for. So then I refused to trade. They were insistent that it was only worth $1 USD . I said sorry you think that way and went down the road. Your point that most Americans wouldn’t know about Silver eagles is correct. I have found that trading Eagles for value is best
done with professional, more educated people. I partially paid for the delivery of our three children with 1-oz Gold Eagles [for each delivery]. The doctor was very eager to settle our bill with that in his hand. Of course the balance due was close to the value of the coin. My chiropractor also will accept Silver Eagles for payment.
Yes it is possible but discuss with the person you wish to trade with before hand, if they are not sure don’t push. You could also get in trouble with the local law if you try to push the issue as the trade nay have second thoughts and make a call on you. Also you might want to look into 10 oz bars of silver with the same rules of purchase as 100 oz bars. Hard times come quickly be prepared! – Jeff B.