2021-W American Silver Eagle Proof Coins with Heraldic Eagle Reverse Design

2021 is a big year for the American Silver Eagle program, marking the 35th anniversary of the series and the transition to a new reverse design that will debut at some point in mid-2021. Early issues of the American Silver Eagle in 2021 will feature the original heraldic Eagle reverse design, created by numismatic legend John Mercanti, allowing collectors another chance to appreciate the original iconic design.

You won't want to miss this end of an era!

Proof Silver Eagles

American Silver Eagles are traditionally struck from 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver and are backed by the United States government for weight and purity. Proof Silver Eagles are the collector's counterpart to the bullion Silver Eagle, the United States' official bullion coin. This proof was struck at the West Point Mint and will feature it's "W" mint mark.

Proof coins are specially struck using hand-polished and cleaned planchets that are struck at least twice. The results are frosted devices and a stunning, mirror-like field that allow the iconic Silver Eagle design to be appreciated in incredible quality.

Heraldic Eagle Reverse Design

The reverse of the design, which will change in mid-2021, was designed by former United States Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti. Throughout his 36-year tenure at the United States Mint, Mercanti created over 100 coins and medals for the Mint, more than any previous employees in the Mint's long history.

The reverse design was based on the Great Seal of the United States and features a bold heraldic eagle clutching a shield to its breast, holding an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other. The eagle carries a banner with the national motto, "E. PLURIBUS UNUM," in its powerful beak.

Inscriptions on this face include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," the metal content, "1 OZ. FINE SILVER," and the denomination, "ONE DOLLAR." The "W" mint mark will also appear on the reverse

Walking Liberty Obverse Design

The coin's obverse is based on Numismatic giant Adolph Weinman's full-length figure of Liberty walking in full stride, her right hand extended to the new day, while her left grasps branches of laurel and oak. The design first appeared on the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, which was issued from 1916-1947.

Adolph Weinman was a German-born sculptor who, in addition to the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, also design the famous Mercury Dime, which was issued from 1916-1945.

Inscription on this face of the coin includes "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date, "2021."

The Silver Eagle Design Change

In 2019, the United States Mint first announced plans to change the beloved series' reverse design, with the new design to debut in 2021 for the 35th anniversary of the series. After a thorough review and selection process that included recommendations from the CCAC and CFA, the new reverse design that was selected was created by Emily Damstra, a member of the U.S. Mint's Artistic Infusion program.

The new reverse will portray a single eagle about to land from a flight, clasping an oak branch in its talons, to perhaps add to its next. This refreshed design will debut in the Silver Eagle series in mid-2021.

For more information about the new design changes, read this Info-Vault article here