Meet the Signers

The American Eagle Series Begins a New Era

The American Eagle series is without a doubt one of the most popular and widely collected modern offerings from the United States Mint with an over three-decade-long legacy. Now, after 35 years, the U.S. Mint is retiring the original reverse designs and replacing them with all­ new designs in 2021 – marking a bittersweet end to an era. For the first time in U.S. Mint history, the beloved American Gold and Silver Eagle will receive two issues in a single year, allowing collectors to purchase the original and new reverse designs in the same year – a truly monumental moment for the iconic series!
To indicate the change in designs, a “Type 1” pedigree will be issued to releases featuring the original “Heraldic Eagle” American Silver Eagle reverse designed by John Mercanti and the original “Family of Eagles” American Gold Eagle reverse designed by Miley Busiek. A “Type 2” pedigree will be given to releases featuring the new American Silver Eagle reverse designed by Emily Damstra and the new American Gold Eagle reverse designed by Jennie Norris.
The American Eagle series is without a doubt one of the most popular and widely collected modern offerings from the United States Mint with an over three-decade-long legacy. Fans of the series and casual collectors alike will not want to miss out on the debut of the brand-new reverse designs that kick off a new chapter for this iconic series.

Michael Gaudioso
2021 American Silver Eagle Reverse Sculptor

The new American Silver Eagle reverse design, the coin’s first design change since its debut in 1986, has been met with intense collector interest and provided Michael Gaudioso, U.S. Mint Medallic Artist, with the perfect way to cap his career. Having joined the Mint’s sculpting-engraving department in 2009, he spent more than ten years working on coin and medal programs. In 2020 Gaudioso announced he would be retiring, but not before completing his final assignment — sculpting the reverse for the Silver Eagle, the Mint’s most popular program.

“To be part of the American Silver Eagle’s legacy is a career-defining honor.”
Michael Gaudioso

Jennie Norris
2021 American Gold Eagle Reverse Designer

Prior to joining the U.S. Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program (AIP), Jennie Norris was already a talented and experienced artist who demonstrated her talents for clients such as Crayola, Sea World, Hasbro, and Hershey. With her impressive career firmly established, Norris saw the potential for professional and personal growth through opportunities provided by the U.S. Mint. So, when the Mint announced plans to change the design of its American Gold Eagle coins, Norris submitted a design. Norris’ design won over 39 submissions making her first attempt at coin design successful beyond her wildest dreams.

“I saw an opportunity to bring my own appreciation and experience of nature, and raptors in particular, to a very important person.”
Jennie Norris

Emily Damstra
2021 American Silver Eagle Reverse Designer

As a dual citizen of both the United States and Canada, Emily Damstra has the unique distinction being responsible for more than 40 numismatic designs on both sides of the border. Her latest design — and perhaps most significant —is a monumental addition to the coin world: the new reverse for America’s Silver Eagle. As the first design change since the coin was first struck in 1986, Damstra’s vision of a Bald Eagle coming in for a landing was selected from among 39 entries. Drawing upon her love of nature, Damstra’s design is an exciting work poised to carve out a legacy of its own.

“It was with great care and consideration that I undertook the assignment to design the reverse side of the American Eagle one-ounce silver coin.”
Emily Damstra