A new American Silver Eagle design will mark the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle coin program next year in 2021. The U.S. Mint is introducing new reverse designs for both the Gold Eagle and Silver Eagle to mark the occasion. These changes to the 2021 American Gold Eagle and Silver Eagle will create a new standard design for both coins.

• American Silver Eagle Mintage
• American Silver Eagle Prices
• American Silver Eagle Value
• American Silver Eagle Price
• Silver Eagles For Sale

New Silver Eagle reverse design. Image: United States Mint

American Silver Eagle Coin history. The US Mint began striking the American Silver Eagle coin in 1986. The Silver Eagle coin remains the official silver bullion coin of the United States of America. Since its inception, over 500,000,000 ounces of Silver American Eagle coins have been purchased by investors and coin collectors around the world. Update from the United States Mint: Two 2021 American Silver Eagle Reverse Designs In late October, the United States Mint announced that they will be issued Brilliant Uncirculated American Silver Eagles with two reverse designs in 2021. At the start of the year, the Silver Eagle will feature Mercanti's original heraldic eagle reverse design, while Emily Damstra's new reverse design.

The new 2021 Silver Eagle reverse design will be a break from the past, replacing the original reverse eagle design of a heraldic eagle created by John Mercanti in 1986. The 2021 SIlver Eagle will also debut a 'refreshed' depiction of the famous 'Walking Liberty' design on the obverse, based on the original 1916–1947 silver half dollar by Adolph A.Weinman.

The Mint uses special occasions to revisit historical coin designs that are used on modern coins. Modern technology allowed the Mint to scan Weinman's large master molds of the Walking Liberty half dollar, capturing all the fine details of the artist's original 1916 design. The new dies from these scans will present Weinman's famous design to the public as he originally intended.

The 2021 Silver Eagle Reverse Design

• The American Silver Eagle is legal tender in the United States, and is the official silver bullion coin of the U.S. Mint.The Silver Eagle has a face value of one dollar, but is independently traded on its silver content and rarity.
• American Silver Eagle Coins. The American Silver Eagle is the official silver bullion coin of the United States and gets minted by the US Mint. First issued in 1986, all American Silver Eagle Coins are 99.9% fine silver bullion, struck in the one troy ounce size you can buy here.
• The American Silver Eagle is the official silver bullion coin of the United States. It was first released by the United States Mint on November 24, 1986. It is struck only in the one-troy ounce (Avoirdupois) size, which has a nominal face value of one dollar and is guaranteed to contain one troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver.

The 2021 Silver Eagle design change replaces the symbolic 'eagle with shield and stars' reverse with a dynamic image of a real bald eagle in flight. Carrying an oak branch, the eagle is shown flaring its wings to land.

The required inscriptions curve around the rim, and are rendered in a new clean, modern style. The national motto E PLURIBUS UNUM that was on a ribbon in the old design has been enlarged and moved above the weight of the coin.

Emily Damstra is the artist who created the new American eagle design. Damstra has previously designed coins for the highly-esteemed Royal Canadian Mint, and was contracted through the U.S. Mint's artistic infusion program (AIP). Her work was chosen among many submissions for proposed reverse designs, judged by an expert panel known as the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC).

New Anti-Counterfeiting Measures for the 2021 Silver Eagle

Part of the reason for redesigning the Silver Eagle in 2021 is to introduce new anti-counterfeiting measures. The same is true of the new American Gold Eagle coins.

This is an area where the U.S. Mint has lagged behind the mints of other nations. The Mint promises multiple anti-counterfeiting measures will be incorporated into both the Silver Eagle and Gold Eagle bullion coins. Implementation of the enhanced security measures for collector versions of American Eagle coins will come when they change to the 2021 reverse.

While officials did not go into details about the new security features, recent collaborations between the U.S. Mint and Royal Canadian Mint point to the possibility that the RCM will share its world-leading anti-counterfeiting technology with the U.S. The same can be done for U.S. gold coins, as well.

2021 Silver Eagle Release Dates

The U.S. Mint plans to release the redesigned 2021 American Silver Eagle in 'summer 2021' according to their press release ('United States Mint Unveils New American Eagle Gold and Silver Coin Reverse Designs'). This means that some versions of Silver Eagles will be made with both designs.

Michael White, a spokesperson for the mint, explained in an email that the 2021 bullion and 2021-W proof Silver Eagles from the West Point Mint will be released in January. They both will carry the old, original design until the middle of the year, then transition to the new reverse design.

American Silver Eagle Mintage

The 2021-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle will be released in July, after the redesigned reverse is introduced. This means that it will not be minted with the old reverse in 2021. The same applies to the 2021-S proof Silver Eagle from the San Francisco Mint. It is usually released in October, long after the new Silver Eagle reverse will be introduced.

This means that the 2020-S proof and 2020-W uncirculated Silver Eagles will be the last mintages of their type to feature the old reverse. Collectors should plan accordingly.

A New Key Date for American Silver Eagle

The 2021 American Silver Eagle will be a key date in the series. There are two 2020 Silver Eagles that will also be key dates, being the last year of the old design. Collectors will certainly want to obtain examples of Silver Eagles with both reverses.

Here is a quick checklist, so you know which 2020 coins you need to buy before they sell out.

2021 Silver Eagle Bullion Coin

• 2021 will feature both reverses

2021-W Silver Eagle Proof Coin

• 2021 will feature both reverses

2021-W Silver Eagle Uncirculated Coin

• 2020 will be the last year for the old reverse
• 2021 will only feature the new reverse

2021-S Silver Eagle Proof Coin

• 2020 will be the last year for the old reverse
• 2021 will only feature the new reverse

About the American Silver Eagle

Close-up of Walking Liberty design on Silver Eagle coin

The American Silver Eagle is the world's most popular 1 ounce silver bullion coin. Technically, it is the modern U.S. silver dollar. More than a half billion Silver Eagles have been sold since its introduction in 1986. As the first official silver bullion coin of the United States, the Silver American Eagle enjoys unprecedented popularity and liquidity around the world. It is also a widely collected bullion coin.

In 1986, the popular and world-renowned American Silver Eagle was first minted. The American Silver Eagles are the official bullion silver coin of the United States. Backed by the US government, the American Silver Eagle is guaranteed .999 pure silver. IRA approved, the American Silver Eagles can be purchased individually or by government-sealed monster boxes of 500 coins.

Design of the American Silver Eagle

The Walking Liberty is one of the most known figures of US currency and is featured on the obverse of every American Silver Eagle. Lady Liberty was first designed for the half dollar in 1916-1947 but since it received such acclaim, the US Mint decided to resurrect the design for their first silver bullion coin collection. Adolph A. Weinman, an American sculptor who was born in Germany, was chosen to design the obverse for the Walking Liberty half-dollar. What he didn't know was how popular his design would remain 40 years later. Weinman's take on Lady Liberty resembles a Grecian god, who is wrapped in a light-weight robe and is delicately fluttering in the wind to enhance her femininity.

The reverse contains the US seal, which is of a large eagle with several different representations. Both of the eagle's talons are holding onto something; the left contains olive branches to represent peach and the other talon is holding arrows to represent warrior. The eagle is covered by a huge shield that indicates that the US will protect its power and 'E Pluribus Unum' is written across the eagle's outstretched wings. The coin's weight and purity is also stamped on the reverse for authentication purposes.

Types of American Silver Eagles

The US Mint has produced 3 types of American Silver Eagles: Brilliant Uncirculated, Proof, and Burnished. The Brilliant Uncirculated and Burnished American Silver Eagles contain the same finish: a frosted, matte surface but the Burnished versions contain the infamous 'W' mint-mark, since they are minted at the West Point Mint. The Proof Silver Eagles stand out, due to their glossy, mirror-like finish. Proof Silver Eagles are also packaged in government-issued presentation boxes with their Certificates of Authenticity.

Certified Silver Eagles

As most coin collectors and numismatists know, a coin can be a considered brilliant uncirculated or proof, but that's just the beginning of identifying a coin's value. Dr. William Sheldon was an American psychologist by trade and a numismatist as a hobby. In 1948, Sheldon developed the Sheldon Numeric Scale, which became the foundation of grading and certifying coins. The Sheldon Numeric Scale dictates that a coin's condition can fall between 1 and 70. Before this groundbreaking system, coins were graded mostly by physical appearance and could receive one of three grades.

There are many coin grading agencies out there but only two that are revered worldwide. The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) are two companies that issue coins their grades. These companies not only certify coins, but they also encase the graded coin into an official holder, preserving the coin and marking the holder with its earned grade. This alone has changed the coin collecting game, while also offering a peace of mind for collectors and investors.

When purchasing a Certified American Silver Eagle, there is information provided on the coin holder that is important to know. The first thing to notice is the coin's strike type:

• MS: Short for 'Mint-State;' refers to coins that have never been in circulation and are the same condition as when they were originally produced. Mint State coins will receive a grade ranging from 60-70 on the Sheldon Numeric Scale.
• PF/PR: Abbreviation for 'Proof;' refers to the method of coin manufacture, made for eye appeal among collectors.
• SP: A 'specimen' coin is a combination of strike type (somewhere in the middle of Mint State and Proof).

A Certified American Silver Eagle (or any certified bullion coin) will most likely come in one of two grades:

• MS/PF70: Bullion coins that have kept their original mint luster and contain zero post production flaws.
• MS/PF69: Bullion coins that contain 2 or less minute imperfections but still carry their original mint luster.

Other certification terms often used for bullion coins:

• First Strike: PCGS term designates coins that have been certified within the first 30 days of production by the contributing mint.
• Early Release: NGC term designates coins that have been certified within the first 30 days of production by the contributing mint.
• UCAM/DCAM: Shortened for Ultra-Cameo and Deep-Cameo, these terms refer to the coin's visual brilliance that is apparent on the surface by an unyielding, frosted finish and a deeply mirrored background luster.

Design of the American Silver Eagle

The Walking Liberty is one of the most known figures of US currency and is featured on the obverse of every American Silver Eagle. Lady Liberty was first designed for the half dollar in 1916-1947 but since it received such acclaim, the US Mint decided to resurrect the design for their first silver bullion coin collection. Adolph A. Weinman, an American sculptor who was born in Germany, was chosen to design the obverse for the Walking Liberty half-dollar. What he didn't know was how popular his design would remain 40 years later. Weinman's take on Lady Liberty resembles a Grecian god, who is wrapped in a light-weight robe and is delicately fluttering in the wind to enhance her femininity.

The reverse contains the US seal, which is of a large eagle with several different representations. Both of the eagle's talons are holding onto something; the left contains olive branches to represent peach and the other talon is holding arrows to represent warrior. The eagle is covered by a huge shield that indicates that the US will protect its power and 'E Pluribus Unum' is written across the eagle's outstretched wings. The coin's weight and purity is also stamped on the reverse for authentication purposes.

Types of American Silver Eagles

The US Mint has produced 3 types of American Silver Eagles: Brilliant Uncirculated, Proof, and Burnished. The Brilliant Uncirculated and Burnished American Silver Eagles contain the same finish: a frosted, matte surface but the Burnished versions contain the infamous 'W' mint-mark, since they are minted at the West Point Mint. The Proof Silver Eagles stand out, due to their glossy, mirror-like finish. Proof Silver Eagles are also packaged in government-issued presentation boxes with their Certificates of Authenticity.

American Silver Eagle Prices

Certified Silver Eagles

As most coin collectors and numismatists know, a coin can be a considered brilliant uncirculated or proof, but that's just the beginning of identifying a coin's value. Dr. William Sheldon was an American psychologist by trade and a numismatist as a hobby. In 1948, Sheldon developed the Sheldon Numeric Scale, which became the foundation of grading and certifying coins. The Sheldon Numeric Scale dictates that a coin's condition can fall between 1 and 70. Before this groundbreaking system, coins were graded mostly by physical appearance and could receive one of three grades.

There are many coin grading agencies out there but only two that are revered worldwide. The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) are two companies that issue coins their grades. These companies not only certify coins, but they also encase the graded coin into an official holder, preserving the coin and marking the holder with its earned grade. This alone has changed the coin collecting game, while also offering a peace of mind for collectors and investors.

American Silver Eagle Value

When purchasing a Certified American Silver Eagle, there is information provided on the coin holder that is important to know. The first thing to notice is the coin's strike type:

• MS: Short for 'Mint-State;' refers to coins that have never been in circulation and are the same condition as when they were originally produced. Mint State coins will receive a grade ranging from 60-70 on the Sheldon Numeric Scale.
• PF/PR: Abbreviation for 'Proof;' refers to the method of coin manufacture, made for eye appeal among collectors.
• SP: A 'specimen' coin is a combination of strike type (somewhere in the middle of Mint State and Proof).

American Silver Eagle Price

A Certified American Silver Eagle (or any certified bullion coin) will most likely come in one of two grades:

• MS/PF70: Bullion coins that have kept their original mint luster and contain zero post production flaws.
• MS/PF69: Bullion coins that contain 2 or less minute imperfections but still carry their original mint luster.

Other certification terms often used for bullion coins:

• First Strike: PCGS term designates coins that have been certified within the first 30 days of production by the contributing mint.
• Early Release: NGC term designates coins that have been certified within the first 30 days of production by the contributing mint.
• UCAM/DCAM: Shortened for Ultra-Cameo and Deep-Cameo, these terms refer to the coin's visual brilliance that is apparent on the surface by an unyielding, frosted finish and a deeply mirrored background luster.

Silver Eagles For Sale

• Silver Eagles1986-Date
• Silver Eagle RollsRolls & Monster Boxes
• Proof Silver EaglesOriginal Mint Boxes
• Certified Uncirculated Silver EaglesMS69 & MS70
• Certified Proof Silver EaglesPF69 & PF70
• Raw and Certified Burnished Silver EaglesFeaturing - W - Mint Mark
• American Silver Eagle Anniversary Sets10th, 20th & 25th