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2021-W American Silver Eagle Proof Coins with New Reverse Design
The Proof Silver Eagle marks its 35th anniversary in 2021. The Proof series is the counterpart to the world’s favorite bullion coin, the American Silver Eagle. The United States Mint will release two American Silver Eagle designs in 2021, which have affectionately been dubbed by the numismatic community and third-party grading companies, Type I and Type II. Type I features former United States Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti’s heraldic eagle reverse design, which has appeared on the series since its debut in 1986. The Type II version bears an entirely new reverse design created by a member of the United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program (AIP), Emily Damstra, marking the end of a numismatic era and the start of a new one!
This 2021-W Silver Eagle will be struck at the West Point Mint from 1 oz of .999 fine silver.
History of the Series
The Proof Silver Eagle debuted alongside the bullion version of the coin in 1986. Little has changed throughout the series before 2021, although it has been struck at various mints. In recent years, standard proofs have been struck at the West Point Mint with “W” mint marks, while proofs associated with sets have been struck at the San Francisco Mint and bear “S” mint marks. Although slight design changes, including changes to the lettering, have been made in the past, 2021 marks the first-ever redesign in its history.
2021-W Type II Proof Silver Eagle Designs
The Type II Proof Silver Eagle will bear Adolph Weinman’s Walking Liberty on the obverse. Liberty wears a Phrygian cap and is draped in the American flag as she carries laurel and oak branches. She extends her right hand forward as though greeting the morning sun, which is just starting to emerge from beyond the horizon. Obverse inscriptions read, “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2021.” The Type-II version notably includes Weinman's artist initials, “AW” on the obverse for the first time in the series.
The new design was created by Emily Damstra and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso. An eagle spreads its wings while carrying an oak branch; perhaps one used to build its nest. To the right is the statutory inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The design is encircled by the same three rim inscriptions as appeared on the Type I version, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ONE DOLLAR,” and “1 OZ. FINE SILVER,” though these inscriptions have been rearranged for this new look.
The Type-II also includes an anti-counterfeit reeded edge variation as a first-ever security feature in the series!
