On October 1, 2020, the U.S. Mint announced that it would change the reverse design on silver and gold eagles. Many of us anticipated this change to come in January when the new eagles are released. But the Mint wasn’t ready and released 2021 with the same design it’s had for 35 years.
In July 2021, Type 2 2021 Silver Eagles finally arrived!!! And, the Mint met its anticipated release date. Not only did the Mint change the reverse, but it updated Adolph A. Weinman’s historic obverse. The obverse (heads) features a refreshed depiction of Adolph A. Weinman’s full-length figure of Liberty in full stride, enveloped in folds of the flag, with her right hand extended and branches of laurel and oak in her left. For the 2021 coin, the United States Mint returned to its original historical assets to render a closer reflection of Weinman’s original vision that includes the addition of his traditional artist mark. My old eyes don’t see much of a difference, but I do like the artist mark, which can be seen here:
Of course, it can be confusing, because before I zoomed in, I thought this was a West Point Mint Mark. Time for some new readers.
We also have the new and improved Gold Eagles. The obverse includes modifications to the Capitol Building, stars, torch, sun rays, and other design elements based on the original bronze cast. The exquisite new reverse features a close-up of an eagle, so detailed that the feathers come to life.
All of these coins have been minted in high detail using new technology and include a reed pattern variation. This means exactly what it sounds like. If you look at the edges of the coin, the reeds are not identical. Here’s a close-up:
As many of us know, there have been a lot of fake Eagles floating around, tempting naïve collectors with their low prices. These new features will make the coins more difficult to counterfeit.
The 2021 Type I Silver Eagle launched in February – and sold out in minutes. It looks like Type II has done the same. Did you have a chance to get yours? If not, don’t worry – we have them – raw, graded, in sets or singles. Order yours now before the prices rise again. This is one coin you don’t want to miss out on.
So, what is the big deal about double-dated coins? And what are they?
When the U.S. Mint changes coin designs, the change usually occurs when production of the old design has ended at the end of a year. On rare occasions, however, the change takes place during the year – resulting in two different coins of the same denomination that bear the same date. This is the first time since 1938 that the U.S. has released a double-dated coin. In 1938 there was the Buffalo Nickel and the Jefferson Nickel. Prior to that, there were only two other double-dated coins. In 1909, we saw the Indian Head Cent replaced with the Lincoln Penny and in 1916, the Barber Silver Dime was replaced with the Mercury Silver Dime. All of these coins are widely collected and treasured for this unique feature.
And now, collectors in the know are buying up the final year of issue for Silver and Eagles in their original design. Once the Mint stops striking them, they will be gone for good and ultimately, be very collectible. Silver and Gold are volatile markets, and the current political climate has people buying and hoarding silver and gold coins. People trust silver and gold, and as legal tender, they’re the only bullion coins whose weight and purity are guaranteed by the United States Government. They’re also the only bullion coins allowed in an IRA.
So, when you pair the world’s most popular bullion coin and have a design change for the first time in 35 years in the middle of a production year, you have an unprecedented collectible coin!
So, what did they change on the Silver Eagle?
Well, for the last 35 years the Silver Eagle reverse has featured John Mercanti’s Heraldic eagle with shield, symbolizing strength and endurance. Easily recognizable, this iconic design will now take its place in history.
Chosen over 38 other entries, the new design, by AIP artist Emily Damstra, depicts a lone eagle coming in for a landing, carrying an oak branch as if to add it to a nest. This new design captures a bald eagle hard at work building up its nest. The eagle is shown with its wings and legs outstretched. The wings slow the bird’s descent toward its nest, while its talons are clutching a long olive branch that will be added to its nest. The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey and has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782.
The Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Emily Damstra has quite the pedigree when it comes to coins. She designed all four coins for Canada’s very popular Birds of Prey program. Her artwork specializes in zoological, botanical, anthropological, ecological, and paleontological designs. Prior to the 2021 Silver Eagle, she designed eight other U.S. Mint coins. Ms. Damstra commented: “My inspiration for this design grew from a desire to show our national bird—with all of the values it embodies—in a unique way that could also convey traits such as diligence, cooperation, care, and protection.”1
What about the Gold Eagle?
Again, for the last 35 years, the reverse design emphasized family and features a male eagle carrying an olive branch flying above a nest containing a female eagle and her hatchlings.
The new design features a close-up look at the American bald eagle. The bird’s head is shown in left-profile relief in a realistic design that captures the details of its plumage, the steely gaze of its keen eyesight, and the powerful, hooked beak it uses to rip into its prey with ease.
This dramatic rendition was done by (AIP) designer Jennie Norris. While Ms. Norris has never designed a coin before, the intensity of the design is attributed to her experience as a raptor handler and her love of the great outdoors. Ms. Norris stated: “The American Eagle is such a noble bird. I was hoping to capture the intensity of his stare through the close cropping. His gaze speaks of pride and wisdom passed down through generations of time.”1
A previously mentioned, these “last of the inaugural design” coins will only be available for the next few months. No one knows when the Mint will stop production, but once the new designs are released, no more of the old design can be made. This is truly the last opportunity you will have to acquire the 2021 original design coins. And let’s face it, when putting together a double-dated set, no previous year will suffice.
Key Points to remember about Silver Eagles
- The Silver Eagle is a legal tender silver bullion coin struck by the United States Mint.
- It has been made each year since 1986 in a limited edition, and it is now the world’s most popular silver bullion coin.
- The coin is minted in one ounce of .9993 pure silver, so it is the largest, heaviest, and purest silver coin in U.S. history.
- It has a nominal face value of One Dollar, although its silver value and collector value far exceed its face value.
- The obverse of the Silver Eagle Dollar features Adolph A. Weinman’s famous “Walking Liberty” design that first appeared on U.S. Silver Half Dollars from 1916-1947.
- This is one of the most beautiful coin designs of all time, showing Lady Liberty striding forwards in a flowing gown and wrapped by the American flag.
- The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle, together with the U.S. Government’s guarantee that the coin contains “1 Oz. Fine Silver” and the face value of “One Dollar.”
1. https://www.usmint.gov/news/press-releases/united-states-mint-unveils-new-american-eagle-gold-and-silver-coin-reverse-designs