The United States Mint on Oct. 1 unveiled the new reverse designs for the 2021 American Eagle gold and silver coins. The designs are scheduled to appear in midyear, with Mint officials thus far silent on how the design transition will be conducted before the new coins are released.

The new reverse of the American Eagle silver coin will depict an eagle in flight with an oak branch in its talons, a design favored by the Commission of Fine Arts for the American Eagle gold bullion coin.

The American Eagle gold coin will depict an eagle’s head in close-up; the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee recommended a similar design for the reverse of the silver coin, principal differences being with the inscriptions, including placement of the mottoes.

The Silver Eagle Coin Company is pleased to offer American Eagle Silver Dollar Coins directly to public at discount prices. American Eagle Silver Dollars are considered by many to be one of the most beautiful coins ever produced. The Classic American Silver Eagle Design. The American Silver Eagle obverse and reverse designs have not changed since 1986. The obverse features the timeless Adolph A. Weinman “Walking Liberty” design that debuted in 1916 on the circulating half dollar coin. The image of Lady Liberty walking over the American Landscape, freely sharing the.

The year 2021 marks the 35th Anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program, and the new designs will begin appearing on these coins in midyear 2021, according to the Mint.

“These beautiful designs build on the United States Mint’s heritage of artistic excellence and fortify the American Eagle Coin Program’s status as an icon in the numismatic and art worlds,” said Mint Director David J. Ryder.

The gold coin’s design was created by Mint Artistic Infusion Program designer Jennie Norris and sculpted by Mint medallic artist Renata Gordon.

According to the Mint, Norris, a former volunteer raptor handler, drew inspiration for her design from her deep connection with wildlife and noted that, “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.”

The silver coin’s design depicts a single eagle coming in for a landing, carrying an oak branch as if to add it to a nest, according to the Mint. AIP designer Emily Damstra created the design, which was sculpted by Mint medallic artist Michael Gaudioso before his retirement.

Reflecting on her design, 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.”

Two design types?

The announcement that the new designs would not be introduced until mid-2021, possibly setting up the creation of two distinct design types (Mint officials are so far mum) for the year, might be considered something of a surprise. A major design change of this kind might be expected to be introduced at the start of the year. However, if the Mint splits production between two different designs, each for a limited period of time, that could affect the numbers of the bullion coins of both designs the Mint’s authorized purchasers order.

The obverses of the redesigned American Eagle gold and silver coins “will continue to bear versions of the historic designs that have been featured on these coins for more than three decades. The gold coin obverse will display a refreshed depiction of the 1907 design by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, while the obverse of the silver coin will display a refreshed depiction of the 1916 ‘Walking Liberty’ design by famed sculptor Adolph A. Weinman,” the Mint said.

According to the Mint press release, “The San Francisco-minted 2020 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin (20EM) and the West Point-minted 2020 American Eagle One Ounce Gold Uncirculated Coin (20EH) will be the last issues of these coins featuring the current design.”

Previously, Mint officials had said that only the bullion coins would get design changes in 2021; numismatic designs would not be changed until 2022.

The press release did not address one prime impetus for the Mint’s design changes: security enhancements to the designs.

Painted American Eagle Silver Dollar

Previously, Mint officials said that anti-counterfeiting technology would be incorporated into the new reverse designs. Mint officials have not identified the technology to be used, but they indicate the design changes are being introduced to coincide with implementation of anti-counterfeiting steps at the production stage.

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The Silver American Eagle coin is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever minted, and continues to be one of the most popular investment bullion coins sold today.
Our low prices on American Silver Eagles, whether singles, US Mint Fresh Rolls, or Mint Sealed Monster Boxes, have made us a large dealer in these popular coins. American Eagle Silver Coins contain one ounce of .999 fine silver and are available in bullion, proof or certified collectible investment grades.

About American Silver Eagles

The Silver Eagle began production in 1986 and was the first silver coin produced by the United States Mint since 1964.

1986 American Eagle Silver Dollar

The obverse of the Silver American Eagle designed by Adolph A. Weinman features the majestic Lady Liberty walking across the land with a sunrise illuminating her path. She is draped in a gown of stars and stripes and carries a bundle of laurel and oak branches. Also on the obverse are the date of minting and the words 'Liberty' and 'In God We Trust'.
The reverse side of the American Silver Eagle designed by engraver John M. Mercanti features a depiction of a bald eagle, wings outstretched, bearing a shield and E Pluribus Unum banner. The silver eagle holds an olive branch in one talon and a cluster of arrows in the other. Also on the reverse are the words '1 Oz. Fine Silver' 'One Dollar' and 'United States of America'.
American Silver Eagles are eligible to be used as assets in Precious Metals Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
American Silver Eagles are composed of .9993 silver and .0007 copper and are relatively large coins measuring 40.6 mm in diameter. Bullion (business strike) Silver Eagles can be purchased in single quantities or tubes of 20 as well as mint sealed monster boxes of 500 coins.