New year. New coins designs. U.S. Mint unveils new look for 2021 American Eagle silver coin and the 2021 American Gold Eagle coin.
In early October of 2020, the U.S. Mint announced some big changes are coming for its best-seller: the American Eagle silver coin is getting a makeover in 2021. Never before in the 34 years since the American Eagle’s inception with the passage of the Liberty Coin Act has the design for the coin changed.
The change marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to witness the history of American coinage in the making. And to add a piece of it to your personal collection.
Get the details about the new American Eagle design and release date below.
How Is the Silver Eagle Changing?
The design of the Silver Eagle is changing. Details about the redesign of the coin are still emerging. Here’s what we know so far:
New Reverse Design
The most significant changes to the American Eagle silver coin will be to its reverse or tails side.
It’s getting a complete makeover.
A sketch the U.S. Mint released reveals a much more dynamic image will replace American sculptor John Mercanti’s heraldic eagle: an eagle in the wild coming in for a landing.
In Mercanti’s version, the eagle clasps the symbols of war and peace—arrows and an olive branch—in its talons; a shield with stripes suggestive of the American flag covers its chest.
The new reverse portrays the eagle carrying an oak branch, possibly to place in its nest, which is not shown. Absent are the 13 stars representing the original colonies.
‘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,’ explained the designer of the new reverse Emily Damstra, who is a member of the Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program (AIP).[1]
The inscriptions surrounding the eagle remain the same: “ONE DOLLAR,” “1 OZ FINE SILVER,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” However, in the old reverse, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” was scrolled across a banner the eagle held in its mouth; in the new design, the national motto is engraved just interior to the coin’s weight and metal content.
2021 American Eagle Silver Coin Reverse Design
The reverse design of the new 2021 1 oz American Silver Eagle Coin colorized by SBC Gold.
New Obverse Design
Rather than an entirely new look, the U.S. Mint is giving the obverse design of the silver American Eagle a “refresh.”
That means Adolph A. Weinman’s glorious walking personification of Liberty is here to stay. You can read a full description of the image here.
We’ll update this article as the Mint releases more details, so check back soon.
New Security Features
The 2021 Silver Eagles will offer collectors greater security in the form of new anti-counterfeiting technology. Details to come…
Related Reading: 2021 American Eagle Gold Coin Design Marks New Era in American Coinage
2021 American Eagle Silver Coin Specifications
No mention was made of changes to the 2021 Silver Eagle’s coin specifications. However, we’ll know for sure once the Mint releases its official statement.
1 Troy Oz American Silver Eagle Coin
| Diameter: | 40.6 mm |
| Thickness: | 2.98 mm |
| Net fine weight: | 1.00 ozt |
| Weight: | 31.103 g |
| Face value: | $1 |
Why Is the Silver Eagle Changing?
‘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.1
What Is the 2021 Silver Eagle Release Date?
The newly designed 2021 Silver Eagle bullion and collector edition coins will be released in the summer of 2021.[2]
Is 2020 the Last Year of the Silver Eagle?
Yes, 2020 is the last year for which the Silver Eagle will feature the original 1986 designs.
Add the Historic 2020 Silver Eagle to Your Collection—Before It’s Gone Forever
The 2020 Silver Eagle is the last of its kind. And a marker of this major turning point in the history of the country’s coinage.
Speak with a Scottsdale Bullion & Coin advisor today about adding one to your collection. Call 888-812-9892.