Description
Why purchase this 2021 American Silver Eagle bullion coin set featuring the Last and First of the Type-1 and Type-2 designs?
In 2021 the U.S. Mint ushered in a new era for its American Silver Eagle series, introducing a new reverse design to the iconic silver dollar coin for the first time since the series’ launch in 1986. The transition occurred mid-year, resulting in two different 2021 dated releases. In the early months of the year, the final coins were released bearing the Type-1 heraldic eagle reverse, while issuance of coins featuring the Type-2 eagle landing reverse began in July. This beautiful pair of 2021 Silver Eagle coins represents the historic Last Day of Production of the Type-1 style, and the First T2 Production milestone of the new Type-2 style silver dollar. The United States Mint held back 200,000 of the very last Type-1 Silver Eagles and the very first Type-2 Silver Eagles.
- This set includes two American Silver Eagle bullion coins, one featuring the classic Type-1 design, representing the Last Day of Production, and one Type-2 style coin, that received the First T2 Production designation, each dated 2021.
- Each 40.60 mm diameter coin is struck from 1 Troy oz. of .999 fine silver.
- The coin minted with the Type-2 design is crafted with an interrupted reeded edge variation as protection against forgeries.
- The two perfectly graded coins are accompanied by designer signed labels.
- Only 150,000 of the final 200,000 Type-1 Silver Eagles to ever be produced qualified for the Last Day of Production pedigree.
Powerfully Patriotic Designs of the Silver Eagle Series
Obverse: The obverse features a vision of Lady Liberty borrowed from the 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar. The lovely lady is portrayed walking towards a new day’s sun, with a bouquet of oak and laurel branches cradled in her left arm. Inscribed “LIBERTY,” “2021” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” A difference to note between the two Silver Eagle styles is the presence of the “AW” monogram beneath the motto on the Type-2 coin. This is the first time in the history of the series that the initials appear on the coin to credit renowned medallic sculptor Adolph A. Weinman for the design.
Type-1 Reverse: An eagle adorns the Type-1 reverse beneath thirteen stars, with an olive branch and a bundle of arrows in its grasp. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “1 OZ. FINE SILVER,” “ONE DOLLAR,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” surround the heraldic image designed by John Mercanti, the U.S. Mint’s Chief Engraver from 2006-2010. Type-2 Reverse: Centered on the reverse of the Type-2 style coin is a gorgeously detailed eagle with its wings raised in preparation for landing, while clutching an oak branch in its talons. The national bird is surrounded by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “1 OZ. FINE SILVER” and “ONE DOLLAR.” The picturesque eagle landing image is an example of the work of illustrator Emily Damstra, who has been a member of the U.S. Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program since 2014.
Mint State 70 Excellence
Each 2021 American Silver Eagle bullion coin in this set was judged by an independent third party grading service to be in perfectly struck condition, featuring flawlessly finished surfaces and exceptional eye appeal. The coins were submitted to the grading services where they qualified for the First Day of Production pedigree and First T2 Production pedigree respectively. The Type-1 Silver Eagle, which was assessed by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), is presented in a black core holder accompanied by a Last Day of Production certification label bearing the signature of heraldic eagle designer John Mercanti. The Type-2 silver dollar of the set, which was submitted to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), is encapsulated in a similar black core holder, with a First T2 Production certification label signed by eagle landing designer Emily Damstra.
