About the 2021 Silver American Proof 70 Coin:
The Silver American Eagle coin, first issued in 1986, was the United States Mint’s inaugural official silver bullion coin. Authorized by the Liberty Coin Act, the Silver American Eagle contains one troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver, with a face value of $1 as minted by the U.S. Mint. Although its official value is nominal, the coin is prized for its intrinsic silver content. In addition to the bullion version, the U.S. Mint also produces a proof version specifically intended for coin collectors. Over the years, the Silver Eagle has been minted at three locations: Philadelphia, San Francisco, and West Point.
2021 will see the release of the Silver American Eagle Proof 70 coin, graded by NGC as being in perfect Proof 70 condition. Coins receiving this grade exhibit no post-production imperfections under 5x magnification. Furthermore, each 2021 Silver American Eagle Proof 70 coin will boast an exclusive certification label hand-signed by former U.S. Mint Director, Ed C. Moy.
Unique Design Ending
While collectors eagerly anticipate the annual release of the Silver American Eagle, the coin has remained consistent in design throughout its 35-year history. The 2021 version, however, is particularly noteworthy as it signifies the conclusion of what could be referred to as the Mercanti Heraldic Eagle subtype. Since its inception, the reverse of the Silver American Eagle has featured John Mercanti’s rendition of a heraldic eagle gripping a shield on its chest, with an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left. This year marks the final appearance of this design on the coin’s reverse side.
Coin Highlights:
- Each coin contains 1 Troy ounce of .999 fine silver
- Graded as Perfect Proof 70 by NGC
- Accompanied by a hand-signed label by Ed Moy
- Features a mirror-like finish
- Backed by the U.S. Government
- 2021 marks the last year of the current design
Insight: The end of the Mercanti Heraldic Eagle design on the 2021 Silver American Eagle represents a significant shift in the coin’s aesthetic direction. Collectors may now seek out this specific year for its historical significance in the series and potential future value as a transitional piece.