Owner Comments:
American Silver Eagle 25th Anniversary Set.
The obverse design of the Silver Eagle is taken from the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. This coin was issued for circulation in the United States from 1916 to 1947.
The coin’s obverse, Adolph A. Weinman's 1916 second winning design chosen by The Commission of Fine Arts was actually inspired by a real person named Elsie K Stevens. Weinman sculpted a bust of her 3 years earlier in 1913. Mrs. Stevens was a tenant above Mr. Weinman's studio in New York City which is how they met. The Silver American Eagle presents Mrs. Stevens full figure striding left towards the sun carrying branches of laurel and oak in her arms to symbolize both civil and military glory. As Liberty she wears a Phrygian cap on her head and an armored plate on her chest over her gown, with the American flag behind her. Obverse inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2011.”
The reverse of the coin, featuring a heraldic eagle, was designed by retired 12th US Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti specifically for the series.
The 2011 P Reverse Proof Silver Eagle was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. This coin featured mirrored raised design elements and frosted fields, for the opposite effect of the traditional proof.
The Reverse Proof which is part of the 25th Anniversary 5 coin set went on sale October 27, 2011 priced at $300 per set. Silver was priced at $35.20. Total sales for 2011 P Reverse Proof reached 99,882 coins sold.
Sources: US Mint, Guide to American Silver Eagle Coins, Key Date Coins