Owner Comments:
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 “2012.”
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 2012-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle was released on August 2, 2012. This represented the fifth release of the collectible uncirculated version of the coin bearing the “W” mint mark, following its initial years of release from 2006-2008 and reprise offering in 2011. Pricing was established at $45.95 per coin with no household ordering limits and no stated maximum mintage. Silver was priced at $27.16. A sell out for this individual option would occur on March 11, 2013, although this coin would also be included within another product.
Sales of the 2012 Burnished reached 226,120 coins sold.
Sources: US Mint, Guide to American Silver Eagle Coins, Key Date Coins