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 “2020.”
The reverse of the coin, featuring a heraldic eagle, was designed by retired 12th US Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti specifically for the series.
In 2021 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Silver American Eagle the US Mint will issue for the last time three coins with John Mercanti's “Heraldic Eagle” reverse design. The first will be the last bullion variety issued in the beginning of the year. The second will be the last W Proof version, and the third will be a W Reverse Proof as part of a special two coin designer set before that design ( designated T-1 ) is retired and replaced. The new design ( designated T-2 ) will be from AIP designer Emily Damstra and sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist Michael Gaudioso. It will feel strange in mid 2021 not seeing John Mercanti's masterful work on the reverse of the American Silver Eagle after the change over. I imagine it will also be very exciting to hold the new design in your hand.
The US Mint released the 2020 Burnished Eagle on July 8th, 2020. The release day price was $54.00, silver was priced at $18.70. Total sales from the US Mint July 17, 2022 sales report reached 154,261 coins sold.
Sources: US Mint, Guide to American Silver Eagle Coins, Key Date Coins