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 “2007.”
The reverse of the coin, featuring a heraldic eagle, was designed by retired 12th US Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti specifically for the series.
On June 13, 2007, the US Mint released the 2007 W Uncirculated Silver Eagle also known as the burnished eagle to collectors. The collectible uncirculated version of the Silver Eagle had been introduced in the prior year, first as part of the 20th Anniversary Silver Eagle Set, and later as a separate option. These coins were struck on specially burnished blanks and carried the “W” mint mark.
Silver was priced at $13.10 and the individual coins were priced at $21.95 each, without a maximum mintage level established. Sales of the 2007 W Burnished Silver American Eagle reached 621,333 coins sold.
Sources: US Mint, Guide to American Silver Eagle Coins, Key Date Coins