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 “2013.”
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 2013-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle was available for sale starting on May 28, 2013. The price of silver was $22.36 and the Burnished Eagle was priced at $48.95. There was no stated maximum mintage indicated. Pricing for the offering was reduced to $43.95 after a drop in the market price of silver. This coin was also included within the 2013 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set, along with the four 2013 Presidential Dollars and the 2013 Native American Dollar. The individual option sold out prior to the end of the year, with the set selling out the following year.
Sales for the 2013 Burnished Eagle reached 221,981 coins sold.
Sources: US Mint, Guide to American Silver Eagle Coins, Key Date Coins