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 “2014.”
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 2014-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle was offered by the US Mint on April 10, 2014. The price of silver was $20.02 and these coins were priced at $43.95 or through the subscription program at the discounted price of $39.55. This offering unexpectedly sold out in December, although the coins continued to remain available within the 2014 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set, which went on sale starting September 8, 2014.
The individual uncirculated coin had recorded sales of 224,532 pieces, with an additional contribution of 28,637 coins sold through the Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set, for a total distribution of 253,169 coins sold.
Sources: US Mint, Guide to American Silver Eagle Coins, Key Date Coins