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 “2015.”
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 March 26, 2015, the US Mint began sales of the 2015-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle. The release day price was $39.95 and silver was priced at $17.09. This uncirculated version of the coin was also available within the 2015 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set.
The sales of the collectible versions of the Silver Eagles would be impacted by Public Law 114-94, enacted on December 4, 2015. Section 73002 of the Act specified that proof and uncirculated Silver Eagles issued during calendar year 2016 were to have a smooth edge incused with a designation for the 30th anniversary of the series. As a result of the legislation, the US Mint was forced to conclude sales of all 2015-dated collectible Silver Eagles before the end of the year.
Total sales for the 2015 W Burnished Eagle reached 223,879 coins sold.
Sources: US Mint, Guide to American Silver Eagle Coins, Key Date Coins