Designing the most collected silver coin in the world
The American Silver Eagle
Shared with permission from Coinsforsale.com
The American Silver Eagle. The only silver bullion coin guaranteed by the United States Government, and the most collected silver coin in the world amongst collectors, and investors alike.
This is the bread and butter, this is THE coin. Many collectors have started out on the Silver Eagle series, and continue collecting the new issues as they’re released. (Want to know why they’re so popular? We’ve got an article here for you that might be able to answer that question!)
The Reverse Design of the American Silver eagle
The reverse (tails side) of the American Silver Eagle was designed by Johnathan Mercanti. After the Liberty Coin Act was enacted, designs for the new Silver Eagles had to be made. An open competition was held, and Johnathan Mercanti’s design won. Mercanti decided to go with a type of eagle design that is called the Heraldic Eagle design.
The Heraldic Eagle is a design that refers to the “heraldry” (the practice of devising, blazoning, and granting armorial insignia and of tracing and recording genealogies) in the age of Kings and Queens. Heraldic Symbols were essentially a ‘coat of arms’ like what you would see on shields and banners and such. Sometimes a lion, sometimes a unicorn, and
so many other creatures and things that I couldn’t possibly name them all, but I think you get the picture. (Check out that link for a list of heraldry symbols!)
So when you see the term Heraldic Eagle, remember that it’s simply referring to the style of a coat of arms. This style of portraying the eagle was first introduced to the coinage in 1793 by
Robert Scot, the very first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. It was also featured on
The Great Seal of the United States, the first instance of its use in American History.
Alright, back to the coin at hand. The American Silver Eagle.
This coin is a reference to the
Great Seal of the United States and portrays the bald eagle (our national bird), with his wings proudly outstretched, representing protection.
On his chest he supports a shield symbolizing that Americans rely on their own virtue and will uphold and fight for their own beliefs. The shield bears 13 stripes, representing the thirteen original colonies. The shield also represents Congress.
The eagle is gripping arrows in his left talons which represents armed might and power, and in his right he grasps an olive branch, which symbolizes peace.
With the eagle facing toward the olive branch, this means we strive for peace over war.
In his beak he commands a banner containing the original motto E PLURIBUS UNUM (Latin for “Out of many, one” referencing the original 13 colonies that became one united nation)
Above the eagle’s head are 13 stars. These 13 stars represent the original thirteen colonies of the United States. And lastly, we see UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1 OZ. FINE SILVER~ ONE DOLLAR along the rim of the coin.
The Obverse Design of the American Silver Eagle
The obverse of the American Silver Eagle was taken from Adolph A. Weinman’s 1916 Walking Liberty half dollar. A beautiful coin that is well-known, and highly praised among collectors.
The design features a full-length Lady Liberty who covers the coin with her hour-glass figure. “striding toward the dawn of a new day, clad in the Stars and Stripes and carrying branches of laurel and oak symbolizing civil and military glory.” -
from NGC Coin
The Lady Liberty moving forward with her arm outstretched towards the rising sun symbolizes moving forward towards progress and innovation (the dawning of a new day), she wears the American Flag,
as she is the representation of America itself.
In her left arm she bears oak and laurel branches. The laurel (or olive) branch symbolizes peace, and the oak branch represents strength and independence. On her head she wears a Phrygian Cap (also known as a Liberty cap), the cap symbolizes freedom and the pursuit of Liberty.
Above her head we see the word LIBERTY and to the right of the figure is the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST. It is theorized that the Lady Liberty in Weinman’s design was based on the likeness of Elsie Kachel Stevens, the wife of poet Wallace Stevens.
This design was added to the American Silver Eagle by Johnathan Mercanti, who restored and enhanced it for use on modern coins. It is indeed a beautiful coin from the past, however it
almost seems as though Mercanti just couldn’t come up with anything on his own, and decided to ride on the coattails of another artist. Seems a bit unoriginal if you ask us.
Instead of creating something new he chose somebody else’s coin design, and Weinman often goes forgotten when the Silver Eagle is talked about. Remember, Johnathan Mercanti designed the
reverse of the coin,
not the obverse!
This will be the last year of the reverse containing Jonathan Mercanti’s design.
If you haven’t already, coin collectors should be sure to grab one now! Since it is the last year of the design, it’s sure to be a key date in the American Silver Eagle Series.
Midway through this year 2021 the US Mint will be releasing the new Silver Eagle designs, check out our article on the new coins here!
Shared with permission from Coinsforsale.com
