2021 1 oz American Silver Eagle Type 2 (BU)

The 2021 American Silver Eagle occupies a unique position in the series’ history. Midway through the year, the U.S. Mint transitioned from the original reverse design that had run unchanged since 1986 to an entirely new eagle reverse — making 2021 the only year to carry two distinct reverse types. The Type 2, introduced in the second half of 2021, marks the most significant redesign in the coin’s 35-year history and opens a new chapter for one of the world’s best-selling silver bullion coins.

Key Features:

• Purity & Weight: 1 troy oz of .999 fine silver
• Face Value: $1 USD, legal tender of the United States
• Obverse Design: Walking Liberty striding left, arm outstretched, draped in the American flag, carrying oak and laurel branches; sunburst rays at lower left; inscribed “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2021”; West Point “W” mint mark visible
• Reverse Design: A bald eagle in dynamic landing pose — wings fully spread, talons extended toward an oak branch; inscribed “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DOLLAR · 1 OZ. FINE SILVER”
• Condition: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)
• Recommended Supplies: 40mm Air-Tite Capsule, Capsule Tube, US Mint Silver Eagle Tube

The obverse retains Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty design, originally created for the 1916 half dollar and considered one of the finest examples of American coin art. Liberty strides purposefully to the left, her robes flowing, her right arm extended with stars trailing behind. She carries branches of oak and laurel over her left shoulder, and a rising sun at the lower left reinforces the forward, optimistic movement of the composition. “LIBERTY” arcs across the top, “IN GOD WE TRUST” sits at the mid-right field, and the date 2021 is struck at the bottom. The West Point mint mark “W” appears just below the motto.

The Type 2 reverse, designed by Emily Damstra and engraved by Michael Gaudioso, replaces the static nesting eagle of the original reverse with a bald eagle caught in the moment of landing. Wings are fully extended and angled downward, feathers fanned and individually defined across both primary and secondary layers. The eagle’s head is turned to its right, talons reaching forward to grasp an oak branch below. The composition has genuine energy and depth — a stark contrast to the heraldic stillness of the Type 1 design it succeeded. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs above, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” denomination, and silver content inscribed around the lower field.

The coin measures 40.6 mm in diameter with a reeded edge and ships in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. As the first-year Type 2 issue, the 2021 carries added collector significance within the broader American Silver Eagle series.

Whether adding to an ongoing ASE date set or acquiring a historically notable year on its own terms, the 2021 Type 2 is a natural priority. Add it to your cart today.