The redesigned American Silver Eagle, released mid-year in 2021, features a new reverse design. Replacing the heraldic eagle design in use since 1986 is a depiction of an eagle landing, carrying an oak branch, designed by Emily Damstra and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso. This change resulted in two distinct versions of the coin being issued in the same year, with collectors differentiating them by their reverse design. The initial version, featuring the original heraldic eagle, is commonly referred to as the “Type 1,” while the version with the new eagle landing design is known as the “Type 2.”
The release of this modified version of the coin generated significant interest within the numismatic community. Its introduction provided a fresh design after decades of the original, spurring increased collecting activity. Moreover, the existence of two distinct designs within the same year added complexity and potential value for collectors seeking complete sets and variations. The release marked a notable moment in the history of the American Silver Eagle program, potentially impacting future valuation and collectibility.
