The United States Mint announced new designs for bullion and collector editions of American Eagle gold and silver coins. The U.S. Mint’s 34-year-old series of coins has featured the same obverse (heads) and reverse (tails) designs since their introduction in 1986.
Beginning in 2021, their obverses will carry "refreshed" versions of the original designs, the Mint noted, while their reverses will feature brand new eagle depictions.
"These beautiful designs build on the United States Mint’s heritage of artistic excellence and fortify the American Eagle Coin Program’s status as an icon in the numismatic and art worlds," Mint Director David J. Ryder said Oct. 1.
2021 marks the 35th anniversary for American Eagle gold and silver coins. The new designs will begin appearing on these coins by mid-next year, the Mint stated.
Redesigned American Gold Eagle Reverse
Designed by Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) designer Jennie Norris and sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon, the redesigned American Gold Eagle reverse depicts a portrait of an eagle.
Surrounding inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "50 DOLLARS" and "1 OZ. FINE GOLD."
"The American Eagle is such a noble bird. I was hoping to capture the intensity of his stare through the close cropping. His gaze speaks of pride and wisdom passed down through generations of time," noted Ms. Norris, a former volunteer raptor handler.
Redesigned American Silver Eagle Reverse
Designed by AIP designer Emily Damstra and sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist Michael Gaudioso, the redesigned American Silver Eagle reverse shows an eagle coming in for a landing, carrying an oak branch as if to add it to a nest.
Surrounding inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "1 OZ. FINE SILVER" and "ONE DOLLAR."
"My inspiration for this design grew from a desire to show our national bird — with all of the values it embodies — in a unique way that could also convey traits such as diligence, cooperation, care, and protection," Ms. Damstra commented.
Updated Security Features
The newly announced designs will be coupled with yet to be revealed anti-counterfeiting technology, appearing first on bullion editions and follow sometime later on proof and uncirculated versions for collectors.
