2021 American Silver Eagle Bullion Coin, Type 1
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Founded 1792.
Pattern: American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin Program; Walking Liberty Obverse by Adolph A. Weinman.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Founded 1792.
Material
.999 Fine Silver (99.9% pure silver, 0.1% copper alloy).
Dimensions
Diameter: 40.6 mm (1.598 in); Thickness: 2.98 mm (0.117 in); Weight: 31.103 grams (1.000 troy ounce).
Description
The American Silver Eagle is the official silver bullion coin of the United States. This 2021 specimen features the iconic Walking Liberty design, widely considered one of the most beautiful American coin designs ever executed. Lady Liberty is depicted in stride toward the dawn of a new day, carrying branches of laurel and oak to symbolize civil and military glory. The 2021 year is significant as it marked the 35th anniversary of the program and the transition from the 'Heraldic Eagle' reverse to the new 'Eagle Landing' design mid-year.
Key Features
Walking Liberty motif; .999 purity guarantee by the US Government; 1 troy oz weight; reeded edge; 'Type 1' design for the early part of 2021.
Material & Composition
.999 Fine Silver (99.9% pure silver, 0.1% copper alloy).
Finish & Decoration
Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) finish. Features a frosted cameo-like 'Walking Liberty' figure against a mirrored field. Design elements include Lady Liberty draped in the American flag, the sun rising over a mountain, and inscriptions 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks in the traditional silversmithing sense; stamped with the year '2021'. The reverse (not visible) typically includes '1 OZ. FINE SILVER' and 'ONE DOLLAR'. No mint mark visible on bullion versions (typically struck at West Point, San Francisco, or Philadelphia).
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure coinage presses on planchets (blanks) prepared to exacting weight standards.
Functional Features
Legal tender of the United States with a face value of $1.00; reeded edge (with a specific notch sequence for the 2021 Type 2, though this appears to be the Type 1 design).
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; circular coin form designed for handheld inspection and storage in protective capsules or tubes.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial-scale high-precision die striking. The level of detail in the fabric folds of Liberty's gown and the individual rays of the sun demonstrate the high technical standards of the U.S. Mint's modern engraving and production.
Authentication Indicators
Visual crispness of the 'LIBERTY' lettering and the depth of the sun rays; correct frosty texture on Liberty's gown; proper date font; edge reeding consistency. Precise weight (31.1g) and diameter (40.6mm) are the primary indicators for physical testing.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; manufactured at one of the U.S. Mint facilities (likely West Point based on 2021 production volume).
Era & Period
Contemporary Modern (21st Century); original design dates back to the 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar (Art Nouveau/Classical influence).
Age Estimate
Produced in 2021.
Cultural Significance
Represents the standard for silver bullion investment globally; serves as a hedge against inflation and a symbol of American economic sovereignty.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Brilliant Uncirculated condition; minimal visible surface marks or 'bag marks'; light reflection suggests original mint luster is intact. No visible tarnish or toning.
Value Estimate
Spot price of silver plus a 'premium' (typically $5 - $15 above spot for single coins). Total value generally ranges from $30.00 to $45.00 depending on the current market.
Care & Maintenance
Handle by edges only to avoid skin oils causing 'milk spots' or toning; store in an airtight PVC-free plastic capsule or a 'tube' in a cool, dry place. Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
Canadian Silver Maple Leaf (higher purity .9999), Austrian Silver Philharmonics, Australian Silver Kangaroos, and the Silver Britannia. US Morgan Silver Dollars (lower purity .900).
Interesting Facts
2021 was a 'transitional year'—the Mint produced both the original 1986 design (Type 1) and a refreshed design (Type 2), making 2021 a high-demand year for collectors seeking both varieties.