2021 Reverse Proof Silver Eagle Coin Set

What is a Reverse Proof Coin?

Reverse Proof coins are famous for their iconic and polished appearance. They are struck in the same manner as a normal proof coin, but the fields are frosty, and the raised devices are mirror-like. Manufactured especially for collectors, the term reverse proof does not mean that only the reverse side of the coin is proof finished. The entire coin is made to where the fields are frosted and the devices have a mirror finish. These reverse-proof coins are produced in far low quantities and are considered more beautiful and valuable than their proof counterparts. They are typically only made as special issues to denote an anniversary as opposed to regular proof coins which are produced every year.

The Making of Proof Coins

Proof coins are specially made specimen coins that showcase the coin's artistic beauty. They are sold directly to the collectors. When producing the proof coins, the coin makers take extra time to make sure everything is perfect. The techniques of creating proof coins are a bit more complicated. The coin makers hand polish and clean proof coins while they are blank. Later the coin enters the press, where the machine strikes them with the required image of each side. This striking process includes special polished dies, where each coin gets struck a minimum of two times. The dies used for striking these coins are of the highest quality. Additionally, the dies receive a treatment to impart a frosted surface on the entire striking face of the die. Earlier, this was done by treating the die with acid. In modern times a computer-controlled laser imparts the frosted surface on the die. Due to the recessed die, the finishing process polishes the field surface only. A Reverse Proof finish is an inverted proof finish. This showcases a mirrored design that sits atop a frosted surface.

How Does the Reverse Proof Coin Differ From Regular Proof Coin?

The manufacturing process of reverse proof coins is very similar to regular proof coins. The preparation of the coin die makes the reverse proof coin different from a regular proof coin. Just like the regular proof coins, the coin die is of high quality. But instead of applying frosting over the entire surface of the die, the die is polished to a high gloss finish. These days, the latest technologies like computer-controlled laser frosting machines scan the surface of the die and recognize the difference between the field and the device. The machine then uses its laser to apply a frosted finish only to the recessed device areas of the die. Later, when the die is used to strike, the fields of the coin are frosted, and the device has a mirrored finish. Before creating the computer-controlled machinery at the United States Mint, reverse proof coins were a labor-intensive manual process. This is one of the main reasons why very few reverse-proof coins were produced earlier.

All About The U.S Mint Reverse Proof Coin Set

The "2021 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Reverse Proof Two-Coin Set Designer Edition'' is expected to be one of the most popular U.S. Mint products released this year. This coin set is already very popular due to the rarity of circumstances that led the U.S. Mint to release two different reverse designs for the American Silver Eagle. This coin set is the only one that contains a West-Point Mint struck 2021-American Silver Eagle with the original or classic design (Type 1), and a San Francisco Mint struck 2021-S American Silver Eagle with a new design (Type 2). Both the coins are 99.9% silver. This beautifully crafted set is one of the several products the Mint is issuing to mark the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle Coin program.

The Designs

Type 1 - The Classic 2021-W Reverse Proof American Silver Eagle contains the original design. The coin's obverse features Adolph A. Weinman's full-length figure of Liberty in full stride. She is enveloped in folds of the flag with her right hand extended, and her left hand has the branches of laurel and oak. This design was first used on the 1916 - 1947 Walking Liberty half dollar obverse.

The coin's reverse depicts former Chief Engraver John Mercanti's rendition of a heraldic eagle with a shield, olive branch in the right talon, and arrows in the left similar to the Presidential Seal. The inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "1 OZ. FINE SILVER," and "ONE DOLLAR" along the outer edge

The Type 2 design's obverse coin is newly designed and features a refreshed edition of Adolph A. Weinman's full-length figure of Liberty in full stride. The refreshed design renders a closer reflection of Weinman's original vision and adds his traditional artist mark. The reverse of the coin depicts a whole new fresh design. It showcases an eagle approaching a landing, carrying an oak branch to add to a nest. The inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "1 OZ. FINE SILVER," and "ONE DOLLAR" along the outer edge.

The redesigned American Silver Eagle also showcases enhanced security features, including a reeded edge variation having interrupted reeding at the 6 o'clock position.

Two-Coin Set American Silver Eagle Specifications

The pair is in a stunning reverse-proof finish, showcasing polished, mirror-like design elements that attractively contrast against frosted backgrounds. The diameter is 40.60mm, and the edges are reeded. The denomination of the coin is $1 weighing 31.103 grams of .999 pure silver. The mint marks are West Point – W for the type 1 and San Francisco – S for the type 2.