2021 marks the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle coin series. Consequently, the US Mint’s new Type 2 Gold Eagle coins and Type 2 Silver Eagle coins have been eagerly anticipated throughout the year. So, to both abide by the law regarding major updates to a coin and celebrate the anniversary, the US Mint released the new Type 2 American Eagle coins. For now, the updated coins include silver and gold. However, the platinum and palladium editions will remain the same. This all-American line of Type 2 American Eagle coins are still IRA eligible and continue to be wonderful investments and gifts. But aside from the obvious design change, what else is new? What makes the new Type 2 American Eagle coins so secure?

The Original Designs, Newly Retired But Forever Cherished

Since 1986, the Silver American Eagle coins showcased the American Bald Eagle on the reverse. Although this particular design was inspired by an early 1792 image, it was updated for the 1986 release by US Mint artist John Mercanti. Specifically, this design includes the heraldic eagle with outstretched wings while carrying a ribbon in its beak, an olive branch in its right talon, and arrows in its left talon. Additionally, a US flag shield sits on its chest and thirteen stars appear over its head to symbolize the original colonies. This design represents the Great Seal of the US, proclaiming strength through peace.

Type 1 (1986-2021): 2021 1 oz Silver American Eagle $1 Coin BU

Meanwhile, the Gold American Eagles displayed the famed “Family of Eagles” design by Miley Busiek. In this image, one bald eagle returns to its nest where the other parent awaits its return with their hatchling. The returning parent carries an olive branch in its talons, creating an image of peace intermingled with the American emphasis on family.

Type 1 (1986-2021):  1 oz Gold American Eagle $50 Coin BU (Random Year)

However, the US Mint recently released the Type 2 American Eagle coins in both gold and silver. As a result, these designs are discontinued and are considered Type 1 coins. Although you may still be able to find these coins for years, the US Mint will not use them anymore. That being said, there is currently no redesign in place for the platinum and palladium coins. So those American Eagle coins are set to remain the same for the time being. But because the US can legally change the coin design once every 25 years, these coins might also be due for an update within the next few years.

What’s New: The Updated Reverse AND Modified Obverse

As of July 2021, the new Type 2 American Eagle coins are available. However, Proof and Burnished finishes are in the process of being released. Both new designs feature an eagle, but the gold and silver coins portray a different action and form of the iconic American symbol.

Type 2 Silver Eagle Coin

The obverse of the Type 2 Silver Eagles will remain mostly the same, displaying the Adolph A Weinman “Walking Liberty” image. His illustration was inspired by the silver half-dollar from 1916-1947.

$50 Face Value Bag – 100 Coins – 90% Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars 50c (Circ)

This obverse continues to appear on the new Type 2 Silver Eagle coins, but with some modifications. When the first Silver Eagle coins came out in 1986, the design was a refurbished edition of the obverse. So, the new obverse actually is more closely aligned with the original. These modifications include:

• Bonnet & eye restored to the original Weinman design,

• Flag’s drapery restored,

• Sun rays restored,

• 2021 text font styled like the 1916 font, and

• Weinman’s initials added.

Additionally, the reverse design is brand new, featuring a flying bald eagle carrying an oak branch. The updates on this side, in addition to the new imagery, include the anti-counterfeit reeded edge variation, new technology to strike the design, and two sets of artists’ initials. This includes Emily Damstra, the US Mint AIP artist who made the final image, and Michael Gaudioso, the sculptor.

Coin Specifications:

• New reverse design – Type 2 Silver American Eagle

• Made from .999 fine silver with a weight of 1 troy ounce

• New security features, including an

  anti-counterfeit reeded edge

• Brilliant Uncirculated Condition

• Eligible for Precious Metals IRA

• Legal tender issued and guaranteed by the U.S. Government

• Individual coins come in protective coin flips. Multiples of 20 come in mint-issued tubes and multiples of 500 come in monster boxes

• Obverse:

  Features a full-length image of Lady Liberty walking with outstretched hands towards the rising sun with her gown and the draped flag billowing around her. She holds oak and laurel branches in one hand to symbolize peace and strength. Inscriptions: “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and also the year of mintage.

• Reverse:

  Displays a bald eagle mid-flight, carrying an oak branch in its talons. Inscriptions: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, “ONE DOLLAR”, “1 OZ”, “FINE SILVER”, and also “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.

Type 2 Gold Eagle Coin

Similarly, the obverse of the Type 2 Gold Eagles is mostly unchanged. This design was a revival of the Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ illustration used for the Gold Double Eagle from 1907-1933.

$20 Gold Double Eagle Saint Gaudens – Ex Jewelry (Random Year)

The new Type 2 Gold Eagle coins will continue to bear this celebrated obverse, but like the new Silver Eagles, original elements were restored. These elements include more subtle eyes to enhance her gaze, restored shape of the solar rays, the addition of Saint-Gaudens’ initials, and the restoration of the olive branch’s design.

Additionally, the Type 2 Gold Eagles contain a new design: a close-up of a bald eagle’s profile that captures its intense gaze. Similarly, the reverse was minted with new technology to make counterfeiting more difficult. Other new elements include the anti-counterfeit reeded edge variation and the two sets of artists’ initials. This includes Jennie Norris’ initials as the US Mint AIP artist who created the design, and Renata Gordon as the sculptor of the coin.

Please note: the anti-counterfeit reeded edge will not appear on the fractional Gold eagle coins at this time.

Coin Specifications:

• New reverse design, Type 2 Gold American Eagle

• Made from .9167 pure gold, with an actual gold weight of 1 troy oz

• New security features, including an

  anti-counterfeit reeded edge

• Produced by the US Mint

• Brilliant Uncirculated condition

• Individual coins come in plastic flips. Lots of 20 come in mint-issued tubes.

• Face value of $50 USD backed by the US Government

• Eligible for IRA.

• US legal tender.

• Obverse:

  Bears Lady Liberty as she walks forth with a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. The Capitol building lies behind her in the background. Inscriptions: “LIBERTY” and also “2021”.

• Reverse:

  Features the left profile of a bald eagle. Inscriptions: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, “50 DOLLARS”, “1 OZ”, and also “FINE GOLD”.

Certified Labels

The new Type 2 American Eagle coins might be the most secure editions thus far of the program. However, for the 35th Anniversary of the program, the Type 2 American Eagle coins have multiple labels available from both PCGS and NGC. Even though the new coins are highly secure, grabbing a certified Type 2 American Eagle coin offers protection from damage as well as a higher value as a certified piece. Take a look at the lists below for the variations that Bullion Exchanges carries.

2021 Type 2 Silver Eagle Coins

You can see all our additional 2021 Type 2 Silver Eagle coins in stock here.

PCGS:

NGC:

2021 Type 2 Gold Eagle Coins

You can also view all our Type 2 Gold Eagle coins, including fractional and certified, on this page.

PCGS:

NGC:

Bullion Exchanges Offering the Type 2 American Eagle Coins

Bullion Exchanges is a top-rated, trusted, and accredited retailer in Manhattan. We are excited to present the new Type 2 American Eagle coin collection in gold and silver. We also carry the platinum and palladium coins every year. Additionally, more US Mint collectible coins we are eager to offer include the coins in the American the Beautiful Program and Gold American Buffalo coins. 

To help you make the most well-informed purchase, we also offer live spot price charts for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Please feel free to access these charts anytime. Finally, don’t forget, you can always Sell to Us!