This year marks the 35th Anniversary of the American Eagle program. While the United States Mint has on their production schedule a few sets that would certainly celebrate this milestone, the most anticipated facet of this anniversary may really have nothing to do with the anniversary at all. If you have not heard by now, the reverses of both the American Silver Eagle and Gold American Eagle have changed and are being designated as Type 1 and Type 2. While anti-counterfeiting technology has been a major contributor to the decision, it proves that the program itself still remains a staple in all of numismatics around the world. The anticipation for the changes have been unprecedented and premiums have never been higher.
However, the last anniversary of the American Silver Eagle program takes us all the way back to 2016 when the Mint decided to change the narrative of what could be and make it what happened. It was something that had never been done before and that is precisely what has bolstered its appearance on Whitman Publishing’s 100 Greatest United States Modern Coins list. With authors Scott Schechter and Jeff Garrett to guide us, we take a closer look at the 30th anniversary coins that, at the time, were the biggest thing to happen to the program.
#97 - 2016-W American Silver Eagles, Lettered Edge 30th Anniversary Issues
Past year American Silver Eagle anniversary coins are some of the most important issues out there in the program. However, all those previous issues managed to be encased in some sort of set. That all changed in 2016 when the Mint commemorated the program’s 30th anniversary. Rather than release another set, the Mint decided to brand both the Proof and Uncirculated (Burnished) as anniversary issues. What did this mean? The standard reeded edge on all coins was being replaced with a lettered edge incused with the inscription “30TH ANNIVERSARY.” The bullion issued would remain the same as years prior.
Coins were struck to meet demand so mintage limits were not set and neither were household limits. Sold as single items, both coins with the special anniversary lettered-edge were struck at West Point. According to the Official Red Book (2021), the Proof ended with a mintage of 595,843 while the Burnished ended with a mintage of 216,501. Both figures were lower than previous years and were both sold at slightly higher premiums for single coin sales.
The entry was brand new to the list in the 3rd edition.