Learn About the 35 Years of American Eagle Designs
The American Eagle program has remained popular with both investors and collectors since the series began in 1986. 2021 marks the 35th anniversary of this prolific program. What started with stunning Gold and Silver coins, has now expanded to Platinum and Palladium pieces to add both beauty and diversity to every portfolio or collection. The series is known for the iconic American artwork, in addition to the U.S.-backed Precious Metals content. Though the series will see a revamp in 2021 with a revitalized design, the patriotic themes on these popular coins still remain.
1986 1 oz American Silver Eagle BU Obverse
Adolph A. Weinman’s famed design depicts Lady Liberty draped in an American flag, walking gracefully as the sun rises over a ridge.
1986 1 oz American Silver Eagle BU Reverse
A heraldic eagle is shown below 13 small stars, representing the original 13 colonies. This will be the final issue to feature the classic Mercanti reverse used since 1986, with the series’ first design change expected to be introduced mid-year 2021.
1986 1 oz American Gold Eagle BU Obverse
Adapted from Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ famed Gold Double Eagle design, which features Lady Liberty with flowing hair, a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left.
1986 1 oz American Gold Eagle BU Reverse
Designed by Miley Busiek showing a male bald eagle in flight carrying an olive branch to his nest, where a female awaits with her young.
1997 1 oz American Platinum Eagle BU Obverse
The strong face of the statue is below the word “Liberty,” with the year and “In God We Trust” to the side. “E Pluribus Unum” is engraved along Liberty’s raised arm.
1997 1 oz American Platinum Eagle BU Reverse
An American eagle with outstretched wings soaring in front of a sunrise with “United States of America” above. The weight, purity and $100 face value are also shown.
2017 1 oz American Palladium Eagle BU Obverse
A young depiction of Liberty with winged Phrygian cap, reminiscent of the Roman god Mercury. Adapted from Adolph Weinman’s classic design first used on the Mercury Dime in 1916.
2017 1 oz American Palladium Eagle BU Reverse
A majestic eagle perched atop a rock along with the weight, purity and $25 face value. This design, also created by Adolph Weinman, has been used since 1907 on the American Institute of Architects’ annual Gold Medal.
If you are interested in building your American Eagles collection, shop our wide assortment of U.S. Mint Coins and find the perfect addition today.
