These "special issue" American Eagle Silver Uncirculated Coins are struck on specially burnished blanks and are quite possibly the most popular and sought after U.S. Mint issue of each year. This coin offers buyers a new highly collectible version of the popular American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin and features a finish similar to its bullion coin counterpart. However, unlike the regular bullion issue, this coin also bears the prized "W" mintmark reflecting its striking at the United States Mint at West Point. These are the "Type 2" 2021 silver eagles, which feature an all-new eagle reverse design - the first major design change to our beloved silver eagle in 35 years!

The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman's classic Walking Liberty design - dating back to 1916 - with an ever hopeful Liberty striding confidently toward the sunrise, draped in the strength of the Stars and Stripes carrying in her arms branches of laurel and oak to symbolize both civil and military glory. The designer's initials "AW" were added just below the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST". The all-new reverse design, by artist Emily S. Damstra, features a larger stylized eagle coming in for a landing, carrying an oak branch, with the following inscriptions: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", "E PLURIBUS UNUM", "1 OZ. FINE SILVER", and "ONE DOLLAR".

The release of the 2021 burnished silver eagle marks the fourteenth coin of this series since 2006 (the inaugural year), since the 2009 and 2010 issues were completely skipped by the US Mint (none were minted) due to high demand during those years for the regular issue bullion silver eagle. Also, this is the first year of the new eagle reverse design which caused a complete mint sell-out on the first day of issue!