2020 American Silver Eagle

The 2020 American Silver Eagle is the 35th coin in the series and continues to showcase the iconic designs that have made the Silver Eagle the most popular and widely collected silver bullion coin in the world. Like all Silver Eagles, the 2020 release contains one ounce of .999 fine silver and features Adolph A. Weinman’s beloved Walking Liberty design on the obverse and John M. Mercanti’s heraldic eagle design on the reverse.

The 2020 release is especially significant, as it marks the final year of the coin’s original design before the U.S. Mint introduced a new reverse design in 2021. As such, the 2020 Silver Eagle is considered an important issue in the series, particularly for collectors who wish to complete a set featuring the original reverse.

Obverse Design:
The obverse of the 2020 Silver Eagle features Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty design, one of the most recognizable and enduring images in American coinage. Lady Liberty is shown walking toward the rising sun, draped in the American flag. She holds an olive branch in her right hand, symbolizing peace, and her left hand is extended toward the folds of her robe, representing strength, hope, and a brighter future. The obverse inscriptions include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and 2020. This design continues to symbolize American freedom, resilience, and optimism.

Reverse Design:
The reverse of the 2020 Silver Eagle features John M. Mercanti’s heraldic eagle design, which has been a hallmark of the coin since its introduction. The eagle is shown clutching an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other, representing both peace and the strength to defend the nation. Above the eagle are 13 stars, symbolizing the original 13 American colonies. The reverse inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1 OZ. FINE SILVER, and E PLURIBUS UNUM, reinforcing the coin’s ties to American history and ideals.

Collector Value:
The 2020 American Silver Eagle is part of the regular mintage years, but it holds particular significance as the last coin in the series to feature the original reverse design. This factor has led to increased demand among collectors, especially those seeking to complete a set of Silver Eagles with the original reverse. As with all Silver Eagles, the value of the 2020 coin is largely driven by the market price of silver, but it may carry a slight premium above its silver content due to its collector appeal.

The 2020 Silver Eagle is a key issue in the series, especially as the coin transitions to a new reverse design for the 2021 release. Although not a key date like the 1996 or 2009 releases, the 2020 coin’s importance in the context of the series' evolution makes it highly sought after. Its classic design, .999 fine silver content, and status as the final year of the original design ensure that it will remain a valuable and collectible piece for years to come.

In summary, the 2020 American Silver Eagle stands out not only for its beauty and craftsmanship but also for its place in the history of the series as the last coin with the original reverse design before the transition to the new reverse in 2021.