2021-W $1 1-oz Silver American Eagle Type 1 “Congratulations Set” Proof

Congratulations Are In Order for the Final Heraldic Eagle Design

Each year, the United States Mint packages its Silver Eagles into an array of celebratory cards that can be used as gifts for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and other events. One of the most popular gift packs is the “Congratulations Set” that can be used for almost any occasion. For 2021, the initial release of these Proof coins struck at the West Point Mint comes in numbers that pale in comparison to the regular-issue proofs produced at West Point. Just 39,997 of these coveted Congratulations Proofs were struck — that’s about 90% fewer than the 327,440 regular-issue proofs. What’s more, the 2021 “Congratulations Set” Silver Eagle Proofs sold out at the mint within seconds!

Final Release of John Mercanti’s Popular Design

In addition to the low mintage, another reason for the rapid sell-out is that these 2021-dated Silver Eagles will be the final go-round for John Mercanti’s Heraldic Eagle design. The U.S. Mint had announced early in 2020 that it would be replacing the design in 2021. Mint officials also confirmed that they would begin its production run of 2021 dated Silver Eagles with John Mercanti’s original reverse design and complete the 2021 run with the new reverse design. This coin has been classified by numismatists as a Type-1 Silver Eagle to note that it bears the original Mercanti Heraldic Eagle Reverse design. This represents a monumental year for the Silver Eagle Series with a first and a last in the same year of the Mint’s most popular coin!

Struck in one troy ounce of highly pure 99.9% silver, this legal tender one-dollar coin showcases the best of American artistry and craftsmanship. There’s no better way to celebrate life’s greatest moments than with America’s favorite Silver Dollar. Each festive folder is decorated with a firm “Congratulations!” and a celebratory design and contains one 2021 American Silver Eagle in gorgeous Proof condition. When you want to send your best, get a little help from Lady Liberty!

COIN HIGHLIGHTS:

• WEINMAN’S CLASSIC WALKING LIBERTY . . .— Adolph A. Weinman’s iconic Walking Liberty design first made its debut on the 1916 half dollar, lasting three decades before bowing out in 1947. In 1986, this iconic image was reborn for the Silver Eagle with her exquisitely detailed beauty remaining on the coin ever since.
• . . . PAIRED FOR THE FINAL TIME WITH JOHN MERCANTI’S HERALDIC EAGLE! – This coin's stoic and symbolic heraldic eagle was created by designer John Mercanti — the most prolific coin and medal designer in United States Mint history! This will be the LAST time the U.S. Mint will use this design and will replace it with a new reverse later in 2021.
• EXPERTLY STRUCK IN HIGHLY PURE SILVER – The craftspeople of the U.S. Mint are known around the world for their skill and attention to detail. It's this talent that transforms each one-ounce planchet of 99.9% fine silver into beautiful pieces of numismatic art.
• UNITED STATES LEGAL TENDER – Each 2021 American Silver Eagle is $1 United States of America legal tender, as seen on the coin's reverse where it is engraved with the words ONE DOLLAR.
• GORGEOUS PROOF CONDITION – Your 2021 One-Ounce Silver Eagle will arrive to you in Proof condition, meaning it features beautifully frosted details rising over mirror-like fields.
• ORIGINAL GOVERNMENT PACKAGING – Your 2021 Silver Eagle Proof will arrive in its original government packaging featuring a classic Congratulations presentation folder with space inside to write a personal note. The coin is also encapsulated in the folder so that the both the obverse and reverse can be seen.
• SOLD-OUT LIMITED EDITION – Just 39,997 of these 2021-W Silver American Eagle Type 1 “Congratulations Set” Proofs were struck, a number that represents only about 10% of the regular-issue proofs produced at the West Point Mint — and they are completely sold out at the Mint.