Designed & Engraved by John Mercanti. NGC Reverse PF70 First Day of Issue. Coin Engraver LEGENDS with the U.
Just when you thought retired 12th Chief Engraver, John Mercanti would ride quietly into the sunset after his retirement and after more than designing more than 100 coins for the U. Mint, such has not been the case. Since his retiring in 2010, he has worked on projects for both the Perth Mint in Australia and the Royal Canadian Mint.
But apparently, that wasn't all. Mint retired Mercanti's reverse design on the American Silver Eagle last year, there was much speculation as to whose design would be used for the new Type 2 Reverse. Well in 2021, John Mercanti debuted what he envisioned as the new Silver Eagle.
Much to the surprise of many, he presented plaster mold designs not just for the new Reverse, but also the Obverse! The designs were INCREDIBLE, STUNNING and just plain BEAUTIFUL! Both sides of the coin feature Bald Eagles. The reverse harken back to the early 1900's and the Incuse Indian Gold Eagles, only with an American flag added in. The Obverse featured an eagle in flight and the precision work of incorporating all the feather detail makes it a beauty!
Mercanti had the Reverse since inception of the Silver Eagle in 1986, only now he felt he had the complete Obverse/Reverse combination that would be our new American Silver Eagle. Would the Selection Committee stick with Mercanti and use his new dream, or would they stray purposely into selecting someone new to carry the Type 2 banner? Since Mercanti believed in his design so much, he commissioned USA based Sunshine Minting to actually strike his Silver Eagle, but calling it the DOUBLE EAGLE. They were struck in various sizes in.999 Fine Silver and Gold, but in very small quantities. The strike is a Reverse Proof and for the first time, a dual high-relief was to be used. SmartMinting in Germany is a pioneer in having a High Relief strike on both sides of the coin, and SMI pulled it off and struck a phenomenal piece! And while the Double Eagle technically isn't a "Coin" due to the fact it isn't Legal Tender, to simply call it a "Round" doesn't do it justice. In hand, it is stunning and begs the question.
Why didn't the Mint use this design? But then again, to retire the St. Gaudens inspired Lady Liberty on the Obverse of the current Silver Eagle, would have been a tough pill to swallow. To ensure there are no imperfections in addition to being graded by NGC a PERFECT Reverse PF70 with the FIRST DAY OF ISSUE pedigree. Just 2499 coins were struck for this 2 Ounce.Thanks for taking a look. If you need additional pictures or have questions, please let me know. If you have a minute, please check out my Feedback comments. It has been my pleasure providing Personalized Service to collectors and investors since 1999.
Minted by Sunshine Minting, Inc. Weight - 2 Troy Ounces. Diameter - 38.4mm/1.51. Dual High-Relief Reverse Proof Strike.
Graded by NGC a perfect Reverse Proof 70 with the First Day of Issue pedigree. Oversized Black NGC Holder with signature of John Mercanti. With a one day turnaround! If you're not happy, I'm not happy! "HAVING FUN WITH COINS SINCE 1999 ".
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