2013-W American Silver Eagle Enhanced Uncirculated

By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek Notes …..
 

The 2013-W American Silver Eagle Enhanced Uncirculated coin is a special striking of the American Silver Eagle that the United States Mint issued alongside the 2013-W American Silver Eagle Reverse Proof in the 2013 West Point American Silver Eagle Two-Coin Set.

The 2013 West Point American Silver Eagle Two-Coin Set was issued to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the West Point Mint. Before becoming officially recognized as a United States Branch Mint on March 31, 1988, the facility served as a bullion depository and was known as the “Fort Knox” of silver. The two-coin set was released on May 9 and offered for $139.95. As with the 2012 San Francisco Silver Eagle Two-Coin Set, the 2013 West Point Set was struck to demand, with the Mint giving collectors and dealers a four-week ordering window. The set’s release coincided with the opening of the 2013 American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) National Money Show in New Orleans.

What Does “Enhanced Uncirculated” Mean?

Enhanced Uncirculated American Silver Eagles are not Proofs, nor do they much resemble uncirculated or satin finish uncirculated coins. Instead, Enhanced Uncirculated coins are struck with a cameo finish covering some of the coin’s raised elements, while other raised elements feature a heavily mirrored finish. These relief features contrast nicely with the coin’s satin fields.

Marc Landry Discusses the Release of the 2013 West Point Two-Coin Silver Eagle Set

CoinWeek Video Producer David Lisot interviewed Philadelphia Mint Plant Manager Marc Landry at the 2013 ANA National Money Show, where the two discussed the release and technical considerations of the 2013 West Point American Silver Eagle Two-Coin Set and the 2013-W American Buffalo Reverse Proof Gold Coin.

How Much is the 2013-W American Silver Eagle Enhanced Uncirculated Coin Worth?

A total of 281,310 2013 West Point American Silver Eagle Two-Coin Sets were purchased. More than one-third of the coins issued were submitted to the leading grading services for certification; more than two-thirds of those earned a perfect 70 grade.

In 70, the 2013-W American Silver Eagle sells for a small premium over the raw and MS69 versions, with recent eBay listings selling for between $115 and $170 per coin. This is slightly less than what collectors have been willing to pay for the Reverse Proof from the set.

Those wishing to collect the coin and maintain the integrity of the original set and its packaging can purchase sets on eBay for prices ranging from $180 to $250. Expect professional retailers to charge slightly more.

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2013-W American Silver Eagle Enhanced Uncirculated Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens

Top Population: PCGS MS70 (20,426, 11/2024), NGC SP70 (43,282, 11/2024), and CAC MS70 (3, 11/2024).

• NGC SP70 #3790563-477: eBay, November 16, 2024 – $114.99.
• NGC SP70 #3787669-180: eBay, November 14, 2024 – $169.
• PCGS MS70 #28042036: eBay, November 11, 2024 – $169. First Strike.
• PCGS MS70 #28375000: eBay, November 1, 2024 – $169. First Strike.
• NGC SP70 #378732-402: eBay, October 23, 2024 – $119.
• PCGS MS70 #27944863: eBay, October 1, 2024 – $101.01. First Strike.
• PCGS MS70 #28042168: eBay, May 14, 2024 – $169. First Strike.
• NGC SP70 #576446-001: eBay, April 27, 2024 – $199. Mike Castle signature label.

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Design

Obverse:

Artist Adolph A. Weinman’s Lady Liberty is depicted mid-stride. She is seen as a full-body figure, dressed in a flowing gown, and draped with a large billowing American flag. She holds laurel and oak branches in her left hand that symbolize the civil and military glories of America, respectively. As Liberty strides confidently towards the rising sun, she presents a welcoming open hand. Liberty is superimposed over the obverse legend LIBERTY, obscuring half of the “BE” and almost the entire “R”. Above her rear foot is the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, and below her is the date 2013.

The design bears a notable resemblance to sculptor Oscar Roty’s The Sower, a common image on French coins.

Reverse:

United States Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti’s Heraldic Eagle is positioned at the center of the reverse. Clutched in its beak is a ribbon bearing the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. Above its head is a constellation of 13 stars configured in an upside-down pyramid formation. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA wraps clockwise around the top of the design and the fineness and denomination 1 OZ. FINE SILVER. ONE DOLLAR wrap counterclockwise around the bottom. The W mintmark of the West Point Mint is located below the branch.

Edge:

The edge of the 2013-W American Silver Eagle Enhanced Uncirculated coin is reeded.

Coin Specifications

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