2014-W Burnished American Silver Eagle NGC MS70 John Mercanti Hand Signed

Burnished American Silver Eagles.

First introduced in 1986, the American Silver Eagle, produced by the U.S. Mint, has become the world’s most popular silver bullion coin, struck in bullion and proof finishes. In 2006, to celebrate the 20th anniversary, a Burnished American Silver Eagle coin was released, with a new finish to add a collectible factor to one of the world’s most popular bullion coins. Minted from 2006 to 2008, with a two-year hiatus in 2009 and 2010, and beginning again in 2011, the U.S. Mint has issued a series of Burnished Uncirculated Silver Eagle coins every year since. The three U.S. Mints that produce Silver Eagles are Philadelphia, San Francisco, and West Point Mints.  However, West Point Mint is the only location that strikes Burnished American Silver Eagles with the desirable "W" mint mark.  Since 2006, all Uncirculated Silver Eagles with the “W” mint mark have burnished finishes. Browse our wide selection of Burnished Silver Eagles and learn more about this collector's Silver Eagle, below!

Burnished Coins

The U.S. Mint's Burnished American Silver Eagle coin program uses specially burnished blanks, known as planchets. Burnished coins appear less shiny with a matte finish, compared to a standard bullion coin finish. This is due to the specially polished coin blanks that are used to earn the burnished designation. Each burnished coin is hand-fed into a coin press, one at a time, using these specially burnished blanks resulting in coins that have a smooth, matte-like finish. Uncirculated American Silver Eagles are commonly referred to as W Uncirculated or Burnished Uncirculated, and are only available in a one ounce size.

How Can You Tell if a Silver Eagle Is Burnished?

You can identify a Burnished American Silver Eagle by its unique matte-like finish, which is less shiny compared to standard bullion coins. The appearance of a burnished coin results from the use of specially polished, burnished blanks and a minting process where each coin is individually hand-fed into the press. Burnished coins will also have a W mint mark on their obverse, differentiating them from their bullion counterparts.

NGC Certified Silver Eagles

NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) is another pillar in coin grading and authentication. An NGC-graded coin means owning a piece backed by a guaranteed assessment of condition and authenticity. NGC's expert team carefully evaluates each Silver Eagle, and their encapsulation preserves the coin's condition over time.

NGC's unique designations include First Day of Issue and Early Release. A coin designated First Day of Issue is released from the mint on the first day of the launch. Early Release are coins shipped within the first thirty days of the release date. These designations suggest they are from the initial minting batch and, thus, of higher quality.

UCAM 

UCAM (Ultra Cameo) is a term for premium quality proof Silver Eagles. These coins exhibit an extreme contrast between their frosted designs and mirror-like backgrounds, enhancing their visual appeal. PCGS uses DCAM, while NGC uses UCAM for their graded coins. There is no physical difference between the types, indicating high-quality cameo effects. Investors should be confident knowing the difference between DCAM and UCAM lies solely in the third-party grading company that certified the coins.

CAC Certified Silver Eagles

CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) is known for its high grading standards, initially focusing on differentiating quality among coins of the same grade. In 2023, CAC began certifying coins directly, ensuring a Silver Eagle's grade meets their stringent criteria. CAC-approved coins often command a premium, offering unique value to collectors.

CAC uses the designations First Day of Delivery and First Delivery. First Day of Delivery coins are shipped on the first day of launch. Coins designated as First Delivery are shipped within the first thirty days of the newest release.

Grading Scale

The grading of Silver Eagles is a critical aspect for collectors and investors. The Sheldon Scale, ranging from 1 (poorest) to 70 (perfect), is the standard for grading coins. Coins graded at the higher end of this scale, especially those close to 70, are in near-perfect or perfect condition and thus command higher prices. Factors such as luster, strike, and flaws or blemishes are meticulously examined. This grading helps determine the coin's market value and aids collectors in making informed decisions about their purchases.

American Eagle silver coins given an MS-70 (PF-70 for proof versions) are flawless, exhibiting no blemishes. MS-69) PF-69 in proof versions) are just below, showing only minor imperfections under close observation. Imperfections are limited to hairline scratches or minuscule marks that may be hard to discern for the untrained eye.