The 2013-W American Silver Eagle Burnished coin was released on May 28, 2013, with an initial price of $48.95 (equivalent to $66.86 in 2024 dollars). This Burnished Silver Eagle, marked with the W-mintmark from the West Point Mint, was first introduced in 2006 as a special collector’s edition to complement the annual Proof Silver Eagle release.
While it closely resembles the Uncirculated bullion version sold in bulk to authorized purchasers, the Burnished Silver Eagle is distinct due to its unique production process. The blanks for these coins undergo a specialized treatment in a Spaleck machine, where tiny balls polish the surfaces. Each blank is then hand-fed into a specially adapted coin press, resulting in a coin with a matte finish that is different from the standard bullion version.
The Burnished Silver Eagle series was initially produced from 2006 to 2008 but was put on hiatus due to high demand for silver bullion during the 2009 economic crisis, which also led to the cancellation of that year’s Proof Silver Eagles.
The Burnished series returned in 2011, but by then, collector interest had waned, leading to lower sales. In 2013, sales were particularly low, with only 222,091 pieces sold—less than half of the number sold when the series debuted in 2006.
The 2013-W Burnished coin was also included in the 2013 United States Mint Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set, which went on sale on November 14 at a price of $44.95, $10 less than the previous year. Coins from this set did not carry any premium over those sold individually.
Design of the 2013-W American Silver Eagle Burnished Coin
Obverse:
The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman’s iconic depiction of Lady Liberty striding forward, draped in a flowing gown and an American flag. She holds laurel and oak branches in her left hand, symbolizing America’s civil and military honors.
As she strides confidently toward the rising sun, her right hand is extended in a gesture of welcome. The word “LIBERTY” encircles the top of the coin, partially obscured by Liberty’s head. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is positioned above her trailing foot, and the date “2013” is inscribed at the bottom.
Reverse:
The reverse, designed by United States Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti, showcases a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons. Above the eagle’s head is a constellation of 13 stars arranged in an inverted pyramid, representing the original colonies.
The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “1 OZ. FINE SILVER – ONE DOLLAR” encircle the design, with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on a ribbon held in the eagle’s beak.
Edge:
The edge of the 2013-W American Silver Eagle Burnished coin is reeded.
Coin Specifications:
| Coin | American Silver Eagle Burnished |
|---|---|
| Year of Issue: | 2013 |
| Mintage: | 222,091 |
| Mintmark: | W (West Point) |
| Alloy: | .999 silver |
| Weight: | 31.1 g |
| Diameter: | 40.6 mm |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| OBV Designer: | Adolph A. Weinman |
| REV Designer: | John M. Mercanti |
Conclusion
The 2013-W American Silver Eagle Burnished coin stands out in the series due to its unique matte finish, low mintage, and the historical context of its production. While it may not have generated the same enthusiasm as earlier releases, it remains a prized piece for collectors who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of U.S. Mint products.
FAQs
What makes the 2013-W American Silver Eagle Burnished different from the regular bullion version?
The Burnished version is specially treated and hand-fed into a coin press, resulting in a unique matte finish, unlike the standard bullion version.
Why were Burnished Silver Eagles not produced between 2009 and 2010?
Production was halted due to the economic crisis, which led to a high demand for silver bullion and a shortage of silver, causing the Mint to prioritize bullion coins over collector editions.
What was the final mintage of the 2013-W American Silver Eagle Burnished coin?
The final mintage was 222,091 pieces, making it one of the lower mintage years for this series.
How does the Burnished finish affect the coin’s value?
The Burnished finish, combined with the coin’s lower mintage, typically makes these coins more valuable to collectors compared to the regular bullion version.
Was the 2013-W Burnished Silver Eagle included in any special sets?
Yes, it was included in the 2013 United States Mint Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set.
References
- U.S. Mint Archives
- CoinWeek Analysis and Market Reports
- Heritage Auctions Records
