The Burnished American Silver Eagles from the West Point Mint—often marked with a subtle “W”—occupy a special place in modern U.S. coinage.
These coins, introduced in 2006, are part of the American Silver Eagle series but differ from their proof and bullion counterparts in several key ways.
Their burnished finish gives them a unique appearance: a soft, satiny surface achieved through a special minting process that includes polishing the blanks before striking.
Collectors often seek these coins not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their low mintage numbers. This method makes the design pop, especially the iconic Walking Liberty obverse.
Some issues, like the 2011-W or 2017-W Burnished Eagles, had significantly smaller production runs compared to standard bullion strikes.
That scarcity gives them added value on the secondary market, especially when certified by top grading services as MS70 or “First Strike.”
Burnished Silver Eagles are not sold through bullion channels but are offered directly to collectors via the U.S. Mint’s numismatic program.
Each coin comes in official government packaging, often with a certificate of authenticity, making it more appealing to those building complete modern sets.