About the New Silver Eagle Type 2 Designer:

Emily Damstra is a freelance artist, science illustrator, coin designer, and medalist. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in science illustration. She is part of the U.S. Mint's Artistic Infusion Program (AIP), which includes numerous talented professional American artists who lend their talent to creating stunning coin designs.

Ms. Damstra has designed OVER 40 coins and medals for both the U.S. Mint and the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)). She has also designed postage stamps for the United Nations Postal Administration. In addition to her work in numismatics, Damstra also creates natural science illustrations and her artwork has long been inspired by nature.

From a field of 39 design candidates submitted by AIP participants and U.S. Mint Medallic Artists, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) each recommended a different design to the Secretary of the Treasury. After considering these committees' recommendations and the production feasibility input from the U.S. Mint staff, the Secretary chose Ms. Damstra's dynamic landing Bald Eagle as the final design. No doubt her love for illustration, the natural world, and educating others, in addition to her long career in numismatics, played a large role in her design being selected.

The new reverse design for the American Silver Eagle 1 oz. coin features the central image of an American Bald Eagle. The eagle is depicted mid-landing, with wings spread and talons firmly gripping an oak branch. Inscriptions of "United States of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” “One Dollar,” and “1 oz. Fine Silver" encircle the image. U.S. Mint Medallic Artist Michael Gaudioso engraved the design.