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The Certified Uncirculated Silver Eagle 2011 MS70 PCGS First Strike (from the 25th Anniversary Set) is a modern numismatic treasure that represents a pivotal moment in the history of the American Silver Eagle program. Released as part of a special five-coin anniversary collection, this particular coin stands out due to its unique origin, flawless condition, and the prestige associated with its first strike designation. The 2011 25th Anniversary Set was produced by the United States Mint to honor a quarter-century of one of the world's most successful bullion coin series, and it included a special combination of finishes and mintmarks that had never been assembled in a single set before. Among them, the 2011-W Uncirculated coin, certified MS70 by PCGS, is prized for its purity, limited mintage, and impeccable preservation.
The American Silver Eagle program began in 1986 following passage of the Liberty Coin Act of 1985. Since then, the series has consistently drawn interest from both investors and collectors due to its weight of one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and its iconic patriotic designs. Over the years, various finishes and mint locations were introduced, including bullion strikes, proof issues, burnished uncirculated coins, and reverse proofs. The year 2011 was a milestone, marking 25 years of production, and the U.S. Mint celebrated the occasion by releasing a special five-coin set with a mintage limit of only 100,000. These sets quickly sold out, making each coin in the collection—including this uncirculated example—a modern rarity.
The 2011-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle included in the set was struck at the West Point Mint and bears the “W” mintmark. Unlike the bullion version, this coin was minted with extra care using specially burnished planchets and struck once to produce a satin-like finish. Though technically a business strike, the enhanced uncirculated quality of this piece sets it apart in both visual appeal and collectibility. It was not released separately outside the 25th Anniversary Set, contributing to its relatively low population and heightened desirability. PCGS certification ensures the coin’s authenticity and pristine condition, and the MS70 grade represents absolute perfection—no marks, no flaws, and a fully original surface.
The obverse of the coin features Adolph A. Weinman’s legendary Walking Liberty design, originally used on the U.S. half dollar from 1916 to 1947. Lady Liberty is shown striding confidently toward the rising sun, draped in the American flag, and holding laurel and oak branches, symbols of civil and military glory. The design includes the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “2011.” The burnished finish gives the design a soft yet sharp appearance, enhancing its three-dimensional character and historical depth. Every fold of Liberty’s gown and detail of her outstretched hand is clearly defined and perfectly rendered on this specimen.
The reverse of the coin features the classic heraldic eagle design by John Mercanti, the 12th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. The eagle holds an olive branch and arrows in its talons and is positioned beneath a cluster of thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The inscriptions read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “1 OZ. FINE SILVER ~ ONE DOLLAR,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” This reverse, in use from 1986 through mid-2021, is now retired, giving added historical significance to all Silver Eagles bearing the Mercanti design. On this uncirculated coin, the satin finish gives the eagle and shield a more textured, refined appearance than either bullion or proof counterparts.
The coin was minted at West Point, the primary facility responsible for most modern precious metal numismatic issues. The West Point Mint, located in New York, has long served as the production site for American Eagle bullion and collector issues, and the “W” mintmark on this coin affirms its prestigious origin. This 2011 issue is further distinguished by being available only within the limited-edition anniversary set, adding a layer of scarcity not seen in regular annual uncirculated releases. Collectors who appreciate low-mintage coins and those assembling complete sets of Silver Eagles recognize the importance of this piece as a one-year-only variety with a closed population.
The “First Strike” designation from PCGS indicates that the coin was received by the grading service within 30 days of its official release from the U.S. Mint. This adds another level of prestige, as First Strike coins are often considered to have been among the first examples struck with fresh dies and newly prepared planchets. While the MS70 grade guarantees perfection, the First Strike label adds historical and collector appeal, reinforcing that this coin was part of the earliest distribution of one of the most anticipated sets in Silver Eagle history.
The condition of this Certified 2011-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle is flawless. As an MS70 example graded by PCGS, it exhibits no post-production flaws under 5x magnification. The surfaces are free of any contact marks, abrasions, or spotting. The burnished finish lends the coin a subtle yet elegant texture, softening light reflections while preserving sharp definition. Encapsulation in a PCGS holder ensures the coin remains protected, while the label clearly documents its pedigree as part of the 25th Anniversary Set with the First Strike designation. It is not only a coin of beauty but also one of security, certified to meet the highest numismatic standards.
This coin’s market appeal is driven by multiple factors: limited availability, premium finish, flawless condition, and commemorative significance. As part of the 25th Anniversary Set, it stands alongside other unique strikes like the reverse proof and “S” mint bullion version, making it part of a distinguished group of special issues. For collectors of American Silver Eagles, this coin represents a crucial moment in the series—bridging the past and the modern evolution of U.S. silver bullion. It is often sought by registry set builders and those pursuing a comprehensive collection of Silver Eagles in top condition.
The Certified Uncirculated Silver Eagle 2011 MS70 PCGS First Strike from the 25th Anniversary Set is a milestone piece that exemplifies the best of modern U.S. Mint craftsmanship. Its combination of perfect preservation, specialized finish, limited mintage, and historical placement within the Silver Eagle program ensures its enduring value. Whether as a standalone highlight or part of a full anniversary set, this coin is a superior representation of what makes American Silver Eagles the world’s most beloved silver coins. It is a must-have for the discerning collector who appreciates rarity, perfection, and American numismatic heritage.