I was noticing that my Eagles from 2000 on are a bit different from the ones I have from the 1980's. Does anyone know when the design changes occured and how many of them there were? Also I'm a bit concerned that one I have from 1987 doesn't have the frosty luster of the newer ones. I sure hope this thing hasn't been polished. Are there any tell-tale marks from polishing that a novice could see? Thanks. -Illya2
Illya, to the best of my knowledge the design of the ASE has not changed since it was first issued in 1986. Perhaps you are talking about the difference between the Proof coins and the Uncirculated coins ? Does one have surfaces like a mirror that show your reflection and the other one not ?
No, it's not a proof, but i do have a proof from 1984 and it seems to have the same features as the 1987 Eagle. A few examples: The draped flag that flows out above her right arm has striations among the stars on the newer models. On the old ones there are just the stars. Also the word liberty has a slighly different font weight and lies closer to the rim on the older coins. Also the front surface of the coin curves up to the rim rather than meeting it at a right angle like the newer ones. -Illya2
The strikes on the ASE's have gotten "crisper" & more detailed in the last half dozen years or so. Espesially her head & the flag details are cleaner. But the obverse is the same design that A. Weinman put forth in 1916. BTH like GD stated the silver bullion coin started in 1986.
I've noticed that there is some cross-hatching in the "blue" part of the flag starting on the 1989 issues
Yours has been polished for sure. JUST KIDDING. I do not have specific dates, but I agree that somewhere early in the series (late 80s) they changed from a softer, polished look to a more frosted appearance. This is normal. I have never heard anyone mention different dies or design, but you might be right. The older ones are glossier and do have that rim effect you mention, whereas the newer ones are matte and flatter, with slightly sharper detail (or maybe just sharper strikes).
DUH! You're right of course, I meant the proof was from 1986. I've got George Orwell on the brain. -Illya
