2013-W Burnished Silver Eagle NGC MS70 ER

Product Overview

This piece is a 2013 burnished American Silver Eagle struck at the West Point Mint in 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver. It is an official United States Mint coin and part of the widely recognized American Eagle program, one of the best known silver coin series produced in the United States. The burnished finish gives it a distinct appearance compared to standard bullion issues, making it especially appealing to buyers who want a more carefully prepared collector version of the classic Silver Eagle design.

This example has been certified by NGC as MS70, which indicates a perfect Mint State grade under magnification. It also carries the Early Releases designation, showing that it was received by the grading service within the qualifying release window. Together, the burnished format, West Point mint mark, and top certified grade make this a notably refined version of the one ounce Silver Eagle.

Design and Visual Features

The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman’s enduring Walking Liberty design, originally introduced on the half dollar in 1916. Liberty is shown striding toward the rising sun, draped in the American flag and carrying branches of laurel and oak. The image is admired for its sense of movement and patriotic symbolism, and it remains one of the most celebrated designs used on modern United States coinage.

On the reverse, the coin displays the heraldic eagle design used on Silver Eagles of this period, created by John Mercanti. The eagle appears beneath 13 stars with a shield at its center, holding an olive branch and arrows. Inscriptions identify the nation, denomination, and silver content, while the W mint mark confirms production at West Point. The burnished finish gives the surfaces a softer, satin-like look that differs from the brighter appearance of standard bullion strikes.

Types and Variations

Within the American Silver Eagle family, several versions are available, including standard bullion coins, proof strikes, and burnished uncirculated issues like this one. Bullion examples are made primarily for large scale distribution, while proof coins feature mirrored fields and frosted devices. Burnished coins are specially prepared with treated planchets and struck with greater care, resulting in a more textured, matte-like finish.

Certified examples can also vary by grading service, numeric grade, and release designation. This coin combines the burnished format with an NGC MS70 grade and Early Releases attribution, which distinguishes it from lower graded or uncertified pieces. For buyers comparing Silver Eagle formats, that combination makes it a more specialized collectible within the series.

Mint/Refinery Background

The United States Mint is the official producer of the American Eagle coin program and is known for its strict manufacturing standards and historic role in American coinage. The West Point Mint, identified here by the W mint mark, is particularly well known for striking many of the Mint’s premium collector and precious metal issues.

West Point has built a strong reputation for quality production of gold, silver, platinum, and commemorative coinage. Its association with burnished and proof American Eagles adds an additional level of recognition for collectors who value mint origin as part of a coin’s overall appeal.

Authenticity and Verification

Authenticity for this coin is supported by several clear identifiers. The piece contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver, bears the W mint mark, and follows the established design and inscription format of the American Silver Eagle series. These physical details are important checkpoints when confirming that a coin matches official Mint specifications.

This example is also encapsulated and certified by NGC, one of the leading third party grading services in the coin market. The sealed holder protects the coin while the label confirms the date, burnished issue type, MS70 grade, and Early Releases designation. Purchasing certified material from a reputable dealer like Bullion Standard adds another layer of confidence in accurate identification.

Handling and Storage

Although this coin is already protected in an NGC holder, it should still be handled with care. It is best to hold certified coins by the edges of the slab and avoid placing them on abrasive or dusty surfaces. Even when the coin itself is enclosed, keeping the holder clean and free from scratches helps preserve its presentation.

For storage, many buyers keep certified silver coins in a dry, stable environment such as a safe, storage box, or dedicated coin case. Avoid excessive humidity, direct sunlight, and frequent unnecessary handling. Proper storage helps maintain both the condition of the holder and the overall appearance of the coin over time.