The coin glossary.

Bullion

A precious-metal coin category associated with its metal content. The regular Silver Eagle bullion product is distinct from the collector proof and uncirculated editions.

Burnished

A collector term commonly used for the Mint’s uncirculated Silver Eagles struck on specially prepared blanks.

Field

The background area of a coin’s surface around its design.

Finish

The surface appearance created by the manufacturing process, such as proof or reverse proof.

Mint mark

A letter identifying a mint facility on issues that bear one. Regular Silver Eagle bullion coins do not carry a mint mark.

Mintage

The number of coins struck for a defined issue. It is not interchangeable with a sales total or an announced limit.

Numismatics

The study and collection of coins, money, and related objects. A coin collector or researcher is a numismatist.

Obverse

The front, or “heads,” side. On the Silver Eagle it features Walking Liberty.

Planchet

The prepared metal blank that is struck to make a coin.

Privy mark

An additional symbol associated with a particular release, distinct from a mint mark.

Proof

A specially manufactured collector finish, usually with mirrored fields and frosted design elements. It is not a condition grade.

Reeded edge

An edge with a pattern of grooves. Some special Silver Eagle editions have different edge treatments.

Reverse

The back, or “tails,” side. The Silver Eagle has used two main eagle designs.

Reverse proof

A finish that reverses the usual proof contrast: frosted fields and brilliant design elements.

Troy ounce

A precious-metal weight unit equal to approximately 31.103 grams, heavier than an ordinary avoirdupois ounce.

Type 1 / Type 2

Common collector shorthand for the original heraldic-eagle reverse and the landing-eagle reverse introduced in 2021.

Further reading: U.S. Mint: January 2026 Coins Online: Coin Finishes, Defined ↗ U.S. Mint: Bullion Coin Programs: Silver Eagle specifications ↗