CoinWeek Giveaway # 621 Sponsored by…The 621st CoinWeek Coin Giveaway

2016-W 30th Anniversary Burnished Silver Eagle (Lettered Edge) — PCGS SP70

Few modern U.S. coins manage to feel both technically innovative and historically meaningful, but the 2016-W 30th Anniversary Burnished Silver Eagle with Edge Lettering does exactly that. Struck to commemorate three decades of the American Silver Eagle program, this special West Point issue stands apart as a true one-year-only type coin, making it a standout prize for CoinWeek Giveaway Contest #621.

At first glance, the coin’s soft, satin luster immediately signals that this is not a standard bullion Silver Eagle. Look closer, though, and the real surprise reveals itself along the edge. Instead of the familiar reeded rim found on virtually every Silver Eagle before and since, this commemorative issue features a smooth edge with bold, incuse lettering reading “30th ANNIVERSARY.” It was the first and only time the U.S. Mint employed edge lettering on a Silver Eagle, a technical achievement made possible by a specialized three-piece segmented collar.

A Distinctive Burnished Finish from West Point

This coin was struck using the Mint’s burnished, or “uncirculated,” finish, a process that begins with specially prepared planchets that are tumbled and polished before striking. The result is a refined, satin-like surface that falls visually between brilliant bullion and mirror-like proofs. Adding to its appeal, the coin bears the “W” mint mark of the West Point Mint, long associated with America’s premier collector issues.

Classic Designs with a Modern Twist

The obverse showcases Adolph A. Weinman’s iconic Walking Liberty, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful designs in U.S. numismatics. The reverse features John Mercanti’s Heraldic Eagle, the familiar Silver Eagle reverse used from 1986 through 2021. Paired with the unprecedented edge lettering, these classic motifs take on an entirely new character for the series’ 30th anniversary.

Mintage and Collectability

With an original mintage of approximately 216,501 pieces, the individual burnished issue was never scarce, but demand has steadily grown. The reason is simple: this is a unique subtype. Registry Set collectors, in particular, prize the coin because it represents a singular design and production choice that will never be repeated in the Silver Eagle series.

PCGS SP70 –  Perfection Preserved

The example offered in CoinWeek Giveaway Contest #621 has been certified PCGS SP70, the highest grade possible. The SP (Specimen) designation is used by PCGS for satin and burnished collector strikes, and a 70 grade confirms a flawless coin with no post-production imperfections visible under 5× magnification. Simply put, this is the coin exactly as collectors hope to find it.

Market Value and Long-Term Appeal

As of late 2025, standard PCGS SP70 examples typically trade between $150 and $180, reflecting steady collector demand. Coins with special pedigree labels or designer signatures, particularly those associated with John Mercanti, can command significantly higher premiums, sometimes reaching $300 to $400, depending on the label and set.

Why This Coin Matters

The 2016-W 30th Anniversary Burnished Silver Eagle is more than just another modern commemorative. It represents a rare moment when the U.S. Mint deliberately stepped outside an established formula, introducing edge lettering to a series known for its consistency. That decision created a lasting numismatic milestone, one that continues to attract collectors nearly a decade later.

For CoinWeek readers and registry competitors alike, this SP70 example is a perfect blend of artistry, innovation, and historical significance, and a fitting centerpiece for CoinWeek Giveaway Contest #621.

Read More about Silver Eagles on CoinWeek

Entries into our Contest are accepted from December 27th until 8 PM on Saturday January 3rd, 2026

Links to Entry Forms,  Extra Entry Options and Terms are Below

The CoinWeek Giveaway is open to all US Citizens 18 yrs and older. Just submit your Email Address into the Entry Form – CLICK HERE, and you will recieve One entry into the Giveaway. Good luck and enjoy the contest! Get up to 6 Extra Entries into this week’s Giveaway……. Follow the Links below. NOTE: ALL Entry pages and Options links  OPEN in new windows, so once you have finished your entry, just close the tab and you will return to this Main Giveaway Page to continue selecting additional Entry opportunities !

Do you want to get additional enties to this weeks contest? Just go to our Facebook Page and find the CoinWeek Giveway announcement. Click on the “LIKE Button” and get 1 extra entry.  If you choose to Add A Comment, you will receive an additional extra entry into the Giveaway. That’s  all there is to it. More Chances to win !

Remember: Close the Entry Window Tab in your browser and you will return to the Giveaway Home page

We have another way to recieve additional entries to the CoinWeek Giveaway.  Just go to the CoinWeek website and browse ANY of the articles we have on the Home page. Open and read the any article then place a comment at the bottom of the page. You will be recieve an additional 4 entries into the CoinWeek Giveaway for the current giveaway.

Note:  You need to stay on the CoinWeek site for at least a minute. In order for us to record your entry and comment, we need enough time to verify the additional enties. Thanks!

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PLUS: You are automatically entered into Special CoinWeek MEMBER ONLY Quarterly Giveaways that will be announced via Text Message Only! This will be FUN!

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Newsletters include: Auctions, US Coins, Ancient Coins, World Coins, Bullion & Precious Metals, Paper Money, New Coin Releases, and the Generic Mailing List.

For each Newsletter you select, CoinWeek will give to an Additional Giveaway Entry automatically, EVERY WEEK you remain a subscriber. No need to re-subscribe unless you wish to change or add new newsletters

Note:  Newsletters are sent every two weeks unless there is a special reason to send a special announcement or breaking news event specific to the newsletter topic.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. MAKING A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW……
Read ALL the Rules, Terms and Conditions of the Giveaway Here.

If you have signup for extra enties, made comments, read articles and joined Newsletters, Why does the main entry form just show One Entry?    Here is the answer !….. Extra Entries – How are they recorded ?

To see a list of the Names and states of most of the Past Winners of the CoinWeek Givaway , along with the coins and paper money that has have given away. For over 11 years CoinWeek has held the free coin giveaway weekly, bring new classic and interesting Ancient, World and US Coins and currency to our readers. Click Here to view the list

NOTE: DO NOT RESPOND TO ANY WINNER NOTICE FROM FACEBOOK MESSENGER, or anyone asking you to call them or click on a link they send you.   

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