The Beginning of the American Silver Eagle Program
The American Silver Eagle program began in 1986 when Congress passed the Liberty Coin Act, allowing for the production of .999 fine silver coins. This initiative was put in place to reduce the nation’s silver stockpile and offer investors a high-quality bullion coin to compete with other popular coins on the market, such as the Mexican Libertad and Canadian Maple Leaf.
Furthermore, in addition to the regular bullion coins, the law also authorized the production of Proof versions of the coins specifically for collectors.
Insight: The American Silver Eagle program was a strategic move by the United States to capitalize on the popularity of silver bullion coins worldwide and provide investors with a trusted alternative to existing options.
Design and Features of the 1986-S American Silver Eagle Proof Coin
The 1986-S American Silver Eagle Proof coin features the iconic Adolph Weinman’s Liberty design on the obverse and a bold heraldic eagle motif by John Mercanti on the reverse. The coins struck at the San Francisco mint exhibit Deep Cameo frost on the devices and mirror-like surfaces in the fields, showcasing their exceptional quality.
Insight: The meticulous design and striking details of the 1986-S American Silver Eagle Proof coin make it a favorite among collectors and investors alike, adding to its overall value over time.
Current Value and Market Trends
As of today, a 1986-S American Silver Eagle Proof coin graded Proof 70 Deep Cameo has an approximate retail value of $350. The market for these high-grade coins has evolved significantly over the past decade, with notable shifts in the certified population and grading services like NGC and PCGS.
Insight: With the increasing interest in high-grade coins and the limited availability of Proof 70 Deep Cameo specimens, the value of the 1986-S American Silver Eagle Proof coin is expected to continue rising in the numismatic market.
Specifications of the 1986-S American Silver Eagle Proof Coin
| American Silver Eagle Proof Coin | |
| Year Of Issue: | 1986 |
| Denomination: | One Dollar (USD) |
| Mint Mark: | S (San Francisco) |
| Mintage: | 1,446,778 |
| Alloy: | 99.9% silver |
| Weight: | 31.1 g |
| Diameter: | 40.6 mm |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| OBV Designer | Adolph A. Weinman |
| REV Designer | John M. Mercanti |