1986-S 1 oz American Silver Eagle NGC

Introduction

The 1986-S 1 oz American Silver Eagle certified by NGC is the first proof issue in the American Silver Eagle series. Struck at the San Francisco Mint during the program's inaugural year, this collector-focused coin contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and pairs Adolph A. Weinman's historic Walking Liberty design with John Mercanti's heraldic eagle reverse.

History

The American Silver Eagle program debuted in 1986, introducing an official U.S. silver bullion coin containing one troy ounce of silver. Alongside the bullion release, the U.S. Mint produced a specially finished proof edition for collectors at the San Francisco Mint.

The 1986-S holds an important place in the series as the first Proof American Silver Eagle. The San Francisco Mint produced 1,446,778 proof examples, each carrying the S mintmark that distinguishes the collector issue from the standard 1986 bullion Silver Eagle.

The 1986-S also introduced the original Type 1 design combination used for decades of Silver Eagle production. Adolph A. Weinman's Walking Liberty design appears on the obverse, while John Mercanti's heraldic eagle reverse was used from the beginning of the series through part of 2021.

Design

The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman's Walking Liberty design, originally introduced on the half dollar in 1916. Liberty strides toward the rising sun while draped in the American flag and carrying branches of laurel and oak. The inscriptions include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1986.

The reverse, designed by John Mercanti, depicts a heraldic eagle behind a shield beneath thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1 OZ. FINE SILVER, ONE DOLLAR, and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The S mintmark identifies the San Francisco Mint.