1987 1 oz Silver Eagle NGC MS69

Introduction

The 1987 1 oz American Silver Eagle graded NGC MS69 is a near-perfect example from the early years of the American Silver Eagle series. Certified MS69 by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this coin displays strong original luster and sharp design detail with only minimal imperfections. Containing one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, the 1987 Silver Eagle combines precious metal content, exceptional preservation, and the classic Type 1 design that defined the series for more than three decades.

History

The American Silver Eagle was introduced in 1986 following passage of the Liberty Coin Act of 1985. Created as the official silver bullion coin of the United States, the series provided investors with a government-backed way to own physical silver while also attracting collectors with its classic American imagery.

The U.S. Mint issued 11,442,335 bullion Silver Eagles in 1987, making it the highest-mintage bullion issue of the series for more than two decades. As only the second year of the American Silver Eagle program, the 1987 issue represents an early chapter in a series that would become one of the world's most recognized silver bullion programs. Certified NGC MS69, this example sits just one point below the highest numerical grade on the 70-point grading scale.

Design

The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman's celebrated 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 LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1987 complete the obverse.

The reverse features John Mercanti's heraldic eagle design. A bald eagle appears behind a shield while holding an olive branch and arrows, with thirteen stars arranged above to represent the original states. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1 OZ. FINE SILVER, and ONE DOLLAR complete the reverse. This design became known as the Type 1 reverse and remained a defining feature of the American Silver Eagle series through the first half of 2021.