1996-P 1 oz American Silver Eagle NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo

Introduction

The 1996-P 1 oz American Silver Eagle graded NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo is a near-perfect proof example from the Philadelphia Mint. Certified PF69 Ultra Cameo by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this coin features sharply frosted design elements against deeply mirrored fields. Containing one troy ounce of fine silver, the 1996-P combines precious metal content, exceptional preservation, and the classic Type 1 American Silver Eagle design.

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 quickly developed a strong following among precious metals buyers and collectors. Proof editions are produced specifically for collectors using specialized minting techniques that create sharp design details and contrasting finishes.

The Philadelphia Mint struck 500,000 Proof Silver Eagles in 1996, selling the full authorized mintage. It was the first sellout of the Proof Silver Eagle since the United States Mint began establishing maximum mintages for the coin in 1990. The 1996-P continued the original design pairing of Adolph A. Weinman's Walking Liberty and John Mercanti's heraldic eagle reverse. Certified NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo, 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 1996 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 colonies. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 1 OZ. FINE SILVER – ONE DOLLAR surround the design. The P mintmark identifies this proof coin as a product of the Philadelphia Mint.