1998 1 oz Silver Eagle NGC MS69

Introduction

The 1998 1 oz American Silver Eagle graded NGC MS69 is a near-perfect example from a lower-mintage year of the American Silver Eagle series. Certified MS69 by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this coin retains strong original luster and sharp design detail with only minimal imperfections. Containing one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, the 1998 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 offered investors a convenient way to own silver backed by the weight and purity guarantees of the U.S. government. Its combination of precious metal content and classic American imagery also helped establish the Silver Eagle as a favorite among collectors.

A total of 4,847,549 bullion Silver Eagles were struck in 1998. The issue came near the end of a period of relatively low bullion production during the mid-to-late 1990s, following mintages of 3,603,386 in 1996 and 4,295,004 in 1997. Production would rise substantially to more than 7.4 million coins in 1999. Like other regular bullion Silver Eagles of the period, the 1998 issue carries no mintmark. 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 1998 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 and 1 OZ. FINE SILVER – ONE DOLLAR surround the design.