Numismatic

1986 American Silver Eagle MS-70 NGC (1st Year of Issue Label)

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The year 1986 marked the beginning of a legendary modern coinage tradition with the introduction of the American Silver Eagle. This inaugural issue represents the very first year of the United States Mint's premier silver bullion coin program, struck from one troy ounce of 99.9 percent pure silver. The coin's official weight and precious metal content are fully backed by the United States government. The obverse features a classic design by Adolph A. Weinman, showing Lady Liberty enveloped in the folds of the American flag. She strides gracefully toward the dawn of a new day, with the sun rising over a distant mountain ridge. Inscriptions on this side include the word LIBERTY, the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST, and the historic debut year of 1986. On the reverse, a powerful heraldic eagle stands beneath a cluster of thirteen five-pointed stars, symbolizing the original colonies. The eagle holds an olive branch and arrows, embodying a message of peace and strength. The surrounding inscriptions confirm the issuing nation as the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, along with the weight and face value, marked as 1 OZ. FINE SILVER and ONE DOLLAR.