Description
Why does this exciting 35th Anniversary First Day of Issue 1986-S and 2021-W American Silver Eagle Type-1 Proof set belong in your collection?
The U.S. Mint launched the American Silver Eagle series in 1986. For the first thirty-five years of the series, the silver dollar was annually issued with no changes to the coin’s design. In mid-2021, to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the series, the first ever design change was implemented, concluding a chapter in the series’ history. This beautiful pair of coins represents the beginning and end of the Type-1 variety Silver Eagle series. The silver dollars feature the iconic Type-1 imagery, minted thirty-five years apart.
- This American Silver Eagle set includes the highly collectible first and last issue dates of the iconic Type-1 design.
- The 1986 coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint, while the 2021 coin is a West Point Mint product.
- Each coin is struck with an exquisite proof finish.
- The 40.60 mm diameter coins each contain 1 Troy oz. of .999 fine silver.
- The 2021 dated coin is an authenticated First Day of Issue release.
- The perfectly graded 2021 silver dollar features a celebratory 35th Anniversary style label.
Classic Type-1 American Silver Eagle Imagery
Obverse: Lady Liberty is illustrated walking towards the rising sun on the obverse, while draped in the folds of the American flag. In her arm she cradles a bundle of oak and laurel branches, which symbolize longevity, honor and triumph. Inscribed “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the appropriate issue date of “1986” or “2021.” This time-honored allegorical rendition of Liberty, created by renowned early 20th century medallic sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, first appeared on U.S. coinage in 1916, on the Walking Liberty Half Dollar.
Reverse: The reverse features an eagle positioned beneath thirteen stars, with a cluster of arrows and an olive branch in its grip. The Type-1 style Silver Eagle is primarily identified by this patriotic heraldic eagle graphic, which is credited to John Mercanti, the Mint’s currently retired 12th Chief Engraver. The heraldic eagle image is surrounded by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “1 OZ. FINE SILVER,” “ONE DOLLAR” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” along with the “S” Mint mark on the 1986 dated coin, and the “W” Mint mark on the 2021 dated coin.
Exceptionally Graded Pair of Proof Silver Dollars
Each component of this Type-1 American Silver Eagle 2-coin proof set was submitted to the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) for review. Featuring a superior quality strike, nearly perfect surfaces and sensational eye appeal, the 1986 dated coin earned the virtually flawless grade of Proof 69. The 2021 dated coin was awarded the NGC’s highest grade of Proof 70 Ultra Cameo (UC) for its impeccable strike, pristine surfaces and the remarkably high degree of contrast between its frosted and mirrored finishes. The 2021 coin was received by the grading service within twenty-four hours of its release date, qualifying for the prestigious First Day of Issue attribution. The 1 oz. silver proof coins are sonically sealed in separate NGC protective holders. A classic brown style certification label accompanies the coin issued in 1986, while the 2021 release features a specially designed celebratory certification label dedicated to the Silver Eagle 35th Anniversary.
