1986 $1 American Silver Eagle "Inaugural Year" – PCGS MS70, Stephanie Sabin Signed
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The First U.S. Silver Bullion Coin: This is the first-ever Mint State American Silver Eagle, the coin that launched the world's most popular silver bullion program. It is struck in one full troy ounce of .999 fine silver.
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Signature of a Grading Industry Leader: This coin is personally hand-signed by Stephanie Sabin, the former President of PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). Her signature represents the ultimate "insider's" endorsement—a mark of quality from the head of the company that certified the coin's perfection.
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Absolute Mint State Perfection: Graded a flawless MS70 by PCGS, the highest grade possible for a business strike coin. It exhibits full, brilliant luster and is entirely free of any post-production imperfections.
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Historic "Inaugural Year" Status: As a 1986 issue, this coin represents the very genesis of modern U.S. silver coinage. This "Inaugural Year" status is the foundational pedigree for the entire series, making it a cornerstone for investors and collectors alike.
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Iconic Weinman & Mercanti Designs: Features Adolph A. Weinman's timeless "Walking Liberty" on the obverse and John Mercanti's powerful Heraldic Eagle on the reverse, creating one of the most beloved designs in numismatics.
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Extremely Low Population: While over 5.3 million were struck, the population for this historic coin with a perfect grade and an exclusive industry-leader signature is exceptionally low, making it a true modern rarity.
An Insider's Mark on a Bullion Legend
This is where investment meets perfection, endorsed by the pinnacle of the industry. The 1986 Silver Eagle is revered as the coin that started it all for modern silver investors. This specimen takes that prestige to the highest level. Certified as a flawless MS70 by PCGS, its quality is unquestionable. The story is then elevated to an unprecedented level by the signature of Stephanie Sabin, the former President of PCGS. This is a powerful trifecta of collectability: a perfect bullion coin from a historic year, signed by the head of the company that graded it.
A Timeless American Design in Silver
This coin brings one of America's most cherished numismatic designs to life in .999 fine silver. The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman's magnificent Walking Liberty, striding gracefully toward the sunrise, draped in the American flag. The reverse showcases John Mercanti’s commanding Heraldic Eagle, featuring a shield, arrows, an olive branch, and 13 stars representing the original colonies. The flawless MS70 grade and brilliant, satin-like luster ensure that every sharp detail of the artists' original visions is preserved in its ultimate form.
Why Collect This Coin?
The appeal of this coin lies in its powerful and unique combination of history, investment appeal, provenance, and an unparalleled endorsement. It’s not simply a 1986 Silver Eagle; it is a perfect specimen with a story that cannot be matched. It combines three powerful pillars:
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A Perfect Coin: A flawless MS70 grade on the historic first-year silver bullion issue.
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A Perfect Story: The "Inaugural Year" coin that launched America's most popular silver series.
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A Perfect Signature: The former President of PCGS, Stephanie Sabin.
Detailed Overview
Introduction to the Coin: Authorized by the Liberty Coin Act of 1985, the American Silver Eagle program launched in 1986. The Mint State version, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, was designed to satisfy the massive global demand for a trusted, government-backed silver bullion coin. It was an immediate success and remains the world's leading silver investment coin.
The Significance of the autograph: Stephanie Sabin served as President of PCGS, one of the world's leading third-party coin grading services. Her role placed her at the apex of the coin certification industry. Her authentic, hand-signed autograph on a PCGS holder is the ultimate endorsement of that coin's quality and authenticity, creating a unique collectible that bridges the gap between the U.S. Mint and the service that guarantees its perfection.