1988 $1 Silver Eagle – Mint Error MS69 "Reverse Struck-Thru," John Mercanti Signed
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Major Mint Error: A genuine and distinct 'Reverse Struck-Thru' mint error on the coin's reverse, officially certified by NGC.
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Designer's Autograph: Personally hand-signed by John M. Mercanti, the 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint and the designer of this coin's iconic Heraldic Eagle reverse.
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Key Early Date: A highly sought-after coin from 1988, one of the first few years of the legendary American Silver Eagle program.
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Superb Grade: Graded a superb Mint State 69 (MS69) by NGC, preserving this rare combination of features in near-perfect condition.
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A Truly Unique Collectible: An exceptional artifact combining a key early date, a major production error, and the signature of its legendary creator.
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Precious Metal Content: Struck in one full troy ounce of .999 fine silver, the trusted standard of America's premier silver bullion coin.
A Trifecta of Modern Rarity
Elevate your collection with a coin that represents a "perfect storm" of numismatic rarity: the 1988 "Reverse Struck-Thru" American Silver Eagle, signed by its designer, John Mercanti. It is nearly impossible to find a coin that checks more boxes for the advanced collector. It begins as a key early-date 1988 Silver Eagle. It is then dramatically transformed by a major mint error. Finally, it is personally autographed by the very artist who designed the side of the coin where the error occurred. Preserved in superb MS69 condition, this coin is not just a treasure; it's a multi-layered story of history, artistry, and pure chance.
Exquisite Design
This coin features the classic American Silver Eagle designs, but with a dramatic flaw and a legendary signature that elevate it to an entirely new level.
Obverse: The obverse showcases Adolph A. Weinman’s timeless "Walking Liberty" design. Lady Liberty strides confidently toward the dawn, her iconic figure rendered in sharp, lustrous detail, just as it appeared in the program's early years.
Reverse: The reverse features the powerful Heraldic Eagle design created by John M. Mercanti. This is the centerpiece of this coin's incredible story. The iconic design is permanently and uniquely altered by the "Struck-Thru" error, and the holder containing it is autographed by Mercanti himself, creating an unbroken link between the artist, his art, and the unique error that makes this coin one-of-a-kind.
Why Collect This Coin?
The case for this coin’s elite status is undeniable. It achieves an incredible trifecta of collector appeal: a Major Error, a Key Early Date, and a Designer's Signature. The certified "Struck-Thru" error makes it a unique specimen. Its 1988 date places it in the foundational era of the Silver Eagle program, a period highly sought after by collectors. The John Mercanti signature provides a direct, personal link to the coin's creation. Finding all three attributes on a single high-grade coin is extraordinary.
Detailed Overview
Introduction to the Coin As an early issue in the American Silver Eagle series, the 1988 coin is a cornerstone of any complete collection. The discovery of a genuine mint error on a high-grade example from this year is a significant event. The addition of a signature from its designer, John Mercanti, elevates it from a rare error into a singular and historic artifact.
Artistic and Design Elements
The "Walking liberty" obverse is a celebrated icon of American coinage. The Heraldic Eagle reverse is a powerful symbol of American strength, and its designer, John Mercanti, went on to become the U.S. Mint's 12th Chief Engraver. This coin embodies his most famous work, making his signature on the holder particularly meaningful. The error itself adds a fascinating, chaotic element to the intended artistic perfection.
Unique Collectible Features This coin’s elite status is built on a clear and powerful convergence of rarity.
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It begins as a key early-date 1988 American Silver Eagle.
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It is then transformed by a Major "Reverse Struck-Thru" Mint Error, making it a fundamentally unique item.
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It is preserved for history in superb MS69 condition by NGC.
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The final, and most exclusive feature, is the hand-signed autograph of its reverse designer, John M. Mercanti.
Packaging and Presentation
The coin is sonically sealed in a durable NGC holder to permanently protect its condition. The holder’s label officially certifies its MS69 grade, the unique "Reverse Struck-Thru" Mint Error, and prominently displays the authentic, hand-signed autograph of John M. Mercanti.
