1997 $1 Silver Eagle – Mint Error MS69 "Obverse Struck-Thru"
-
Major Mint Error: A genuine and distinct 'Obverse Struck-Thru' mint error on the coin's obverse, officially certified by NGC.
-
Vintage 1990s Issue: A sought-after coin from 1997, representing the popular mid-to-late 1990s era of the American Silver Eagle program.
-
Superb Grade: Graded a superb Mint State 69 (MS69) by NGC, preserving this unique error and vintage date coin in near-perfect condition.
-
Iconic American Designs: Features Adolph A. Weinman's 'Walking Liberty' obverse and John Mercanti’s original 'Heraldic Eagle' reverse.
-
A Truly Unique Collectible: An exceptional artifact combining a vintage 1990s date with a major, visible production error that escaped the U.S. Mint.
-
Precious Metal Content: Struck in one full troy ounce of .999 fine silver, the trusted standard of America's premier silver bullion coin.
A Vintage Flaw from the U.S. Mint
Elevate your collection with a unique snapshot of a mistake made at the U.S. Mint over a quarter-century ago: the 1997 "Obverse Struck-Thru" American Silver Eagle. While millions of Silver Eagles were struck in 1997, only an infinitesimal number were created with a discernible error, and even fewer survived the minting process to be discovered and certified. This specimen is a true survivor. It combines the classic design of a vintage-date Silver Eagle with a dramatic, visible mint error, transforming it from a standard bullion coin into a one-of-a-kind numismatic treasure. Preserved in superb MS69 condition, this coin is a tangible piece of the chaotic, high-pressure environment inside the United States Mint.
Exquisite Design
This coin features the classic American Silver Eagle designs, but with a dramatic flaw that makes it a unique specimen.
Obverse: The obverse showcases Adolph A. Weinman’s timeless "Walking Liberty" design. On this specific coin, this universally beloved image is permanently and uniquely altered by the "Struck-Thru" error. An imprint from foreign material caught between the die and the coin blank during the strike provides a fascinating and visible flaw on Lady Liberty's iconic figure.
Reverse: The reverse features the powerful Heraldic Eagle design created by the legendary John Mercanti. The design, with its thirteen stars representing the original colonies, is perfectly preserved, creating a stark contrast to the unique error on the obverse.
Why Collect This Coin?
The case for this coin’s elite status is undeniable. It achieves a powerful trifecta of collector appeal: a Major Error, a Vintage Date, and a High Grade. The certified "Struck-Thru" error makes it a unique specimen unlike any other. Its 1997 date places it in a popular and collectible era of the Silver Eagle program. Finally, the superb MS69 grade confirms its excellent state of preservation for more than 25 years.
Detailed Overview
Introduction to the Coin Finding certified, high-grade mint errors from the 1990s is exceptionally difficult, as quality control and recycling processes at the Mint have always been stringent. This coin is a rare exception that made it into the wild, offering a fascinating glimpse into the minting process. For specialists who appreciate the unique story that only an error coin can tell, this piece is a prized discovery.
Artistic and Design Elements
The "Walking Liberty" obverse is a celebrated icon of American coinage, symbolizing freedom and progress. The Heraldic Eagle reverse is a powerful symbol of American strength. The artistic element of this specific coin is twofold: the intended artistry of the classic designs and the unintended "art" of the mint error. The Obverse Struck-Thru error provides a tangible and fascinating accent to the coin’s classic aesthetic.
Unique Collectible Features
This coin’s elite status is built on a clear convergence of rarity.
-
It begins as a vintage 1997 American Silver Eagle.
-
It is then transformed by a Major "Obverse Struck-Thru" Mint Error, making it a fundamentally unique item with a potential population of one.
-
Finally, it is preserved for history in superb MS69 condition by NGC.
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 and the unique "Obverse Struck-Thru" Mint Error, guaranteeing its authenticity and status as a genuine U.S. Mint error coin.
