1986-S American Silver Eagle $1 NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo First Year of Issue

The 1986-S American Silver Eagle Proof, graded NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo, represents the very first year of issue for one of the most collected modern U. S. coins. Authorized by the Liberty Coin Act of 1985 and first struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1986, the American Silver Eagle proof program quickly became a cornerstone of American numismatics. This example carries NGC's PF 69 Ultra Cameo designation, reflecting cameo-contrast surfaces with fully frosted raised devices set against deep, glassy mirror fields — just one grade point below a perfect PF 70. The obverse showcases Adolph A. Weinman's Walking Liberty motif, originally introduced on the 1916 half dollar and widely regarded as one of the most beautiful designs in U. S. coinage history. The reverse, engraved by John Mercanti, features a heraldic bald eagle with a shield on its breast, clutching an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by thirteen stars. The coin is struck from 1 troy oz of 0. 999 fine silver with a $1 face value. Housed in NGC's secure, sonically sealed slab bearing the distinctive green "First Year of Issue" label, this piece is a landmark acquisition for any serious collector of modern U. S. proof coinage.