The Silver American Eagle is currently the world’s most popular silver coins, but in 1988 it was a young player in the market and just beginning to show signs of promise in the future. Originally available in bullion and proof only, the latter was aimed at collectors. The 1988-S Proof Silver American Eagle is available now in perfect condition on Silver.com.
Coin Highlights:
- There are just 1,416 coins available with this grade!
- Third release of the Proof Silver American Eagle!
- Ships in a plastic slab to protect the coin’s condition.
- Consists of one troy ounce of .999 fine silver.
- Face value of $1 (USD) is fully backed by the US government.
- Graded PR70 by the Professional Coin Grading Service.
- Features a Deep-cameo finish.
- “S” mint mark from the San Francisco Mint.
After two impressive production years in 1986 and 1987, excitement and demand for the proof version of the nation’s official coin sank significantly. Modern proof coins often see their highest mintage levels in the early years of production as collectors covet the first releases.
This was evident in the production of the proof Silver Eagle in 1986 and 1987, with figures reaching 1.4 million and 904,000, respectively. For 1988, mintage for proof Silver American Eagle coins was cut almost in half, coming in at 557,000 coins for the year. 1986 remains the highest proof mintage year in history of the program, with only two other years surpassing 1987’s total.
Each of the 1988 Proof Silver American Eagles in this listing is considered a perfect specimen by the PCGS. PR70 coins exhibit full, original mint luster and lack any type of detracting flaws on the surfaces.
Deep-cameo, or DCAM, coins have a unique finish that gives the design set the appearance of floating above the surface of the coin. This is achieved through a combination of matte finishes on the design and a deeply-mirrored, clear background field.
On the obverse you’ll find the iconic Walking Liberty design from Adolph A. Weinman. The reverse features the heraldic eagle of the United States, refined by John Mercanti for use on this coin.
Please feel free to contact Silver.com with any questions by calling us at 888-989-7223, chatting with us live online through our free chat service, or by sending us an email.
