American Silver Eagle coin production has advanced and retreated over the course of its 30-year history. One of the most stable stretches in the program’s 30-year run came in the first 10 years of production stretching to 1995. Today, the 1988-S Proof American Silver Eagle Coin is available for purchase with a commemorative display box and Certificate of Authenticity through JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Total proof mintage in 1988 of just 557,370 coins.
- 3rd annual American Silver Eagle.
- Ships in a commemorative box with a Certificate of Authenticity.
- Contains 1 oz of .999 fine silver.
- Face value of $1 (USD) is fully backed by the US government.
- Includes the “S” mint mark from the San Francisco Mint.
American Silver Eagle coins debuted in 1986 with passage of the Liberty Coin Act of 1985. The congressional bill allowed the United States Mint and Treasury Department access to the National Defense Stockpile of silver for the production of an official silver bullion coin for the federal government.
The first few years of the American Silver Eagle program saw relatively steady mintage numbers, with the exception of a one-time spike in 1987. Between 1986 and 1995, mintage for the entire silver program averaged 6.7 million coins annually, with a high of 12.3 million and a low of 4.5 million.
These 1988-S Proof American Silver Eagles represent one of the lowest mintage years in the entire proof program. With a total of just 557,370 coins struck this year in proof, 1988 is one of the bottom-ten production years in the coin’s 30-year history and was down almost 1 million coins from the introductory 1986 coin.
On the reverse face of the coin is the heraldic eagle of the United States, as created by John Mercanti. The design features a bald eagle set behind the national shield, with arrows in one talon symbolizing a readiness for war, while the olive branch in the other symbolizes a desire for peace.
The obverse brings the return of Walking Liberty to an American coin. Created in 1916 by Adolph A. Weinman for the nation’s half-dollar coin, which would go on to bear the name Walking Liberty Half Dollar, this image is considered one of the two finest ever made in American history.
If you have questions, JM Bullion associates have answers. You can reach us on the phone at 800-276-6508, online using our live chat, and via email address.