1987 Proof Silver American Eagle - 1 Troy Oz .999 Pure

1987 Proof American Silver Eagle

On July 9, 1985, U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed the Liberty Coin Act (Title II of Public Law 99-61) officially authorizing the American Silver Eagle bullion program. This sparked renewed interest and appreciation for US Mint silver bullion coins around the world. One year after the signing of this act, on October 29, 1986, the first American Silver Eagle bullion coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint.

This collectible one Troy ounce silver bullion coin has a face value of one US dollar but draws a much higher price tag for its actual fine silver melt value and potential numismatic value.

For investors and collectors who are more interested in the financial security that comes with stacking silver, the bullion coin versions of the American Silver Eagles are the better choice. Investing in silver is a great way to build a personal store of value, hedge against inflation, and maintain wealth. When buying or selling American Silver Eagle bullion coins, because they are predominantly priced for their silver content making it easier to sell later, they are considered liquid. This liquidity suggests an American Silver Eagle bullion coin can sell fairly easily on the secondary market.

However, overall American Silver Eagles tend to have higher premiums, or standard business costs, including directly from the US Mint. If a person is keen on silver stacking while maximizing return on investment, purchasing silver bars, silver ingots, silver rounds, or junk silver are better investment portfolio choices.

For those who are interested in the numismatic coin-collecting aspects of American Silver Eagles, burnished and proof versions of these coins are usually the best option. With a proof American Silver Eagle bullion coin, an investor will pay a higher premium for a superior coin specimen but they are also more likely to have greater returns than a bullion version at a later date as long as they can find a reputable buyer.

​ The 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin holds a special place in the hearts of numismatists and collectors. This commemorative edition, part of a limited mintage, showcases the finest craftsmanship in the world of numismatics. Numismatologists and numismatological enthusiasts appreciate the numismatic value of this exquisite coin. Its design, inspired by Adolph A. Weinman's Liberty Walking imagery, reflects both artistry and history. With its mirror-like finish and sharp details, this proof coin is a testament to the numismatist's passion for preserving and studying the rich tapestry of American coinage. It is a prized addition to any numismatologist's collection, embodying the essence of numismatology.

Numismatologies encompass a wide range of research areas within the field of coin study, while they prize coins such as the Proof American Silver Eagle coin. Numismatologists often delve into the historical and cultural context of coins, examining their role in various civilizations. These numismatologicals contribute valuable insights to our understanding of physical monetary systems and the societies that produced these coins.

The American Silver Eagle proof coin is one of the finest coins recognized and cherished around the world. It is common to also refer to this coin as the Silver American Eagle Proof coin. What immediately sets it apart from other American Silver Eagles is the special care and processing required to produce such a special coin.

What is a Proof Coin?

Proof coins are typically the shiniest, have the most detail, sharpest edges, mirror-like finish, and most defined characteristics when compared to other coins. Proof coins are usually hand-pressed individually, requiring several strikes - estimated 3 to 6 strikes - per coin. Mints usually make fewer proof coins, and proof sets, than other coins. Proof coins are never intended for circulation even if they have a face value. Proof coins, and proof sets, are usually sold in fancy expensive protective packaging that increases the overall price, such as special cases, boxes, tubes, or capsules.

A proof coin costs more to make and is thus more to buy than other precious metal coinage. You can always expect to pay higher prices and premiums, i.e. the standard company overhead costs, with proof coins than other coins. Numismatists regularly sell proof coins as being “rare,” “collectible,” and “extremely valuable.” When graded, proof coins typically have the initials PR or PF that indicate their proof grading status.

Before 1995, all Silver American Eagle Proof coins were minted at the San Francisco Mint, and are given the mintmark S which indicates the origin and the proof condition of the coin. From 1995 onward, proof American Silver Eagles are minted at the West Point Mint and are given the mintmark W located on the reverse side (tails or back) of the coin. West Point became an official mint in 1988.

Design of a 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof Coin

The iconic Liberty Walking imagery used on the obverse side (heads or front) of the 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin was originally designed by US Mint coin designer Adolph A. Weinman. His design was originally used for the obverse side of the Walking Liberty silver half dollar (USD fifty cents; $0.50) from 1916 to 1947. With the signing of the Liberty Coin Act of 1985, there became a revival of this neoclassical American design that has continued to be appreciated since.

On the front of the 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin is the famous Lady Liberty walking from the right side of the coin to the left side of the coin. She wears on her head a Phrygian cap which symbolizes freedom or liberty. Her hair is mostly covered by the cap on her head. Her long flowing gown blows in the wind from behind her, and the dress itself looks as though it is made from the United States of America flag. Her walking feet are adorned in classic Roman-style sandals or footwear.

In her left hand, which is to the right of the coin, she holds laurel branches and oak branches. Laurel branches symbolize civil glory, while oak branches symbolize military glory. With her left leg forward she walks towards the sun which is partially behind a mountain on the bottom left side of the coin. The sun is emitting 13 sun rays which symbolize the thirteen founding colonies of the United States (U.S.). At the bottom of the coin is the year - in this case 1987. To the right of her right leg is the motto “In God We Trust.”

Close to the fin or edge of the coin, while still on the obverse side, starting around the 9 o’clock position to the 3 o’clock position of the coin, the word LIBERTY is displayed, while Lady Liberty gracefully and subtly walks in front of parts of the lettering.

The reverse side design of the prized 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin was originally designed by US Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti. This design, sometimes referred to as the Type-1 design (Type-2 design by Emily S. Damstra was not released until late 2021), is Mercanti’s artistic depiction of the Great Seal of the United States, commonly referred to as the heraldic eagle. This triumphant design is that of an American bald eagle with its wings spread as the eagle peers to the left of the coin. In the beak of the eagle is a banner that says “E. Pluribus Unum.”

The eagle’s torso is hidden behind a Liberty Shield. The eagle carries important symbolic items in its talons - in its right talon (on the left side of the coin) it holds an olive branch with 13 leaves symbolizing peace originally provided by the founding colonies, and in its left talon (on the right side of the coin) it grasps 6 arrows symbolizing military power and war.

The left underside of the olive branch is where the mint mark is located. For a 1987 American Silver Eagle proof coin, the letter S suggests it was minted at the San Francisco Mint and that it is a silver proof coin. To the right under side of the arrows is where the reverse side artist’s initials are located. For a 1987 American Silver Eagle proof coin, the initials JM confirm the design and its designer, giving another nod to the coin’s genuineness.

Above the head of the American bald eagle is a nabla made of 13 5-pointed stars symbolizing the original thirteen colonies.

From left to right around the 9 o’clock position to the 3 o’clock position of the top of the coin on this reverse side are the words “United States of America.” From left to right of the bottom of the coin are the words “1 oz. Fine Silver ~ One Dollar”

Specifications for the 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof Coin

The 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin has the same specifications as other American Silver Eagles except that it is given a fine proof finish, uncirculated, and kept protected in safe packaging. There were 904,732 coins minted in the 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof design which is higher than many other years of American Silver Eagle proof coins.

The composition of the 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin is .999 fine silver (three nines fine), or 99.9% pure silver, with the remaining .001 (0.1%) made of copper alloy. Since this US Mint coin has a minimum of .999 fine silver, it does qualify for storage in a self-directed precious metals Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

The weight of the 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin is 31.103 grams or about 1 Troy ounce (1 oz t).

The diameter of the 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin is 40.6 mm, which is just shy of 1.6 inches.

The edges of the 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coins are reeded.

Storing a 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof Coin

When storing your 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin it is important to keep it protected from potential damage, loss, or theft. One added benefit of this special proof coin is that it comes in protective original government packaging (OGP) and comes with a Certificate Of Authenticity (COA). The proof coin is kept safe from physical damage in this special protective packaging, and with the COA it makes it easier to verify and sell on the secondary market

Options for storing your silver proof coin may include storage in a home safe, storing in a bank safe deposit box, storing in a vault, or storing in a depository such as the Money Metals Depository.

The Money Metals Depository is often the safest and most cost-effective way of storing your 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coins.

Buying a 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof Coin

When buying a 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin there are a few important things to keep in mind.

Before buying silver coins, silver bars, silver ingots, or any precious metal items (i.e. silver, gold, platinum, palladium, rhodium, etc.), it is important to know that day’s spot price for the respective metal - in this case, the silver spot price of the day. This will provide you with a good indicator of how much one Troy ounce of silver currently costs.

After you know the silver spot price, it is then important to research the average asking price for a 1987 American Silver Eagle proof coin. When looking at the price, be sure that it is first with a reputable dealer - do not buy a 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin from an unrecognized seller, whether on a popular auction website or elsewhere.

When researching the price of a 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin, a reputable dealer will remain transparent by displaying the spot price, the premiums, and the price per piece with discounts in bulk purchases. Different companies and websites will likely have somewhat different premiums, but relatively the same.

Selling a 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof Coin

When selling a 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin it is equally important to know that day’s silver spot price, as well as the average premium charged for that proof coin.

Once you have conducted your research, and you’re ready to sell, it is important to only sell to reputable dealers to ensure you receive a swift payment once the company receives and verifies your genuine 1987 American Silver Eagle proof coin. Far too often there are horror stories of people sending their precious metal items to an unknown, unverified, unreputable entity that keeps the metals but never sends payment, or the payment takes an extremely long time to be received. Keep in mind that many dealers will also have a waiting period and a selling price minimum such as $1000 before they will buy the precious metal items from you.

Money Metals Exchange does not have a minimum selling price, so when we say we will buy the item from you it can be for any amount but you will be made fully aware of that amount before you send your metal item(s). Money Metals Exchange lists the sell-to-us price on most product pages and you can call in directly Mon-Sat during normal business hours to speak with one of our customer service representatives at our phone number:

1-800-800-1865

Money Metals Exchange has been in business since 2010 and has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has received thousands of 5-star reviews from satisfied customers all over the United States. Money Metals has been awarded the prestigious title of Best Overall Precious Metals Dealer by Investopedia multiple years in a row.

If you have any questions (FAQ) about the 1987 American Silver Eagle Proof coin, another year of the proof coin, an American Eagle proof set, a gold American Eagle coin, silver bullion coins, storing your precious metal items in the Money Metals Depository, prices, buying or selling to Money Metals, payment method, shipping, insurance, delivery, or anything else, give us a call:

1-800-800-1865

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We are buying this item back daily, and we pay you promptly!

Our current buy pricing is $44.73 each and we will buy up to 20 at this price. Simply call us on any weekday to lock pricing at 1-800-800-1865.

Learn more about the process for selling to us here.