1986 $1 American Silver Eagle – Obverse & Reverse Struck Thru Mint Error | NGC MS68
The 1986 American Silver Eagle Struck Thru Error is an exceptionally rare and eye-catching mint error from the very first year of the U.S. Mint’s Silver Eagle bullion program. Certified NGC MS68, this coin features struck thru damage on both the obverse and reverse, making it one of the most dramatic and desirable errors known for this series.
You can view the 1986 American Silver Eagle Struck Thru Error – NGC MS68 here.
🦅 The Launch of a Numismatic Icon
Introduced in 1986, the American Silver Eagle quickly became the most popular silver bullion coin in the world. Each coin contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and features Adolph A. Weinman’s classic Walking Liberty design on the obverse and a heraldic eagle by John Mercanti on the reverse.
While millions of Silver Eagles have been struck since 1986, mint errors—especially from the first year—are extremely uncommon. That makes this struck thru mint error from the inaugural issue all the more important.
🔍 What Is a Struck Thru Error?
A struck thru error occurs when a foreign object—such as grease, cloth, or debris—gets between the die and the planchet during striking. The result is a distorted or incomplete design in the affected area. While minor struck thru errors can be hard to spot, this coin shows the error clearly on both sides, making it a dramatic example.
To have a dual-sided struck thru error, and on a first-year Silver Eagle, is nearly unheard of—especially in such high grade.
📌 Coin Specifications
- Country: United States
- Year: 1986
- Series: American Silver Eagle
- Denomination: $1
- Metal: .999 Fine Silver
- Weight: 31.1 grams / 1 troy oz
- Diameter: 40.6 mm
- Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)
- Error Type: Obverse & Reverse Struck Thru
- Grade: NGC MS68
💎 Why This Coin Is So Desirable
This particular 1986 American Silver Eagle Struck Thru Error offers collectors a rare combination of features:
- First-year-of-issue
- Dual-sided mint error (obverse & reverse)
- High MS68 grade from NGC
- Strong visual appeal and strike clarity
- Silver Eagle series popularity
Certified errors from 1986 are rare, and very few show errors on both sides. Even fewer have survived in Mint State 68 condition, making this a premium-level acquisition.
🌍 Who Collects This Coin?
This error coin is especially appealing to:
- Silver Eagle series collectors
- U.S. Mint error specialists
- High-grade modern coin investors
- Collectors focused on first-year issues
- Numismatists seeking unusual and dramatic pieces
Due to its bold error and exceptional grade, this coin is considered expensive and highly desirable.
📈 Market and Rarity Outlook
With demand for American Silver Eagles remaining strong, certified first-year errors like this one continue to climb in desirability. Most error Silver Eagles seen on the market are minor; very few display errors this dramatic and on both sides.
This coin combines modern relevance, silver bullion value, and numismatic scarcity—making it an excellent long-term hold for advanced collectors.
🔚 Final Thoughts
The 1986 American Silver Eagle Struck Thru Error stands as one of the most fascinating and collectible pieces in the series. As a first-year issue with errors on both the obverse and reverse, and graded a sharp MS68 by NGC, it commands attention for both rarity and visual drama.
🔗 Click here to view or acquire the 1986 American Silver Eagle Struck Thru Error – NGC MS68