1987-S Proof Silver Eagle with Box & COA

In the mid-1980s, as the United States navigated economic recovery and sought new ways to honor national heritage, Congress authorized the Liberty Coin Act—a landmark piece of legislation that would give rise to a modern American classic: the Silver Eagle. The imagery chosen for this new coin program was far from coincidental. Embracing Adolph A. Weinman’s iconic “Walking Liberty,” first introduced in 1916, the U.S. Mint revived an image that had graced American half dollars during turbulent times, including two world wars and the Great Depression. This revival was more than nostalgia; it was a declaration that liberty, hope, and resilience are timeless American virtues.

When the 1987-S Proof Silver Eagle was released, it marked only the second year of this celebrated bullion series—yet it already carried the weight of tradition. Struck at the legendary San Francisco Mint, the coin was crafted not just as currency, but as a testament to American artistry and ambition. Each proof coin, deeply mirrored and sharply defined, reflects the craftsmanship born in one of America’s most storied mints—a nod to a legacy that stretches back to the Gold Rush and the Gilded Age.

The Silver Eagle’s motifs speak in a visual language understood by generations. On the obverse, Liberty strides confidently towards the dawn, pressing onward beneath the folds of the American flag, while her arm outstretched offers olive branches of peace. This evocative scene, inspired by the ideals of ancient Greece and Rome, became a symbol of America’s 20th-century resurgence. On the reverse, John Mercanti’s heraldic eagle clutches both arrows and an olive branch, a dual reminder of the nation’s readiness for peace and defense.

Released amid changing tides in global silver markets, the 1987-S Proof Silver Eagle also emerged as an emblem of economic policy. The program itself was born from the need to responsibly allocate the government’s vast silver reserves, but it quickly became a touchstone for collectors and investors who sought stability in precious metals. The coin’s government-backed guarantee of weight and purity cemented its reputation, drawing both seasoned numismatists and new enthusiasts into its expanding orbit.

More than a keepsake, each 1987-S Proof Silver Eagle is a story—of art and legislation, of American ideals and international finance. It stands as a modern relic, bridging the gap between the rich heritage of early 20th-century coinage and the globalized investment strategies of today’s bullion market. For numismatists, it offers not just silver, but a deeply reflective piece of national narrative.

Design Features

The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman’s celebrated “Walking Liberty,” originally designed for the half dollar in 1916. Liberty strides forward toward the sun, draped in the American flag, her right arm extended in a gesture of hope while her left hand cradles laurel and oak—emblems of peace and civic strength. Inscriptions include “LIBERTY,” the year “1987,” and the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Weinman’s design, inspired by classical sculpture, is revered for its sense of movement and the idealism it conveys, making it one of the most beloved motifs in American numismatics.

On the reverse, John Mercanti’s original design showcases a heraldic eagle with shield, wings outspread, grasping an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left—a compelling statement of readiness and peace. Above the eagle, thirteen stars represent the original colonies. The inscriptions encircle the rim, reading “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “1 OZ. FINE SILVER~ONE DOLLAR,” and the mint mark “S” beneath the eagle’s tail, confirming its San Francisco heritage. Mercanti’s composition echoes traditional American iconography, lending the coin an enduring gravitas and patriotic appeal.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – No Hedge
• Purity: 0.999
• Weight: 1 oz
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: S – San Francisco
• IRA Eligible: Yes
• Obverse: Features the historic “Walking Liberty” design by Adolph A. Weinman, with Liberty advancing beneath the American flag toward the rising sun.
• Reverse: Displays John Mercanti’s heraldic eagle with shield, arrows, olive branch, and a cluster of thirteen stars above.

Investment Appeal

The 1987-S Proof Silver Eagle stands at the intersection of beauty, history, and tangible value. Struck from one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, it offers unmatched liquidity and market recognition among bullion coins worldwide. The San Francisco “S” mint mark and proof finish add a layer of exclusivity sought after by discerning collectors.

Its eligibility for precious metal IRAs increases its utility as a portfolio diversifier, while its design lineage—uniting master engravers Weinman and Mercanti—ensures lasting demand among numismatists. The steadfast popularity of the Silver Eagle series, along with the government guarantee and rich narrative, position this coin as both a collectible treasure and a secure investment in America’s precious metals legacy.