2017 Silver Eagle NGC MS70 Early Releases

In the annals of American numismatic history, few coins have captured the imagination of collectors and investors quite like the American Silver Eagle. The 2017 edition of this iconic series stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of American coinage, embodying both artistic excellence and financial prudence. As the nation grappled with political shifts and economic uncertainties, the Silver Eagle remained a beacon of stability, its gleaming surface a canvas for the ideals that have long defined the American spirit.

The year 2017 marked a pivotal moment in the coin's history, as the United States Mint made the unprecedented decision to strike uncirculated American Eagle Silver Dollars at three different mints: Philadelphia, San Francisco, and West Point. This decision, shrouded in mystery at the time, sent ripples through the numismatic community. Collectors and investors alike found themselves on a thrilling hunt, as these "Mystery Mint" coins left their respective facilities without mint marks, their origins discernible only by the serial numbers on their sealed monster boxes.

This air of intrigue surrounding the 2017 Silver Eagles harkens back to the coin's inception in 1986. Born out of the Strategic Silver Reserve depletion of the 1970s and early 1980s, the American Silver Eagle program was designed to sell off excess silver from the national stockpile. What began as a practical solution soon blossomed into a beloved numismatic tradition, with each year's release eagerly anticipated by collectors worldwide.

The 2017 Silver Eagle carries forward the rich symbolism that has made this series a cornerstone of American numismatics. Its design is a bridge between past and present, featuring Adolph A. Weinman's iconic "Walking Liberty" on the obverse – a design first introduced on the half dollar in 1916. This enduring image of Lady Liberty, draped in the Stars and Stripes and striding confidently towards the dawn, continues to resonate with collectors as a powerful embodiment of American optimism and progress.

Yet, it is not just the artistry that makes the 2017 Silver Eagle a coveted piece. The coin's perfect MS70 grade, as certified by NGC, speaks to its flawless condition – a testament to the United States Mint's commitment to excellence. This pristine state, combined with the Early Releases designation, adds a layer of exclusivity that discerning collectors prize. It represents not just a coin, but a moment in time captured in silver, a slice of American history preserved in its purest form.

As we delve deeper into the significance of this particular issue, we find a coin that stands at the intersection of art, history, and investment. The 2017 Silver Eagle is more than just a bullion coin; it is a tangible connection to America's numismatic heritage, a piece that tells the story of a nation's ideals and aspirations through the language of silver and artistry.

Design Features

The obverse of the 2017 Silver Eagle showcases Adolph A. Weinman's breathtaking "Walking Liberty" design, a masterpiece of American numismatic art. Lady Liberty is depicted in full stride, her figure draped in the folds of the American flag as she moves towards the rising sun. Her right arm is outstretched, bearing olive branches – symbols of peace and prosperity. The morning sky is alive with detail, rays of sunlight piercing through as if to herald a new dawn for the nation. The word "LIBERTY" arches prominently above, while the phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST" is nestled to the right. The year "2017" is proudly displayed at the bottom, anchoring this timeless design in its specific moment in history.

On the reverse, we find John Mercanti's heraldic eagle, a powerful symbol of American strength and unity. The eagle, with wings spread wide, clutches an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left – a visual representation of the United States' desire for peace but readiness for defense. Above the eagle's head, 13 stars are arranged in an inverted triangle, representing the original colonies and their unity. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "1 OZ. FINE SILVER~ONE DOLLAR" encircle the design, affirming the coin's origin and specifications. The motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is proudly displayed on a banner held in the eagle's beak, a reminder of the nation's founding principle: out of many, one.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.999
• Weight: 1 oz
• Grade: MS70 – Mint State Perfect
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Grading Service: NGC
• Obverse: Adolph A. Weinman's "Walking Liberty" design
• Reverse: John Mercanti's heraldic eagle design

Investment Appeal

The 2017 Silver Eagle NGC MS70 Early Releases stands as a paragon of numismatic excellence, offering a compelling proposition for both collectors and investors. Its perfect MS70 grade ensures that each detail of the iconic design is preserved in immaculate condition, making it a true piece of American art. The Early Releases designation adds an extra layer of exclusivity, signifying that these coins were among the first to be struck and certified.

For investors, the coin's 1 oz of 99.9% pure silver provides a tangible asset with intrinsic value, serving as a hedge against economic uncertainty. The American Silver Eagle's global recognition ensures liquidity, while its limited mintage and perfect grade suggest potential for appreciation over time. Moreover, the coin's historical significance and artistic merit transcend its material value, offering a unique blend of cultural and financial investment.

Collectors will appreciate the 2017 Silver Eagle as a pivotal piece in the series' history, representing a year of mystery and excitement in American coinage. Its flawless condition preserves a moment of numismatic intrigue, making it a must-have for enthusiasts of modern U.S. coins. As a testament to American craftsmanship and a bridge between numismatic tradition and contemporary collecting, this Silver Eagle is more than just a coin – it's a piece of history you can hold in your hand.