Description
Why purchase this $1 American 2020-W 1 oz Proof West Point Silver Eagle?
In 1986, the US Mint introduced the Silver Eagle Series to the world. It included both business strikes and proofs. Now in its 35th year, the series continues to attract the interest of collectors from throughout the world. This is largely due to its combination of the work of a legend from American numismatic history, Adolph Weinman, and a living legend, John Mercanti. Like its bullion counterpart, this coin was struck from 1 oz of .999 fine silver. Unlike the bullion version, it has a proof finish and bears a mint mark, the “W” of the West Point Mint.
Featuring the Exquisite Walking Liberty Design of Adolph Weinman
The coin’s obverse design comes from Adolph Weinman’s Walking LIberty half dollar, which was issued from 1916-1947. Liberty strides confidently to the left side of the coin draped in the American flag. On her head is a Phrygian cap, which indicates that she is a freed slave. She extends her right hand in front of her above the rising sun while bearing laurel and oak branches in her left hand. The laurel branches represent honors bestowed upon civilians, while the oak branches represent those bestowed upon members of the military. Obverse inscriptions include “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2020.”
John Mercanti, then future US Mint Chief Engraver, designed the reverse. Modeling it off of the Great Seal of the United States, he put thirteen five-pointed stars at the top and an eagle guarding a union shield below. The stars symbolize the original states. In its talons, the bird holds arrows, a reminder to all that America is willing to defend her values when necessary, and an olive branch, which expresses a preference for peace. The bird also holds a ribbon with the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” in its beak. This design is encircled by three rim inscriptions, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “1 OZ. FINE SILVER,” and “ONE DOLLAR.”
Perfect PF70 UC
The experts at Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) graded this piece Proof 70. That means that it appears perfect even under 5x magnification. They also credited it for exhibiting particularly sharp contrasts between heavily frosted devices and deeply mirrored fields by certifying it Ultra Cameo.