The American Silver Eagle & John M. Mercanti

Posted by Derek Sawchenko on

The 1986 to 2000-S American Silver Eagle Proof 70 DCAM with the John M. Mercanti Signed Label is available for purchase. The population number of coins, in PR 70 Deep Cameo with Mercanti’s signature, is low. (*Population numbers are listed below.)

            John Mercanti is a designer and sculptor who designed the reverse side of the coin. He served as the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint for 37 years until he retired in 2010. The well-known and famous engraver had designed hundreds of coins and medals during his time as Chief Engraver. His designs include the Congress Bicentennial Gold Coin (1989) – obverse side, Pennsylvania State Quarter (1999) – reverse side, Iowa State Quarter (2004) – reverse side, and many others. He left a lasting impact on the way coins are engraved in the modern day; he was one the first to use computer and art software to design coins.

            The American Silver Eagle coin was first minted in 1986. The obverse and reverse sides of the coin depict the beautiful images of Liberty Walking and the heraldic eagle respectively. Both are patriotic and national symbols of U.S. freedom. Adolph A. Weiman designed the obverse side of the coin in 1916; the design was originally used on Walking Liberty Half Dollar, and later used again on the American Silver Eagle. J. Mercanti won a coin design competition to design the reverse side of the American Silver Eagle. The United States Treasury approved his design in 1986; it was then minted and released for sale. The coin is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins in U.S. history and is considered a great investment for coin collectors. 

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