1986-S American Silver Eagle PCGS PR70 DCAM

Category American Silver Eagle DCAM (Deep Cameo)

The American Silver Eagle coin is made with 1 troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver and has a $1 denomination backed by the U.S. government. It is alloyed with copper to improve its durability, giving it a total weight of 31.103 grams with .999 fine silver. The coin displays Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty design on the obverse. The reverse initially showed a heraldic eagle with a shield and thirteen stars. In 2021, the U.S. Mint changed the design to a bald eagle landing on a branch, designed by Emily Damstra.

Proof Silver Eagles are a beautiful example of American coin craftsmanship. Proof American Silver Eagle coins undergo a meticulous minting process, distinct from regular coin production, to create coins with mirrored surfaces not present on standard releases. The process begins with coin blanks that are specially treated and polished to achieve a smooth, mirror-like finish. These blanks are then inserted into presses equipped with polished dies that have undergone a matte treatment, resulting in a frosted, sandblasted appearance. When the blank is struck by these dies under immense pressure, it captures the impression of the frosted dies, producing a coin with striking detail contrasted against the mirrored fields.

To enhance the details further, Proof Silver Eagle coins are struck twice. This double striking sharpens the intricacies of the design, a technique not employed in producing ordinary coins. Regular coins are struck using dies with standard finishes that do not impart special visual effects. They are struck only once, giving them a more pronounced, less refined appearance than the sharper, more sophisticated look of proof releases. Proof Silver Eagles also receive special handling and packaging, catering to collectors' preferences.

Proof American Eagle silver coins are coveted for their detailed presentation and flawless finish, transcending their inherent bullion value. They are produced in limited quantities, representing only a fraction of the bullion releases, and come with a certificate of authenticity. The limited production and rarity of proof coins enhance their collectible value, making them sought-after items in the numismatic community and potentially lucrative investments. Also, proof coins often have historical and artistic significance, appealing to collectors who appreciate each coin's rich heritage and craftsmanship.

PCGS Certified Silver Eagles

PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) is renowned for its rigorous standards in numismatics, especially in certifying American Silver Eagles. Their process of authentication and grading instills confidence among collectors and investors. The encapsulation of a Silver Eagle by PCGS preserves its condition and assures its grade and authenticity, enhancing its market appeal.

PCGS also gives First Day of Issue and FirstStrike® designations to specific coins. The PCGS First Day of Issue designation is given to coins shipped from the U.S. Mint on their release day, while FirstStrike® marks those dispatched within the first thirty days. Collectors purchase First Day of Issue or FirstStrike® designated coins as they are perceived to be a part of the earliest minted coins and thought to have higher quality.

 DCAM

 DCAM (Deep Cameo) is term for premium quality proof Silver Eagles. These coins exhibit an extreme contrast between their frosted designs and mirror-like backgrounds, enhancing their visual appeal. PCGS uses DCAM, while NGC uses UCAM for their graded coins. There is no physical difference between the types, indicating high-quality cameo effects. Investors should be confident knowing the difference between DCAM and UCAM lies solely in the third-party grading company that certified the coins.