1986 Silver Dollar Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

If you’re an active coin collector or simply someone curious about precious metals, here’s one coin that will pique your interest; it is the 1986 silver dollar. While this coin may not be as old as several other collectible coins, it has certainly gained a reputation for its rarity, beauty, and historical significance. But how much is this rare coin worth in today’s market?

We’ve provided an in-depth look at the 1986 silver dollar value, emphasizing its history, current value, and what makes it such a valuable and interesting coin to own. Keep reading to learn more.

1986 Silver Dollar Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good – Extremely Fine	Uncirculated MS60	Choice Uncirculated MS63	Gem Uncirculated MS65
1989 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar	$21.72	$34	$40	$42
1986 “S” Proof Silver Dollar	$58	$63	$63	$63

1986 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar Value

1986 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar is the first coin in the American Eagle Silver Dollar series. It is considered a rare find, with a reported mintage of 5,393,005 coins produced at the San Francisco Mint. This is a relatively low number compared with other coins produced in the same era.

History

The 1986 Silver Dollar is closely tied to the history of the United States and its coinage. The coin was minted in correspondence with the Liberty Coin Act of 1985, which the United States Congress passed to authorize the production of a new silver bullion coin to celebrate the country’s heritage. Hence, the 1986 silver dollar was officially released on November 24, 1986.

The United States introduced the 1986 Silver Dollar during a time of significant change in the United States. The country was still recovering from the economic woes of the 1970s and early 1980s, and many people were looking for ways to invest in something more stable than traditional stocks and bonds.

The introduction of the 1986 Silver Dollar coin provided an opportunity for individuals to invest in silver, which had historically proven to be a stable investment during times of economic uncertainty. As a result, the coin’s popularity grew quickly, becoming one of the most sought-after investments in the world.

The 1986 Silver Dollar also had a significant impact on the numismatic community. The coin was the first silver bullion coin to be minted by the United States in over 70 years, and it helped to revive interest in coin collecting among a new generation of collectors.

Obverse

The obverse of the 1986 silver dollar coin features the timeless and iconic Walking Liberty design created in 1916 by Adolph A. Weinman, a renowned sculptor, and medalist in the early 20th century. Previously used on half dollar coins produced from 1916 to 1947 and currently used on the Silver Eagle series, this iconic design has become one of the most beloved and recognizable images in American coinage.

The image depicts Lady Liberty, draped in the American flag, striding towards the sunrise with purpose and determination. She holds in her left hand a bouquet of oak and laurel, symbolizing both strength and victory, while outstretching her right arm in a welcoming gesture.

The word “LIBERTY” takes a curved shape on the upper part of the coin, while the year of issue, “1986”, is inscribed at the bottom. Likewise, the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” are inscribed on the lower right of the coin, close to Lady Liberty’s bent knee.

Reverse

John Mercanti, the chief engraver of the United States Mint at the time, created the design of the American Silver dollar’s reverse. Mercanti drew inspiration from the iconic and timeless design of the United States Great Seal, which features a similar depiction of the American bald eagle.

The reverse side of this coin depicts the heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, grasping some arrows in its left talon and a branch of olive in its right, symbolizing America’s desire for peace and readiness for war. Adorning the eagle’s breast is a shield supported by an eagle’s talons, which symbolize the strength and resolve of the American people.

Above the eagle’s head are thirteen stars, representing the original colonies that formed the United States. The stars’ arrangement is reminiscent of the American flag, with six stars on the left and seven on the right. Surrounding the stars is a rim of inscriptions, which read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on the top and “1 Oz. FINE SILVER” and “ONE DOLLAR” on the bottom.

Edges

The edges of the 1986 silver dollar are reeded, which means they have a series of evenly spaced vertical lines that run around the circumference of the coin. The ridges on the edges allow for a better grip, which is particularly important for large coins like the 1986 Silver Dollar.

In addition, the reeded edges of the 1986 Silver Dollar provide a decorative element to the coin’s design. The light reflecting off the ridges creates a beautiful and dynamic effect that adds to the coin’s overall appeal.

Details

1986 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar is a relatively larger coin than others produced at the time. The coin is made of 99.93% pure silver and 0.07% copper. It weighs 31.101g, has a diameter of 40.6mm, and has a face value of one Dollar.

Finally, the current melt value of this coin is $23.95, making it a valuable investment for collectors and investors alike.

Value

The value of the 1986 No Mint Mark silver dollar varies depending on various factors, including market conditions, the coin’s condition, and its rarity. As of the current date, the current value of the 1986 American Silver Eagle is around $30 to $40 for an uncirculated specimen. However, the coin’s value can fluctuate based on market conditions and other factors like rare errors.

For instance, in 2013, a PCGS MS-70 1986 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar was sold for $21,150 at Heritage Auction.

1986 S Proof Silver Dollar Coin Value

The 1986 S proof silver Dollar is a highly coveted piece among collectors of silver dollars. This particular coin was minted in San Francisco in 1986 and is one of the most desirable coins of its kind. As a proof coin, it was struck repeatedly with specially polished dies to create a highly detailed, mirror-like surface.

When it comes to grading, the 1986 S proof coin is typically assessed at PR-60 or higher. This means that the coin has minimal marks or wear and retains a significant amount of its original luster. However, you can find some lower-graded coins, which may have minor scratches, wear, or other imperfections.

Collectors highly prize the 1989 S Proof Silver Dollar coins due to their excellent condition, as they are carefully protected during the minting process. Fortunately, these coins are relatively rare, with only 1,446,778 marked and minted. As a result, proof coins tend to command much higher prices than their regular strike counterparts.

The 1986 S Proof Silver Dollar coin graded at PR-60 to PR-65 is often worth $63. However, the real gems among these coins are those graded at PR-70, which are extremely rare and can fetch an average price of $435.

The high value of proof coins also means that finding one with a high grade can be challenging, but if you are lucky to find one, it can be worth quite a fortune. For instance, in May of 2013, a lot containing 30 coins, including a PR-70 1986 S proof silver dollar, set an auction record when it sold for $16,115.

1986 Silver Dollar Grading

The NGC coin grading scale spans from 1 to 70, with each grade indicating a different level of quality. For example, the lowest grade, 1, indicates that the coin is in extremely poor condition, with significant wear and tear on the design’s intricate details. On the other hand, a coin with a grade of 70 is considered to be in flawless condition, with no visible imperfections or damage to the coin’s surface.

Rare 1986 Silver Dollar Errors List

If you are an avid coin collector, you might want to keep an eye out for some of the rarest 1986 Silver dollar coin errors.

It’s no secret that these types of errors can significantly increase the value of a coin. In fact, some errors can even skyrocket a coin’s worth by a tremendous amount. So here’s a list to keep in mind when hunting for some of the rarest 1986 Silver dollar coin errors.

1986 Silver Dollar Strike-Through Error

The 1986 Silver dollar strike-through error is a common error that occurred during the minting process of the 1986 Silver dollar. This error happens when an object or debris gets between the die and planchet when striking, leaving an impression or mark on the coin’s surface.

The strike-through error can vary in severity, depending on the shape and size of the object that caused the error. In some cases, the object can completely obstruct part of the design or inscription, while in others, it may leave a faint mark or impression.

One well-known example of this otherwise rare error is when a 3M sandpaper disc was mistakenly left in place during the polishing process, causing the entire obverse of the coin to lose a significant amount of detail. As a result, while you can still identify the coin and the year of mintage, the inscriptions on the coin are not very clear.

Despite this issue, the strike-through error remains a popular and highly sought-after among collectors due to its rarity and unique appearance.

1986 Silver Dollar Broadstrike Error

A broadstrike error occurs when the coin is struck without the retaining collar that usually forms the coin’s edge, causing the metal to flow outward, resulting in a larger and flatter appearance. In some cases, the collar is present but not rightly positioned, resulting in the design being slightly off-center or out of alignment.

The value of a 1986 silver dollar broadstrike error can vary depending on the severity of the error and the overall condition of the coin. Broadstrike errors can be highly sought-after and valuable among coin collectors, especially if the error is large and noticeable.

1986 Silver Dollar FAQs

What year’s silver eagle dollar is worth the most?

The 1996 Silver Eagle dollar is often considered to be the most valuable. This is because the U.S. Mint produced a limited number of these coins due to high demand from collectors, resulting in a low mintage of only 3,603,386 pieces. Additionally, collectors and investors have purchased many of these coins and held onto them, making them even more scarce today.

Other years considered to be valuable include the 1986 first-year issue, the 2006 20th-anniversary edition, and the 2011 25th-anniversary edition.

How much can I sell my Silver Eagles for?

To get a better idea of how much you could sell your Silver Eagles for, it’s best to check with reputable coin dealers or online marketplaces such as eBay or APMEX. Remember that coin dealers may offer lower prices to account for their overhead costs and the need to make a profit when reselling the coins.

Additionally, if your coins are in poor condition or have been heavily circulated, they may fetch a lower price than coins in better condition.

How can you tell if a Silver Eagle is real?

You can use a few methods to determine the authenticity of a Silver Eagle coin. Firstly, examine the mint mark, which should only display an S or W if there’s any. Any other mark is a clear sign of a counterfeit. Secondly, weigh the coin on a scale to confirm it matches the standard weight of 31.1g.

Finally, use a magnet to check if the coin is genuinely silver. Since silver is not magnetic, if the magnet adheres to the coin, it is a fake. However, it’s worth noting that not all counterfeit coins will be magnetic, so you should use a combination of these methods to validate the authenticity of a Silver Eagle coin.

The best advice is to seek the help of a professional coin grading service or a reputable coin dealer, as they have the knowledge and experience to help you determine if a coin is genuine or fake.