In comparison with more recent issues, Mint State 70 examples of American Eagle silver bullion coins of earlier decades of the series can be difficult to discover.

The year 1996 saw a very low mintage of all 3,603,386 pieces, making it a comparatively scarce issue in the set. Even though Professional Coin Grading Service has graded 11,029 of the date in MS-69, only 161 are certified MS-70. Heritage writes which the people is”split between the various Signature holder collection, providing ample collecting opportunity for bullion coin enthusiasts.”

This one offered in Heritage’s April 22 Collectible U.S. Coins and Bullion monthly online auction is in the John Mercanti Flag Signature holder and marketed for $3,840.

A few lots later watched a 2000 instance, one of only 90 accredited by PCGS in this grade, reach $3,360.

2021 marks the last year which Mercanti’s popular Heraldic Eagle design will utilized on the reverse of the bullion coin collection.