2016 (S) Silver Eagle NGC MS70 – The Secret Release
One of the most mysterious issues in the history of Silver Eagles—this 2016 (S) American Silver Eagle was struck at the San Francisco Mint, but for years no one even knew it existed.
Unlike the West Point–minted Silver Eagles that saw a massive mintage of over 30 million coins, only 4,650,000 were struck in San Francisco. That makes this issue 10x rarer than its West Point counterpart.
But the real intrigue? These coins carried no mintmark. Collectors and dealers alike opened boxes for years, unaware they were handling what would later be recognized as a scarcer pedigree. It wasn’t until a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request in 2017/2018 revealed that the U.S. Mint had quietly struck Silver Eagles not only at West Point, but also at San Francisco (S) and even Philadelphia (P).
Think of how many boxes were opened, coins dispersed, and opportunities lost before this secret was uncovered. The fact that so few were preserved with their original identifiers means that qualifying examples are far scarcer than the raw mintage suggests.
Certified by NGC as MS70, this is a perfect example of a coin steeped in mystery, rarity, and modern numismatic history—making it a must-own for collectors who appreciate both the story and the silver.
Key Facts:
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Year: 2016
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Mint: San Francisco (S) – No Mintmark Issue
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Grade: NGC MS70 (Perfect)
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Mintage: Only 4,650,000 (vs. 30+ million at West Point)
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Known as The Secret Release – discovered years later via FOIA
This is your chance to own one of the most fascinating modern rarities—a coin that slipped under the radar, only to become one of the most desirable Silver Eagles of its era.
