For the third year in a row, the United States Mint provided collectors with the opportunity to acquire burnished American Silver Eagles struck at the West Point Mint in 2008. The minting process for these coins involves using specialized dies and polished planchets, resulting in a unique finish that distinguishes them from the standard bullion strikes. These coins feature the “W” mintmark from West Point and were initially offered for $25.95 each, with no mintage limit. The final reported sales for the 2008-W American Silver Eagle Burnished totaled 533,757 units, slightly lower than the previous year’s mintage but higher than the year prior. Despite the strong sales, the Mint would halt Burnished offerings in 2009 and 2010, only to reintroduce them in 2011 with a Special Set to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the American Silver Eagle Program.
Additional Details on the 2008-W American Silver Eagle
The 2008 American Silver Eagles underwent a design update to enhance the clarity of the elements. Notably, collectors discovered a variety with a change in the font used for the inscription. Initially identified as FS-901 by NGC in 2008, this variety was caused by the utilization of leftover reverse dies from 2007, leading to the striking of approximately 47,000 coins with this distinct font. Subsequently, the leading grading services have certified nearly 24,000 examples of this variety, making it a sought-after addition to collections.
Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens
Top Population: PCGS SP70 (1,495, 7/2024), NGC MS70 (8,548, 7/2024), and CAC MS70 (40, 7/2024).
- Noteworthy Sale: eBay, June 24, 2024 – A PCGS SP70 graded coin with a John Mercanti signature label fetched $1,615.50, highlighting the allure of high-grade specimens to collectors.
2008-W Silver Eagle Burnished (Reverse of ’08)
On the 2008-W American Silver Eagle Burnished coins featuring the reverse of ’08, the distinctive fonts are easily distinguishable from earlier releases. NGC has taken the lead in certifying these coins, offering ample opportunities for collectors to acquire these coins on the secondary market but also reflecting the limited availability of specimens graded by CACG.
Design
Obverse:
Adolph A. Weinman’s Lady Liberty graces the obverse of the 2008-W American Silver Eagle, symbolizing freedom and patriotism. This classic design is a nod to the traditional American values and heritage.
Reverse:
The reverse of the coin displays John Mercanti’s rendition of the Heraldic Eagle, a timeless symbol of strength and unity in American history. The intricate details and symbolism on the reverse further elevate the coin’s numismatic appeal.
Coin Specifications
| American Silver Eagle Burnished Coin | |
| Year of Issue: 2008 | Mintage: 533,757 |
| Alloy: 99.9% silver | Weight: 31.1 g |
| Diameter: 40.6 mm | Edge: Reeded |
| OBV Designer: Adolph A. Weinman | REV Designer: John M. Mercanti |
* * *