Scarce 2008 Silver Eagle Dollar Discovered

So you've been buying American Silver Eagle dollars from the Mint?

Guess what? Your 2008-W uncirculated silver eagle might be scarcer than you think.

Two Types of burnished 2008-W American Eagles

Two different reverse styles have been discovered. It seems that the US mint made some coin design die changes early in 2008. The first batch of W mint uncirculated silver eagles had the old reverse (now called the 2007 reverse). Most all 2008 silver eagles appear with a newer reverse design.

Coin experts think there were as few as 5,000 coins minted with the old 2007 reverse. No official mintage of each variety has been released by the US mint.

Note: These are not the American Silver Eagle dollars sold in rolls, or in proof boxes. These are the burnished 2008 uncirculated "W" Mint silver eagles that were sold by the mint in blue boxes (as Mint item # z8f ).

(click coin images to enlarge)

What's the difference in the 2008 coin varieties?

Wondering how to tell if you have the scarce variety?

There are no distinct differences found on the coin's obverse (front). However there are several differences found on the reverse (back). When comparing the 2007 reverse to the 2008 reverse you will find differences in the lettering, stars, and spacing. The most notable difference is in the letter "U" found in the word "United".

Scarce Variety

2008 American Silver Eagle

scarce with rounded U - 2007 reverse

(W Mint)

(click coin image to enlarge)

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The scarce variety is often called "Reverse of 2007". Notice the U in the word United is rounded. There is no serif (straight line) on the side of the u in this scarcer variety.

More Common Variety

2008 American Silver Eagle

with serif on U - new enhanced reverse

(W mint mark)

(click coin's photo to enlarge)

Most of the 2008 W American Eagle silver dollars that were minted have the newly enhanced reverse. The easiest way to tell if the 1 ounce silver coin is this type is by looking at the U in the word "United". U's in the more common reverses have a serif, or straight line coming down the side of the u.

Not sure if you have a W mint silver dollar?

Click here to find out where is the W mint mark located.

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