2008 Silver Eagle
2008 American Silver Eagle
The 2008 Silver Eagle saw its mintage surge to a new all time high, nearly doubling the prior record. The spike in demand came amidst a sharp increase in the price of silver and surging worldwide demand for precious metals. Demand was so high that sales of the coin had to be suspended during the year and resumed on a rationed basis.
The strong demand for precious metals also impacted the collectible coin offerings. The 2008 Proof Silver Eagle had an unexpected sell out in August, which caused secondary market prices to quickly escalate. The reason behind the early sell out was the fact that the US Mint had to use all incoming silver blanks for production of bullion coins, and could not strike additional proof coins.
The 2008-W Silver Eagle was the collectible uncirculated version of the coin offered for a third year. The mintage for this version of the coin declined from the prior year level. The coin was also included in the 2008 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Set.
The year featured the first significant variety of the American Silver Eagle series. A small number of the 2008-W Silver Eagle coins were struck using the reverse dies of 2007. This created the variety known as the 2008-W Silver Eagle Reverse of 2007. Once the variety was discovered prices quickly escalated as strong demand emerged.
For collectors of certified coins, perfect graded become relatively easier across the board. Coins are attainable in NGC and PCGS MS70, as well as NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo and PCGS PR70DCAM.
The overall average price of silver during 2008 was $13.28 per ounce.
2008 Silver Eagle Mintages
Bullion Mintage: 20,583,000
Proof Mintage: 700,979
Uncirculated (Burnished) Mintage: 533,757*
*includes coins from the Annual Uncirculated Dollar Set, which remains on sale
2008 Silver Eagle Specifications
Mint Mark: none (bullion), W (proof & uncirculated)
Designers: Adolph A. Weinman (obverse), John Mercanti (reverse)
Composition: 99.93% silver, 0.07% copper
Weight: 31.101 grams (1.000 ounces)
Diameter: 40.6 mm (1.598 inches)
Thickness: 2.98 mm (0.117 inches)
Edge: Reeded
2008 Silver Eagles For Sale
