The first reported discovery was reported in the May 5 issue of Coin World. Leesburg, Ga. collector John Nanney notified them that he discovered an uncirculated 2008-W American Eagle with the Reverse of 2007 silver dollar on April 15.
The U.S. Mint estimates that 47,000 uncirculated 2008-W American Eagle silver dollars with the 2007 reverse designs were minted based on the fact that 15 of othe ‘07 reverse dies were found to have been used.
Silver Eagles issued in 2008 show numerous subtle modifications to their design. Many of the lettering changes can be seen on the obverse:
- The L in LIBERTY has an angled feature to the foot rather than two straight lines forming the letter. The foot of the letter is also shorter than prior years.
- The E of LIBERTY is also quite different in that the center portion extends to be in line with the upper extension of the letter. On prior years, the center stem does not extend to the length of the upper stem.
- The G of GOD has no serif.
- Probably the most obvious and interesting redesign effect is the U of TRUST as well as the U of UNITED on the coin’s reverse. On the 2008 issues the U is shaped as a small case “u” would be. That is, it shows the down stroke on the right side of the letter.
- The date is much smaller on the 2008 than on the 2007 dated American Silver Eagle
