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The 2008-W Burnished Silver Eagle, graded as Mint State 70 (MS70) by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) and designated as an Early Release with the Reverse of 2007, represents a remarkable piece of American numismatic history. This coin is highly sought after by collectors and investors alike for its pristine condition and unique characteristics.
The American Silver Eagle coin program was officially introduced in 1986 by the United States Mint. Its purpose was to provide a reliable and affordable means for Americans to invest in and own physical silver. The Silver Eagle quickly gained popularity not only for its silver content but also for its stunning designs and craftsmanship.
The obverse of the Silver Eagle features the iconic Walking Liberty design, originally created by Adolph A. Weinman for the 1916-1947 half dollar. This timeless design depicts Lady Liberty walking toward the sunrise, draped in the American flag and carrying branches of oak and laurel, symbolizing strength and victory. The reverse of the coin showcases an impressive heraldic eagle design created by John Mercanti. The eagle clutches an olive branch and arrows in its talons, signifying peace and preparedness for war. Above the eagle's head are 13 stars, representing the original American colonies.
The Silver Eagle has a diameter of 40.6 millimeters (1.598 inches), making it larger than a U.S. quarter but slightly smaller than a U.S. dollar coin. Its larger size allows for more intricate details on both the obverse and reverse designs, enhancing its visual appeal.
These burnished Silver Eagles were produced at the West Point Mint and bear the "W" mintmark. Burnished coins are created using a special minting process that involves polishing the coin blanks before striking them, resulting in a matte-like finish with a subtle, shimmering effect. The burnished finish provides a unique appearance compared to the standard bullion Silver Eagles.
The mintage of burnished Silver Eagles has varied from year to year, with lower mintages generally making certain issues more desirable to collectors. The "Early Release" designation signifies that this coin was submitted to NGC for grading within a specific timeframe after its initial release by the United States Mint. It ensures that the coin's condition has not been affected by extended circulation, enhancing its collectibility.
The 2008-W Burnished Silver Eagle contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver. This high purity level, coupled with the coin's weight of approximately 31.103 grams (1.000 troy ounce), makes it an attractive choice for both collectors and investors seeking the intrinsic value of silver.
The condition of this coin, graded as MS70 by NGC, signifies that it is in perfect, flawless condition. MS70 is the highest grade on the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale and indicates no visible imperfections even under magnification. This level of perfection is highly sought after by collectors who desire the finest quality specimens for their collections.
In summary, the 2008-W Burnished Silver Eagle, graded as MS70 by NGC and designated as an Early Release with the Reverse of 2007, represents a pinnacle of excellence in American numismatics. With its historic significance, iconic design, larger size, unique burnished finish, and perfect condition, this coin is not only a valuable addition to any collection but also a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the United States Mint.