WASHINGTON – At 12:00 noon on April 28, 2008, collectors can begin purchasing 2008-dated Golden Dollar coins bearing the image of Sacagawea. The coins, available in bags and rolls, are of circulating quality and were struck on the main production floors at the United States Mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver.

Each roll of Sacagawea Golden Dollars contains 25 coins wrapped in distinctive packaging and priced at $35.95. The canvas bags, priced at $319.95, contain 250 coins. Both options bear either the “P” or the “D” mint mark denoting the mint of origin.

The obverse image of the Sacagawea Golden Dollar, designed by sculptor Glenna Goodacre, honors the young Shoshone woman who assisted Lewis and Clark in their exploration of the Pacific Northwest more than 200 years ago. The reverse of the coin, designed by former United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Thomas D. Rogers, Sr., features a soaring bald eagle and 17 stars representing each of the states at the time of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

The United States Mint will accept orders for 2008-dated Sacagawea Golden Dollar coin options at its secure Web site, www.usmint.gov, or at the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). Domestic orders include a $4.95 fee per order for shipping and handling.

WASHINGTON – Spring has returned and so has the United States Mint’s Spring Gift Catalog. Available by mail and online on April 18, the 2008 Spring Gift Catalog features the Presidential $1 Coins, the American Eagle Coins and the Bald Eagle Commemorative Coins.

“Spring is the time of rebirth and renewal,” said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. “And like spring, the products offered in this catalog herald the rebirth of great coin design and a renewed sense of the American spirit.”

The 2008 United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin Proof SetTM, priced at $14.95, contains coins bearing the likenesses of James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren. These Presidential $1 Coins -honoring the Presidents of the United States who served from 1817 to 1841-are the second series of coins released in the Presidential $1 Coin Program.

Additional Presidential $1 Coin products include the Official United States Mint Coin Album – Presidential $1 CoinsTM, priced at $11.95, and the James Madison Presidential $1 Coin Cover-part of the United States Mint Official American Presidency $1 Coin Cover Series-priced at $14.95.

The 2008-dated American Eagle Gold Coin-in both the proof and the uncirculated versions-is available in one-tenth ounce, one-quarter ounce, one-half ounce and one ounce denominations. A Certificate of Authenticity, documenting the coin’s specifications, is included.
Struck on specially burnished blanks, the American Eagle Uncirculated Coins feature a finish similar to their bullion counterparts, but they carry the “W” mint mark indicating their production at the United States Mint at West Point.

For the most current pricing information for the proof and uncirculated American Eagle Gold Coins, please call 1-800-USA MINT (872-6468) or visit the United States Mint Online Catalog at www.usmint.gov. (more…)

NGC has discovered that 2008-W Uncirculated Silver Eagles have been struck with two different reverse types. Many are aware that Silver Eagles issued in 2008 show numerous subtle modifications to their design. NGC has now confirmed that 2008-W Uncirculated Silver Eagles were also struck using reverse dies of the pre-modification style, or reverse type of 2007.

The two reverse styles are very easy to distinguish from one another. As NGC previously reported, the most obvious identification diagnostic is the U of UNITED on the coin’s reverse. On the Reverse of 2008, the U has a spur on the right side of the letter. The Reverse of 2007, has simply a bowl-shaped U, without spur or downstroke. A number of other diagnostics are evident and are illustrated below.

NGC is designating 2008-W Silver Eagles with reverse style of 2007 as REVERSE OF 2007. Coins of the newly modified style, or Reverse of 2008, are encapsulated without designation. “This is a significant hub variety,” comments Rick Montgomery, NGC President. “It has very clear diagnostics, and appears on one of the most widely collected of all US coins. We’re also very proud to be the first to present this information to the numismatic community and to attribute the variety as part of the NGC certification process.”

Read Full Article by NGC on the Discovery