Republished with Permission from SmallDollars.com

A previously known, but unacknowledged, Cheerios Dollar without the “pattern” reverse was given more credibility when a second one was certified by NGC in April 2008. The first piece, in a PCI holder, was known as early as 2005. However, due to the problems that PCI was having, no one took it seriously at the time.

Fast forward to April 2008 when a collector, who wishes to remain anonymous, owned not one, but two Cheerios Dollars in their original Cheerios packaging.

The owner states, “I got one of the two coins out of a box of Cheerios and bought the other one at a flee market back in 2001-2002 and they have been sitting in my dresser drawer ever since until I found out what they might be worth.”

Deciding to capitalize on them, he send both to NGC for authentication and grading.

Upon their return he was surprised to find that one was not labeled as a “Pattern” as the other one was. Checking the reverse he found that it did in fact not exhibit the detailed tail feathers as the “pattern” piece did. Concerned if a “non-pattern” Cheerios Dollar was possible or was previously known to exist, the collector contacted this web site.

We in turn contacted accomplished numismatist Tom DeLorey, who was instrumental in the original discovery of the Cheerios “Pattern” Dollar. Being as surprised as we were, Mr. DeLorey contacted NGC to verify the piece.

In response NGC said, “The report that you received is entirely factual. NGC did receive a Cheerios dollar in original packaging and the coin was not the pattern reverse. This was confirmed by Rick Montgomery and Dave Camire. Dave Camire, in fact, opened the packaging.”

WOW!!! The Sacagawea Dollar series never ceases to amaze. Years after their release, new discoveries keep popping up. How could this one have happen?

Mr. DeLorey has come up with a possible scenario. Keep in mind that this scenario is pure speculation. We’ll probably never know for sure how a “non-pattern” coin was placed in a Cheerios package. (more…)

2008-W Burnished Uncirculated Silver Eagles have been found displaying two distinct designs from two different years. Beginning in 2008, the US Mint made some dramatic changes to the Silver Eagle coins reverse, possibly to enhance their appearance.

As a result, some 2008-W Uncirculated Silver Eagles submitted to PCGS were found depicting a transitional reverse design or an old style reverse design used in the previous year. Some of the major differences for this new variety are in the lettering on the reverse of the coin, specifically on the letter “U” in “United.” The old style Reverse of 2007 will have an uneven “U” and without a serif underneath the right of the “U”. A new style reverse of 2008 will have a fancier “U” and with a serif underneath the right of the “U.” The thirteen stars on the old reverse are also smaller and will be more separated from one other as opposed to being larger and closer to each other, as seen on the new reverse of 2008. Overall, the lettering from the two different coins contain dramatic and significant differences through out the reverse.

The US Mint has successfully been producing millions of Silver Eagles for the past twenty years without making any major blunders for this series. 2008 will definitely be a special year for Silver Eagle collectors who now have an opportunity to add this first and exciting major variety to this very popular series. Currently, there have been no reports of 2008 non Burnished Silver Eagles containing a Reverse of 2007. However, it is very possible to find 2008 non Burnished coins also containing a Reverse of 2007.

As recognition to this new and dramatic variety, PCGS will recognize these significant varieties and will attribute them as “Reverse of 2007″ on the PCGS holder. In order to receive this variety recognition coins should be sent in under the “Variety Attribution Program” for an additionally $20 fee. Any questions please feel free to contact customer service at 1-800-447-8848.

Michael S. Fey, co-author of the Top 100 Morgan dollar varieties, announced today the discovery of an ultra rare 1878 8TF VAM 14.13 (doubled eyelid; A1n reverse) struck partially out-of-collar (railroad rim).

According to Fey, “This is the 2nd known major error of any 1878 8TF Morgan dollar in the history of its mintage of approximately 750,000 coins, and is only the 29th specimen of the VAM 14.13 reported to date. The combination of an 1878 8TF ultra rarity with a major error of this type is significant, and may have played a role in the early demise of the obverse die.

Fey not only had an opportunity to review ultra rare silver dollars and silver dollar patterns, but numerous classic American rarities. Among the highlights of coins he held were a 1787 Brasher doubloon with punch on wing, and a “unique” 1787 Brasher half doubloon with punch on wing. He held a 1652 New England shilling, a set of 1792 Birch coinage including a silver plug Birch cent, a mint state 1793 Chain “Ameri”, an 1838-O proof half dollar (only 20 minted) and a unique 1860 $20 Proof Pacquet Reverse J-272a and so many more.

According to Fey, “I could not be any more impressed or dazzled by the assortment of numismatic treasures held in our National Numismatic Collection. This is where these coins belong, in the public domain”.

This is to thank Dr. Brent Glass, Dr. Richard Doty, and especially Mr. Jim Hughes for their time and hospitality in allowing me to visit and look through selected coins from the National Numismatic Collection. The Smithsonian is a national treasure that deserves support from the entire hobby.

For further information, please contact Michael S. Fey, Ph.D., at RCI, P.O. Box C, Ironia, NJ 07845 or call (973) 252-4000; FAX (973) 252-0481; E-Mail: Feyms@aol.com or visit http://www.rcicoins.com