What happened back in 2008?

The 2008 leap year was designated as the International Year of Languages, the euro was adopted in Cyprus and Malta, stock markets plunged due to fears of a U.S. recession and the 2008 Summer Olympics were held in Beijing, China, among numerous other publicized events.

One of those well-known events was the production of the 2008 American Silver Eagles (ASE) by the U.S. Mint. Each ASE is composed of 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver and is graded Mint State 69 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation while being backed and guaranteed by the government.

The obverse of the 2008 American Silver Eagles features Adolph Weinman’s patriotic depiction of Lady Liberty elegantly striding toward a new day as the sun rises in the distance. Liberty walks alongside flowing stars and stripes while holding branches of laurel and oak. His original design won a competition among the nation’s top designers and used on the Walking Liberty Half Dollars (1916-1947). It is inscribed with “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST” and its issuing year.

John Mercanti’s heraldic bald eagle with spread wings behind a shield is the focus of the reverse. The eagle clutches an arrow and an olive branch while holding a banner in its beak reading “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Thirteen stars float above the design and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “1 OZ. FINE SILVER – ONE DOLLAR” complete the reverse.

The economy is still in turmoil, but you can feel like you won an Olympic event with the 2008 American Silver Eagle. Own yours today using our simple and secure online ordering system.