Diagnostic Controls & Presets Modern Silver Eagle Hub Transition Variety
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
In 2008, the United States Mint created a new reverse hub for the American Silver Eagle series, altering the typography on the reverse. However, Mint workers at the West Point facility accidentally used an leftover 2007 reverse die to strike an estimated 47,000 uncirculated burnished 2008-W Silver Eagles, creating the celebrated 2008-W 'Reverse of 2007' variety (FS-901).
• Reverse of 2007 (Rare Variety): The letter 'U' in 'UNITED' has a classic bowl shape with NO downward spur on the right stem. The dash between 'SILVER' and 'ONE' is a curved tilde (~).
• Reverse of 2008 (Normal): The letter 'U' has a prominent downward serif spur projecting from the bottom right leg. The dash between 'SILVER' and 'ONE' is a flat, straight line (-).
Weight = 31.103 grams (1.000 troy ounce) | Purity = 99.9% Pure Silver | Finish = Matte Burnished Satin.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Pinnacle flawless grade. Perfectly preserved burnished satin luster with unspurred 'U' and razor-sharp tilde dash.
Choice collector gem. Immaculate satiny white surfaces displaying the key Reverse of 2007 diagnostics.
Solid uncirculated specimen pulled from an original US Mint collector box and certified at PCGS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2008-W 'Reverse of 2007' Silver Eagle?
It is a rare modern variety of the 2008-W burnished uncirculated American Silver Eagle where the coin was struck using an obsolete 2007 reverse die instead of the newly designed 2008 hub.
How can you identify the 2008-W Reverse of 2007?
Look at the letter 'U' in 'UNITED STATES' on the reverse under a magnifying glass. On the rare Reverse of 2007, the right leg of the 'U' is smooth without any downward spur. On the standard 2008 reverse, there is a distinct sharp spur sticking down from the right leg.
How many 2008-W Reverse of 2007 coins exist?
The US Mint confirmed that approximately 47,000 coins were struck with the 2007 reverse before the dies were swapped out, out of a total mintage of 533,757 burnished Silver Eagles.
Are all 2008 Silver Eagles eligible for this error?
No. This error occurred ONLY on the collector burnished uncirculated 2008-W Silver Eagles that bear the 'W' mintmark from the West Point Mint. It does not occur on regular bullion strikes.
How much is a 2008-W Reverse of 2007 worth?
In MS-69 condition, it commands $600 to $750. In flawless, perfect MS-70 grade, it sells for $3,000 to over $3,500 at major auction houses.
What is the tilde dash test?
In addition to the letter 'U', check the dash between the words 'SILVER' and 'ONE' on the reverse. On the Reverse of 2007, the dash is curved like a tilde (~), whereas on the normal 2008 reverse, it is a straight line (-).
Can you still find this variety in original government packaging?
Yes! Many collectors purchased uncirculated 2008-W Silver Eagles in blue velvet US Mint boxes and have never checked the reverse lettering.