2008-W $1 Silver Eagle "Reverse of 2007" Variety – NGC MS70, Anna Cabral Signed
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Major "Reverse of 2007" Mint Variety: A legendary modern rarity, this coin is one of the most significant and sought-after varieties in the entire American Silver Eagle series, created when the U.S. Mint accidentally used 2007-dated reverse dies to strike 2008-dated coins.
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Scarce & Documented Die Error: With an estimated mintage of only 47,000 pieces, this variety accounts for just 8% of the total 2008-W Burnished Silver Eagle issue, making it a verifiable and coveted scarcity.
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Signed by the 42nd U.S. Treasurer: This coin is personally hand-signed by Anna Escobedo Cabral, who served as the 42nd Treasurer of the United States. Her signature is a prestigious and authoritative endorsement from one of the highest-ranking officials directly involved in the nation's coinage.
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The Pinnacle of Mint State Perfection: Graded a flawless MS70 by NGC, the highest grade possible. This coin showcases the unique burnished finish and sharp details with zero imperfections, representing the absolute best of this rare variety.
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Special Burnished Uncirculated Finish: Struck for collectors on specially prepared, burnished planchets, this coin features a unique and beautiful satin-like matte finish that sets it apart from both standard bullion and proof issues.
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Easy-to-Identify Variety: This historic variety is easily identified by two key diagnostics on its reverse: a plain "U" in "UNITED" (lacking the serif of the 2008 design) and a distinctive tilde-shaped (~) dash between "SILVER" and "ONE."
An Official's Mark on a Historic Mint Error
This is where a historic mistake meets an official endorsement, creating a numismatic masterpiece. The 2008-W "Reverse of 2007" Silver Eagle is what Stephen from Global Coin calls a "collector's dream"—a coin born from pure serendipity. This specimen elevates that incredible story to the highest echelon of collecting. Certified as a flawless MS70 by NGC, its quality is impeccable. This legendary variety is then crowned by the signature of Anna Cabral, the 42nd Treasurer of the United States, creating an unparalleled trifecta of rarity, perfection, and official provenance.
A Classic Design with a Historic Twist
This coin features the iconic duo of Adolph A. Weinman's Walking Liberty and John Mercanti's Heraldic Eagle, but with a crucial, valuable difference. While the obverse is a standard 2008-W, the reverse is a leftover die from 2007. This is most clearly seen in the word "UNITED," where the "U" is plain, just as it was from 1986-2007. The correct 2008 reverse die features a "U" with a serif (a small downward curve on the right side of the letter). This subtle but significant error transforms a beautiful coin into a celebrated piece of U.S. Mint history.
Why Collect This Coin?
The appeal of this coin lies in its verifiable rarity, its fascinating backstory, and its prestigious endorsement. It is a modern treasure hunt that resulted in a true numismatic prize. It combines three powerful pillars:
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A Perfect Coin: A flawless MS70 grade on a major, documented U.S. Mint variety.
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A Perfect Story: A scarce error (only 47,000 made) with a fascinating discovery history.
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A Perfect Signature: The 42nd Treasurer of the United States, Anna Cabral.
Detailed Overview
Introduction to the Coin: In 2008, the U.S. Mint updated the reverse design of the American Silver Eagle. In a historic oversight at the West Point Mint, older 2007-style dies were accidentally used to strike a portion of the new 2008-W Burnished Silver Eagles. This mistake created approximately 47,000 of these "Reverse of 2007" transitional error coins before being discovered by an astute collector, sparking a frenzy in the numismatic community.
The Significance of the Autograph: Anna Escobedo Cabral served as the 42nd Treasurer of the United States from 2005 to 2009. As Treasurer, her signature appeared on U.S. currency, and she oversaw the U.S. Mint. Her authentic, hand-signed autograph on a coin produced during her tenure is a direct link to the official issuance of U.S. money, making it one of the most prestigious and desirable signatures a collector can acquire.
Unique Collectible Features
This coin’s elite status is built on its foundation as a major, documented Mint error. The rarity stack is exceptional: it begins with a recognized "Reverse of 2007" variety. This is layered with its documented low mintage of 47,000 pieces. Its desirability is magnified by the special collector burnished finish. Added to this is a perfect, unimpeachable MS70 grade, and the final, crowning layer is the prestigious signature of a U.S. Treasurer.
Packaging and Presentation
The coin is sonically sealed in a secure NGC holder to permanently protect its flawless condition. The holder features a special label that verifies the MS70 grade, the "Reverse of 2007" attribution, and prominently displays the authentic, hand-signed autograph of Anna Cabral.
