What Is New About The Rehubbed Silver Eagle Coin?

Liberty, enveloped in the American Flag's folds, in full walk, with right hand extended, and holding oak and laurel branches in her left, is featured on the American Eagle Silver Coins obverse. Minted on specially varnished blanks, the American Eagle Uncirculated Coins have a finish similar to their bullion opposite numerals, but possess the "W" strike mark, confirming their creation at the U. S. Mint located at West Point. The coin comes in a protective plastic covering inside a blue case and each coin comes with a Certificate of Veracity signed by Edmund C Moy, the director of the U. S. Mint.

In order to allow alterations in the planning of the American Eagle Silver Coins, the U. S. Mint has to make a new hub. To fashion new dies, a hub that contains an image that is raised, or contains a relief of the design of the coin, is impressed into the steel. Used in the particular striking of coins, dies contain an image of the design of the coin that is incused.

This year, NGC believes, the US Mint transitioned from standard engraved hubs made of reducing a hand engraved galvano to laser engraved hubs.

During the transition process, often referred to as rehubbing, some design changes were implemented that focused on the lettering that appears on both sides of the coin.

The fields are filled with skinnier and taller letters on the 2008 Silver Eagle, more so than in previous years. On the reverse, one of the clearest differences from prior years can be discovered in the stars above the eagle.

The 2008 issue, naturally, isn't alone in design changes. The most blatant is a change to the finish of these coins which goes from a glossy surface used early in the series to the matte finish of today. Even though the coins have similarities from year to year, it is great for collectors to know that they can predict small changes that can only be noticed by a consultant.

Be highly aware of counterfeits when investing in American Eagle Silver Coins. Authorized Collectibles Group / NGC VP Scott Schechter and PCGS President Don Willis made the statement that both authentication agencies have purchased fake coins and dies for investigation purposes and to take them off the market. There has been noted a surge in the amount of counterfeit coins received by both firms, even though they have been working for the removal of fake auction lists. NGC has begun putting out notice with remitted counterfeits reminding submitters it is against the law to sell false items or facsimiles that are not marked with the word "copy", and PCGS will follow suit with a similar warning to submitters.

There seems to be an influx of counterfeit coins from China. They are known for making fake designer goods, so I guess it should come as no surprise to anyone that they also pay attention to the collectible coin market. The best prevention for false coins is to gain expertise about collectible, rare and valuable coins so that you have the arsenal to recognize a fake at once.