The only commemorative silver coin issued by the United States Mint in 2008 was the 2008 Bald Eagle Silver Dollar. The 90% silver dollar was released in proof and uncirculated condition and was a part of a broader commemorative coin program that included both a $5 gold coin and a half dollar clad coin.
Proof Bald Eagle Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin
These commemorative coins were struck to celebrate the recovery and restoration of the American Bald Eagle, its importance as "the national symbol of the United
States, to America’s lands, waterways, and skies" and to mark the 35th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Authorized by the American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 108-486), the Bald Eagle Silver Dollar was also a part of three different sets issued by the U.S. Mint. A Three-Coin Proof Set which contained proofs of the $5 Gold, the $1 Silver and the Half Dollar Clad; a Coin and Medal Set which included an uncirculated silver dollar as well as a bronze medal version; and the United States Mint American Legacy Collection™ which included a Proof $1 Silver as well as proof versions of the 14 circulating coins issued by the U.S. Mint in 2008.
Bald Eagle Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin Information
The individual commemorative coins were released for sale by the U.S. Mint on January 15, 2008, along with the associated Three-Coin Proof Set and the Coin and Medal Set. Introductory prices charged for the coins were $39.95 for the proof coin, $35.95 for the uncirculated coin, $369.95 for the Three-Coin Set and $44.95 for the Coin and Medal Set.
On February 14, 2008, the Mint adjusted the price on the proof coin to $43.95 and the uncirculated coin to $37.95. The Legacy Collection, which included the proof commemorative coin, was released on October 27 and sold for $100 per set.
Mintage caps set in place stood at 500,000 silver dollars across all product options. That mintage cap was never met.
Shown on the obverse of each commemorative coin is a design by Joel Iskowitz that was sculpted by Don Everhart. It shows a soaring Bald Eagle along with the inscriptions of LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and 2008.
Uncirculated Bald Eagle Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin
The reverse of the coin shows a replica of the first Great Seal of the United States that was used between 1782 and 1841. It was sculpted by Jim Licaretz.
Surcharges of $10 per commemorative coin was collected by the US Mint and forwarded to the American Eagle Foundation of Tennessee to continue its work.
2008 Bald Eagle Silver Dollar Coin Specifications
| Face Value: | $1 |
| Composition: | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Total Estimated Mintage: | 500,000 across all product options |
| Diameter: | 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Minting Facility: | Philadelphia (P) |
| Obverse Design: | Image of a Soaring Eagle |
| Obverse Designer / Sculptor: |
Joel Iskowitz / Don Everhart |
| Reverse Design: | Great Seal of the United States (1782-1841) |
| Reverse Sculptor: | Jim Licaretz |
The commemorative 
The commemorative 
, author Eric Jordan and Contributing Editor Debbie Bradley show you how to include modern commemorative coins in your investments.
