While we have made it a point to follow along with this 100 Greatest United States Modern Coins series from Whitman Publishing, we have been careful not to forget that this fourth edition references dates back to 2017. While there is no fifth edition we know of, the coins still hold their place in the rankings today. However, there are some facts and figures that may have changed since then and this particular entry finds that to be true. With help from authors Scott Schechter and Jeff Garrett, we will take a closer look at the top 30 pick that holds its own, but has lost its title of the “lowest minted.”
#25 - 2008-W American Gold Eagle Set, Uncirculated
At the time this publication was written, fractional American Gold Eagle Uncirculated sets were still being produced. Also at the time, the quarter-ounce ($10) Uncirculated Gold Eagle from the 2008 set was deemed the lowest minted American Gold Eagle with just 8,883 produced. Since then, that title has been overthrown time and time again. As of right now, according to the 2022 Official Red Book, the lowest minted Uncirculated (Burnished) American Gold Eagle is the 2019 One-Ounce ($50) coin with just 5,741 struck.
All in all, the year 2008 was huge for the United States Mint in terms of gold. For the first time in history, spot rose above $1,000 per ounce and Mint sales would be the fifth highest up until that point. That year also saw a large number of gold products from the Mint including Proof and Uncirculated American Gold Eagles, First Spouse coins, the $5 Bald Eagle commemorative coin, and the gold Buffaloes. With the price of gold rising, all those products also saw higher prices. With that said, the sales of the 2008-W Uncirculated American Gold Eagles coins were disappointing to say the least. Sales were so low the Mint decided to not make any of the Uncirculated Gold Eagles in 2009 and 2010. When they did return to production, the fractional sets were no longer offered. Instead, only one-ounce coins have been offered since.
The 2008-W Burnished Gold Coins are often collected as a set. All the coins are scarce, but especially the $10 coin. While no longer the lowest minted American Gold Eagle coin, the 2008-W $10 Gold Eagle remains the lowest minted of the uncirculated fractional coins.
The set was not ranked in the first edition of this Whitman publication, but has moved up two spots since making its debut in the second edition (#27).