The U.S. Mint’s 2008 American Bald Eagle coins are proving to be popular with coin collectors. Especially the $5 gold and $1 silver versions, with nearly 70% of their max mintage already sold.
All three legal tender coins (gold, silver & clad) celebrate the successful recovery and restoration of the Bald Eagle to America’s skies and the upcoming 35th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act on December 28.
The popularity of the coins couldn’t make the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) happier since the not-for-profit organization receives a portion of each coin sale — $35 per gold piece, $10 per silver coin, and $3 for each clad.
AEF is dedicated to protecting the majestic Bald Eagle, the USA’s National Symbol, and its habitat by supporting and conducting eagle and environmental recovery and education programs.
"We’re grateful that so many patriots are stepping forward to support our nation’s living symbol of Freedom," said American Eagle Foundation President Al Cecere. "Every American should do their part to help keep this majestic bird thriving for generations to come."
Public Law 108-486, signed by President George W. Bush on December 23, 2004, calls for the U.S. Mint to issue up to 750,000 half-dollar clad coins, 500,000 silver dollars, and 100,000 $5 gold coins commemorating the Bald Eagle until December 12, 2008. There are proof an uncirculated versions of each.
If every coin in the series sells out by that deadline, nearly $11 million would be raised for AEF’s eagle preservation fund. To date, about 68,000 $5 gold, 338,000 silver dollar and 285,000 50-cent clad coins have been sold, raising about $6.6 million.
The beauty of the coins, the desire to own physical bullion and the fast approaching holiday season could potentially result in some sellouts. As for Christmas, Cecere said,
"With Christmas quickly approaching, these beautiful precious metal collectibles make wonderful gifts that will be valued forever. What better way to be bullish on America than to invest in the ongoing care of such a precious national treasure."
Bald Eagle coin order information and prices
The following table contains U.S. Mint product page links and prices for each coin.
| 2008 Bald Eagle Coins |
Price
|
| 50c Proof Clad |
$10.95
|
| 50c Uncirculated Clad |
$8.95
|
| $1 Proof Silver |
$43.95
|
| $1 Uncirculated Silver |
$37.95
|
| $5 Proof Gold |
$319.95
|
| $5 Uncirculated Gold |
$309.95
|
There is an order limit 100 coins per household.
The gold, silver and clad coins have the following specifications:
Bald Eagle $5 Gold Coins
Weight: 8.359 grams nominal
Diameter: 0.850 inches (± 0.003 inches)
Composition: 90% gold, 10% alloy
Mintage Limit: 100,000 (across all product options)
Bald Eagle Silver Dollars
Weight: 26.730 grams nominal
Diameter: 1.500 inches (± 0.003 inches)
Composition: 90% silver, 10% alloy
Mintage Limit: 500,000 (across all product options)
Bald Eagle Half-dollars
Weight: 11.340 grams (± 0.454)
Diameter: 1.205 inches (± 0.002 inches)
Composition: 8.33% nickel, balance copper
Mintage Limit: 750,000 (across all product options)
