Starting in 2006, the US Mint began issuing a new collectible version of the American Silver Eagle. These coins were struck on specially burnished blanks and carry the "W" mint mark. These coins are known as "Burnished Silver Eagles" or collectible "Uncirculated Silver Eagles."

Mintages for these coins are generally much lower than the comparative bullion mintages. Since first available, these coins have been offered by the US Mint individually, or as part of certain sets. The 2006 coin was included in special 20th Anniversary Silver Eagle Sets. The 2007 and 2008 coins were included in each year's Annual Uncirculated Dollar Set.

The table below shows approximate mintage data from 2006 to present.

Year	Burnished
2006-W	470,000
2007-W	653,878
2008-W	517,967*

*still for sale in the 2008 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Set

source: Silver Eagle Guide