American Platinum Eagle

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Platinum Eagle (United States)
Edge: Reeded
Composition: 99.95% Pt
Years of Minting: 1997–present
Common Obverse
Common Obverse
Design: Liberty looking to the future
Designer: John Mercanti
Design Date: 1997
Non-Proof Reverse
Reverse
Design: Eagle soaring above America
Designer: Thomas D. Rogers
Design Date: 1997

The American Platinum Eagle is the official platinum bullion coin of the United States. The coins were first released by the United States Mint in 1997. It is offered in 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 troy oz varieties and consists of .9995 fine platinum. The American Platinum Eagle is authorized by the United States Congress and is backed by the United States Mint for weight and content.

Proof versions of the coins are also made for coin collectors. The proof American Platinum Eagles are unique in the fact that they are the only U.S. bullion coin that has a yearly alternating design on the reverse.

Because it may be considered commodity platinum rather than a rare coin, the American Platinum Eagle may be placed in an Individual Retirement Account in the United States. Collectibles such as rare coins and dolls are forbidden from being held in such an account. Thus, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission believes that the Platinum Eagle will not appreciate beyond its metal value.

Contents

[edit] Specifications

1/10 troy oz coin
Diameter: 16.5 mm
Thickness: 0.95 mm
Weight: 0.1001 troy oz (3.112 g)
Face value: $10
1/4 troy oz coin
Diameter: 22.0 mm
Thickness: 1.32 mm
Weight: 0.2501 troy oz (7.780 g)
Face value: $25
1/2 troy oz coin
Diameter: 27.0 mm
Thickness: 1.75 mm
Weight: 0.5003 troy oz (15.560 g)
Face value: $50
1 troy oz coin
Diameter: 32.7 mm
Thickness: 2.39 mm
Weight: 1.0005 troy oz (31.120 g)
Face value: $100

Note: The 1/10, 1/4, and 1/2 troy oz coins are identical in design to the 1 troy oz coin except for the markings on the reverse side that indicate the weight and face value of the coin (for example, .9995 PLATINUM 1 OZ.). As is often the case with bullion coins, the face values of these coins ($10, $25, $50, and $100) are purely symbolic and do not reflect their intrinsic value. They are still by all means legal tender, however legal debate persists with respect to its value in terms of "income".

[edit] Reverse of proof coins

Beginning in 1998, proof versions of the American Platinum Eagle began a program entitled "Vistas of Liberty". Each year a new design is used on the reverse that portrays a bald eagle in a different region of the United States or a United States themed design. All denominations of the proof American Platinum Eagles carry the yearly design. These coins are the only U.S. bullion coins that change reverse designs every year.

Year Design Description Engraver
1998 Click to enlarge image Bald Eagle flying over New England and rocky beach town with light house; full moon in sky Thomas D. Rogers, Sr.
1999 Click to enlarge image Bald Eagle flying above Southeastern Wetlands and alligator crawling in a primordial swamp Al Maletsky
2000 Click to enlarge image Bald Eagle flying above Midwestern field, barn and house Al Maletsky
2001 Click to enlarge image Bald Eagle flying above giant Saguaro cacti of the Southwest (specifically Arizona) Thomas D. Rogers, Sr.
2002 Click to enlarge image Swooping Bald Eagle and a lake bordered by snowcapped mountains and trees in the Northwestern US Al Maletsky
2003 Click to enlarge image Bald Eagle perched on a Rocky Mountain pine branch against a backdrop of the United States Flag Al Maletsky
2004 Click to enlarge image Engraving inspired by the Daniel Chester French sculpture titled "America" outside the U.S. Customs House in New York City. Donna Weaver
2005 Click to enlarge image American Bald Eagle perched on a heraldic shield with symbols representing America’s strength and beauty Donna Weaver
2006 Click to enlarge image " Legislative Muse" flanked by two Eagles perched on columns representing both houses of Congress Joel IskowitzDesigner,Don Everhart ,sculptor
2007 Click to enlarge image Phebe Hemphill

[edit] Mintage figures

Non-Proof Coins
Year $10 – 1/10 oz. $25 – 1/4 oz. $50 – 1/2 oz. $100 – 1 oz.
1997 70,250 27,100 20,500 56,000
1998 39,525 38,887 32,419 133,002
1999 55,955 39,734 32,309 56,707
2000 34,027 20,054 18,892 10,003
2001 52,017 21,815 12,815 14,070
2002 23,005 27,405 24,005 11,502
2003 22,007 25,207 17,409 8,007
2004 15,010 18,010 13,236 7,009

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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