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.
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".
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
Bald Eagle flying over New England and rocky beach town with light house; full moon in sky
Thomas D. Rogers, Sr.
1999
Bald Eagle flying above Southeastern Wetlands and alligator crawling in a primordial swamp
Al Maletsky
2000
Bald Eagle flying above Midwestern field, barn and house
Al Maletsky
2001
Bald Eagle flying above giant Saguaro cacti of the Southwest (specifically Arizona)
Thomas D. Rogers, Sr.
2002
Swooping Bald Eagle and a lake bordered by snowcapped mountains and trees in the Northwestern US
Al Maletsky
2003
Bald Eagle perched on a Rocky Mountain pine branch against a backdrop of the United States Flag
Al Maletsky
2004
Engraving inspired by the Daniel Chester French sculpture titled "America" outside the U.S. Customs House in New York City.
Donna Weaver
2005
American Bald Eagle perched on a heraldic shield with symbols representing America’s strength and beauty
Donna Weaver
2006
Donna Weaver
2007
Phebe Hemphill
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
See also
American Gold Eagle
American Silver Eagle
Eagle (U.S. coin)
Platinum coin
v•d•e
United States currency and coinage
Topics
Federal Reserve System · Federal Reserve Note · U.S. dollar · U.S. Mint
Current coinage
Cent (penny) ·Nickel (5¢) · Dime (10¢) · Quarter dollar · Half dollar · Dollar