In 1997, the American Platinum Eagle was introduced for the first time, and is part of the American Eagle Bullion Program, of which the gold and silver variants were released more than a decade earlier. This coin is notable in that it is the first platinum coin to be released by the U.S. Mint which is investment grade.

Coin Characteristics

The coin’s obverse side displays the Statue of Liberty as envisioned by engraver John Mercanti. The inscription “Liberty” is visible, along with “In God We Trust” and “E Pluribus Unum.” The year of issue can also be seen.

The reverse side of the coin depicts a Bald Eagle soaring through the air with the sun rising in the background. The Bald Eagle is the national animal of U.S. and the design on this coin was created by Thomas D. Rodgers. The inscriptions “995 Platinum” can be seen along with “United States of America” and the coin’s face value.

American Platinum Eagle Denominations

These coins come in four sizes, each of which has a different denomination. Each coin has its weight displayed along with a face value that is considered legal tender. The largest is 1 oz, which has a face value of $100, ½ oz which has a face value of $50, ¼ oz which carries a face value of $25 and 1/10 oz, which carries a face value of $10.

These four denominations were featured in bullion coins as well as collectible coins until 2008. Afterwards, the proof coins were sold only in 1 oz variants. Bullion versions were not in production between 2009 and 2013, but resumed in 2014 for 1 oz editions.

Purchasing American Platinum Eagles

The U.S. Mint does not sell its platinum eagles to the public directly. Instead, the coins are distributed through a network of purchasers who are authorized to receive them. Then these dealers resell them to other dealers or directly to the public, creating a market for them. There is currently no legislation which requires the United States Mint to manufacture platinum coins annually.

At the inception of the American Platinum Eagle the U.S. Mint sold collectible proof coins to the public directly. At the time the four denominations could be individually purchased, or in the form of a set of four coins. In 1998 a collection of reverse designs which rotated annually were initiated. By 2006 the U.S Mint begins selling versions of the coin which were collectible and uncirculated to the public directly. These coins are distinct from their bullion counterparts in that they include a “W’ mint mark and utilize a design which is rotating reverse.

Platinum eagles are currently the only platinum bullion coins that have their purity, content and weight guaranteed by the U.S. government. Each coin is comprised of platinum with a purity of 99.95 percent. The 1 oz versions have a diameter of 32.7 mm and a thickness of 2.39 mm. These coins are ideal for anyone who is looking to get started investing in platinum.