American Platinum Eagle

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 oz, 1/2, and 1 troy oz varieties and is guaranteed to contain the stated amount (in troy ounces) 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 of the tangibility of the coin as well as platinum's value, the American Platinum Eagle may be used to fund investments such as a government sanctioned Individual Retirement Account.

American Platinum Eagle Specifications

Diameter: 16.5 mm
Thickness: 0.95 mm
Weight: 0.1001 troy oz (3.112 g)
Face value: $10

Diameter: 22.0 mm
Thickness: 1.32 mm
Weight: 0.2501 troy oz (7.780 g)
Face value: $25

Diameter: 27.0 mm
Thickness: 1.75 mm
Weight: 0.5003 troy oz (15.560 g)
Face value: $50

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".

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.

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 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

American Platinum Eagle Mintage figures

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

References

Wikipedia.org