The evolution of the bullion coinage led to a variety of metal-content coins. Platinum coins are part of some globally recognized mints, but American Platinum Eagles are the USA's first and official platinum coins. The first Platinum Eagle premiered in 1997, weighing 1 oz of 99.95% pure platinum, USD 100 of face value, and legal tender status guaranteed by the US Government. The US Mint produced fractional sizes for a while, but their production ceased in 2008. Coin Highlights Contains ½ oz of .9995 fine platinum in a proof finish; Holds a face value of USD 50 and legal tender status, backed by the US Government; Struck until 2008; The obverse features the Statue of Liberty; The reverse depicts a flying Heraldic Eagle. The Design Platinum Eagles are the only coin in the American Eagles collection that receives different annual designs. All fractional coins released during their short production followed the same pattern showcased in the 1 oz counterpart. The debuting 1997 Platinum Coin showcased the Statue of Liberty created by John Mercanti. The Statue got a frontal close-up, with the word “LIBERTY” arching over it, the year of issuance and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” aside, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the bottom rim, lower left. On the reverse side, the Eagle flies in the sky, with the sun in the background. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” is on top, while the coin’s information regarding purity, metal content, and weight lies aside. They read: “.9995 PLATINUM ½ OZ”. And on the bottom rim, the denomination of “$50.” The 1998 edition started a collector’s version series called “Vistas of Liberty.” From that edition on, the Platinum Eagles' annual editions would display the Bald Eagle flying over different parts of the American territory. Besides the image featured, the inscription: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” the coin’s metal content, purity, and weight, through “9995 PLATINUM ½ OZ,” the face value of “$50”, and discreet “W,” standing for the West Point mintmark, are standard on the ½ oz Platinum Eagles. The American Eagle Series The Series debuted in 1986 through the Liberty Coin Act, and until the mid-90s, the US Mint focused on the production of Silver Eagles and Gold Eagles, the coins which premiered the series in the market. The US Mint only introduced Platinum Eagles in the collection in 1997, with the 1 oz coins containing 99.95% of the finest platinum. Fractional sizes of ½ oz, ¼ oz, and 1/10 oz of Platinum Eagles were minted until 2008 only. Palladium Eagles arrived in the collection in 2017. Random Year Coins Purchase This modality of purchase provides clients with the chance to acquire an excellent-condition coin for lower premiums over the platinum spot price. Clients are guaranteed to receive a ½ oz Proof American Platinum Eagle, but the year of mintage is determined at the time of shipping, according to our inventory availability.
