American Platinum Eagle (1997 to Date)

The American Platinum Eagle, first issued in 1997, is the official platinum bullion coin of the United States and shows the Statue of Liberty.
$10 Platinum Eagles (1997 to Date) obv

Obverse (Front) Design

The face of the Statue of Liberty, with LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST.
$10 Platinum Eagles (1997 to Date) obv

Reverse (Back) Design

An eagle design. The 1997 coin shows an eagle in flight, and later years have changing designs on themes of freedom and American history.

Coin Specifications

Date Range

1997 to date

Denomination

100, 50, 25 and 10 Dollars (legal tender)

Designer / Engraver

John Mercanti (obverse); various artists (reverse)

Mints

West Point

Composition

99.95% fine platinum

Precious Metal Content

1 troy oz of pure platinum in the 1 oz coin

Weight

31.108 g (1 oz coin)

Diameter

32.7 mm (1 oz coin)

Edge

Reeded

Mintage

—

History & Background

The American Platinum Eagle was authorized by Congress and first issued in 1997. It was made to give investors an official United States platinum coin. The obverse shows the Statue of Liberty and was designed by John Mercanti.

The coin comes in four sizes: one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce and one-tenth ounce. Each size holds the amount of platinum named in .9995 fine platinum.

After the first year, the reverse design has changed regularly, and many of the reverse designs have a special theme. This gives collectors a variety of designs to follow in addition to the metal content.

Collecting Tips

  • Price follows the platinum spot price plus a premium.
  • Check the premium, which can differ from year to year and from one size to another.
  • Keep the coin in its capsule to protect the surface.

Photographs by Grade

Frequently Asked Questions about the American Platinum Eagle (1997 to Date)

How much platinum is in an American Platinum Eagle?

The 1 oz coin holds one troy ounce of .9995 fine platinum.

Does the reverse design change?

Yes. After the first year the reverse design has changed regularly.

What sizes are available?

1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz.

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