Platinum Half Ounce 1998 American Eagle, Bullion, Coin from United States - detailed information

The American Platinum Eagle is the official platinum bullion coin of the United States. The coins were initially released by the United States Mint in several sizes and denominations - including the half ounce, but in late 2008 the fractional denominations were discontinued leaving only the one ounce. The Platinum Eagle is authorised by the United States Congress, and is backed by the United States Mint for weight, content, and purity. The Platinum Half Ounce is denominated with a face value of $50, but the intrinsic value of the metal is significantly higher.

After the first year of issue, there were two versions of the coin issued annually: bullion with the "definitive" soaring eagle reverse, and a proof with a different design every year.

American Eagles are popular with investors in the US because they are "IRA approved" - meaning that they can be included in an "Individual Retirement Account" (IRA) which can allow the investor to claim tax benefits when the coins are sold at a profit through a discounted tax rate on the capital gains.

1998 was the first year in which the design for the bullion coin (this one) diverged from that of the proof version.