| Coin | Platinum Half Ounce 1998 American Eagle, Proof |
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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.
1998 was the first year in which the design for the proof coin (this one) diverged from that of the bullion version. |
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| Obverse | |
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Within a plain rim, the obverse of the coin shows the close-up bust of the Statue of Liberty. Around above in large letters, the word LIBERTY is partly obscured by the rays of Liberty's diadem.
In the right field, the date of issue: 1998. On three lines below that, the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
The designer's monogram JM, for John M. Mercanti, is above Liberty's shoulder on the left.
Around below left, the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM; translated from Latin, it means "Out of many, one" and signifies unity in diversity. |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse design of the coin depicts a bald eagle flying over New England, represented by a rocky beach on which part of a town is visible, with old-style houses with the tower of a small light house; there is a full moon in the sky. The W mint mark of the West Point Mint is in the right field, just above the eagle's tail.
On two lines around above, the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Around below left, the precious metal content: .9995 PLATINUM 1/2 oz. (one half of a troy ounce of 99.95% platinum).
In the exergue, the face value $50 (fifty U.S. dollars). |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Finish: proof.
The 1998-W platinum half ounce was issued individually boxed in a black velvet booklet-style folder with a Certificate of Authenticity, or in a four-coin set. |
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