Coin | Platinum Half Ounce 2002 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.
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Obverse | |
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: 2002. 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 | |
The reverse design of the coin depicts a swooping bald eagle above a lake bordered by snow-capped mountains and trees in the Northwestern U.S.; in the lake, a fish breaches the water hunting a low-flying insect. The W mint mark of the West Point Mint is in the left field.
Around above, the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Below the eagle, the face value $50 (fifty U.S. dollars).
Around below, the precious metal content: .9995 PLATINUM 1/2 oz. (one half of a troy ounce of 99.95% platinum). |
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Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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Notes | Finish: proof. The 2002-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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