| Coin | Platinum Half Ounce 2006 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.
This design is the first in the three-year Branches of Government Series dedicated to the three branches of U.S. government, and is dedicated to the Legislative Branch.
The United States legislative branch is made up of the House and Senate, known collectively as the Congress. Among other powers, the legislative branch makes all laws, declares war, regulates interstate and foreign commerce and controls taxing and spending policies. |
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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: 2006. 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 seated "Legislative Muse" holding a book, flanked by two eagles perched on columns representing the bicameral legislature of the United States Congress.
The designer's initials JI (for Joel Iskowitz) are below left, on the muse's robe; the sculptor's initials DE (for Don Everhart) are below her foot on the right. The W mint mark of the West Point Mint is below left.
Around above, the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
The face value $50 (fifty U.S. dollars) is below right.
Below left, 1/2 oz. (one half of a troy ounce); around below, the precious metal content: .9995 PLATINUM (99.95% platinum). |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Finish: proof (7,649 coins) or burnished uncirculated (7,001).
The 2006-W platinum proof 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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