Coin | Platinum Ounce 2004 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, 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 Ounce is denominated with a face value of $100, but the intrinsic value of the metal is significantly higher.
After the first year of issue, there are 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.
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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: 2004. 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 bald eagle clutching a laurel branch, perched at the base of the statue of America. The statue is one of the Four Continents group situated at The Alexander Hamilton Custom House in New York City, sculpted by Daniel Chester French in 1905. America is depicted seated, holding a torch in her right hand, and with a sheaf of corn stalks in her lap. The designer's signature DW (for Donna Weaver) is at the base of the statue. The W mint mark of the West Point Mint is below right near the rim.
Around above, the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Below the eagle, the face value $100 (one hundred U.S. dollars).
In the left field, 1 oz. (one 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. The 2004-W platinum 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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