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.
This coin is the first release in the three-year “Preamble to the Declaration of Independence Platinum Proof Coin Series”.
This marks the first time the United States Mint has issued a series featuring all new obverse designs created concurrently by one designer, as well as a new common reverse design.
The obverse designs portray Lady Liberty planting seeds for future sustenance, lighting the way westward, and harvesting the well-worked crops. The inscriptions “Life” in 2018, “Liberty” in 2019, and “Happiness” in 2020 are likenesses of the handwritten words from the Declaration of Independence. |