Coin | Platinum Quarter 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 - including the quarter 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 Quarter Ounce is denominated with a face value of $25, 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: 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 $25 (twenty-five U.S. dollars).
In the left field, 1/4 oz. (one quarter 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. The 2004-W platinum quarter 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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