Platinum Quarter Ounce 2008 American Eagle, Proof, Coin from United States - detailed information

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: 2008. 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.

The reverse design depicts "Lady Justice" watched over by an American bald eagle. Justice is shown as a walking female figure, robed and blindfolded, raising the "scales of justice" with her right hand and holding a short sword in her left hand. The eagle is behind her, perched on a pedestal, with outstretched wings.

The designer's initials JI (for Joel Iskowitz,) are on the left side of the base of the pedestal; the sculptor's initials CLV (for Charles L. Vickers) are on the right side of the base of the pedestal. The W mint mark of the West Point Mint is below left.

Around above, the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

The face value $25 (twenty-five U.S. dollars) is below right.

Below left, 1/4 oz. (one quarter of a troy ounce); around below, the precious metal content: .9995 PLATINUM (99.95% platinum).

Finish: proof (4,153 coins) or burnished uncirculated (2,481).

The 2008-W platinum proof quarter ounce was issued individually boxed in a black velvet booklet-style folder with a Certificate of Authenticity, or in a four-coin set.

This is the last year when platinum quarter-ounce American Eagles were issued (even though Krause lists a 2009 quarter ounce under KM# 461). All fractional denominations were discontinued after 2008, leaving only the platinum ounce to be issued in subsequent years.