Front/Obverse
Rear/Reverse

Platinum bullion coins like the American Eagle offer further diversification for investors in an uncertain world. Besides the inherent stability of investing in precious metals, American Eagle platinum bullion coins also offer unmatched purity. It’s the only platinum coin in the world backed by the U.S. government, which is another reason investors place a lot of confidence in these beautiful coins.

Continue reading for some quick facts, investment insight and a brief history of the American Eagle platinum bullion coin.

American Eagle Platinum Bullion Coin Quick Facts and Brief History

Type Bullion (Investment)
Mintage Annually by the U.S. Mint since 1997
Weights / Denominations 1-oz American Platinum Eagle ($100 face value)
½-oz American Platinum Eagle ($50 face value)
¼-oz American Platinum Eagle ($25 face value)
1/10-oz American Platinum Eagle ($10 face value)
Front Design Original design since 1997 by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti. Depicts portrait of the Statue of Liberty gazing confidently forward, a universal symbol of freedom and opportunity. Obverse (front) of the American Platinum Eagle also includes the year coin was minted with "In God We Trust" stamped beneath the year of mintage.
Rear Design The reverse design of the American Eagle platinum bullion coin changes each year. The original release in 1997 featured a soaring eagle with a setting sun in the background and was designed by U.S. Mint sculptor Thomas D. Rogers.

"To Insure Domestic Tranquility" is the theme for the 2011 issue. Each design has the coin's face value along with the coin's weight and purity stamped on the reverse side.
Brief History Introduced by the U.S. Mint in 1997 following authorization from the U.S. Congress the prior year, American Eagle platinum bullion coins are the only coins of this kind whose weight and purity are guaranteed by the U.S. government. Per the act of Congress, these coins are deemed legal tender, giving the 1 oz issue a face value of $100, the largest face value of any U.S. coin (although their actual platinum value is much higher). American Platinum Eagles are also unique in that the reverse design changes from year to year.
Why Buy? Platinum bullion coins such as the American Eagle offer investors a way to further diversify their portfolio. American Eagle platinum coins qualify for inclusion in a self-directed IRA. They're also the purest platinum coins available on the market and carry a special value because of their purity guarantee.
Platinum Bullion Content 1 Troy Ounce of 0.9995 pure platinum (1 oz issue)
Other Specifications

1 troy ounce American Eagle Platinum bullion coin

  • Diameter = 32.7 mm (1.29 in.)
  • Thickness = 2.39 mm (0.094 in.)
  • Gross Weight = 1.0005 Troy ounces (31.120 grams)
  • Reeded Edges
  • Face Value = $100

1/2 troy ounce American Eagle Platinum Bullion coin

  • Diameter = 27.0 mm (1.06 in.)
  • Thickness = 1.75 mm (0.069 in.)
  • Gross Weight = 0.5003 Troy ounces (15.560 grams)
  • Reeded Edges
  • Face Value = $50

1/4 troy ounce American Eagle Platinum Bullion coin

  • Diameter = 22.0 mm (0.866 in.)
  • Thickness = 1.32 mm (0.052 in.)
  • Gross Weight = 0.2501 Troy ounces (7.780 grams)
  • Reeded Edges
  • Face Value = $25

1/10 troy ounce American Eagle Platinum Bullion coin

  • Diameter = 16.5 mm (0.650 in.)
  • Thickness = 0.95 mm (0.037 in.)
  • Gross Weight = 0.1001 Troy ounces (3.112 grams)
  • Reeded Edges
  • Face Value = $10

Platinum bullion coins like the American Eagle represent a safe and unique way to invest in precious metals and save for retirement. To learn more about investing in platinum bullion and precious metals, continue reading the Knowledge Center and blog for more. And if you’re interested in adding platinum bullion coins to your portfolio, check Provident Metals for current prices and availability.