United States Platinum Bullion Coins can make an excellent investment for coin collectors as they are few and far between, highly valuable, more so than gold, are small, easy to store and transport and can easily be sold if and when the need arises.

The US Mint first issued the American Eagle Platinum bullion coin in 1997 after being authorised by Congress in 1996. It is the only official investment grade platinum coin whose weight and content of platinum and with a purity of .9995. are guaranteed by the United States Government.

U.S. platinum bullion coins are generally available in Uncirculated and Proof versions in four denominations: $10, $25, $50, and $100. The value of these coins is the value of the platinum metal contained therein. However, where the mintage was low and the coins are harder to come by it is possible that some collectors will pay a premium over the value of the coin itself. Mostly, as Platinum is an expensive metal (almost twice that of gold), it is rare and the bullion value of these coins far outstrips their face value.

All American Eagles are legal tender coins, with their face value imprinted in U.S. dollars. Although their face value is largely symbolic, it provides proof of their authenticity as official U.S. coinage. The one-ounce platinum coin displays the highest face value ($100) ever to appear on a U.S. coin.

John M. Mercanti designed the obverse of the U.S. platinum bullion coins using the head of the Statue of Liberty. In keeping with the Mint’s “American Eagles” theme, new reverses are developed each year - always with an eagle incorporated into the design.

A collectible proof version of the American Eagle Platinum Bullion Coin is available directly from the United States Mint. The American Eagle Platinum Proof coins are also available on the United States Mint’s online catalog , or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT.

For the coin collector or the investor, the American Eagle Platinum Bullion Coin makes an excellent addition to any collection.

This entry was posted on Saturday, October 21st, 2006 at 10:05 am.