2011 American Platinum Eagles
The 2011 American Platinum Eagles continue an annual series of coins dating back to 1997. This series is struck from .9995 pure platinum at the United State Mint facility in West Point, N.Y. It was released by the United States Mint on May 26, 2011.
2011 American Platinum Eagle - Click to Enlarge
Since their introduction, the US Mint has struck the coins in both bullion and proof varieties. However, unlike the gold and silver Eagles, the Mint is not required by law to produce the coins in bullion form. That fact was exemplified in 2009 when the Mint cancelled the bullion coin. The cancellation of the investment grade coin was continued in 2010 when the Mint once again only produced the Proof Platinum Eagle.
Sizes and Denominations
When struck, the US Mint typically produces the bullion Platinum Eagles in four different sizes - 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz and 1 oz with face values of $10, $25, $50 and $100 respectively. The proof has also been struck in those four sizes in the past, but in both 2009 and 2010, only the one ounce Proof was released.
The bullion Platinum Eagles have the distinction of being the only platinum coins that are guaranteed for their weight and purity by the United States government. That guarantee makes these coins ideal investment devices as markets around the world acknowledge the value of each piece based on current platinum prices.
Platinum Eagle Design
John Mercanti designed the image on the obverse of the Platinum Eagle to show the Statue of Liberty looking towards the future. Also shown are the inscriptions 'Liberty,' 'In God We Trust' and the year of mintage.
Reverse designs change annually on these platinum coins. Beginning in 2009, the reverse started a series dedicated to the six principles found in the Preamble to the United States Constitution. The complete list of those principles and the year they were or will be highlighted is shown below:
- 2009 - To Form a More Perfect Union
- 2010 - To Establish Justice
- 2011 - To Insure Domestic Tranquility
- 2012 - To Provide for the Common Defence
- 2013 - To Promote the General Welfare
- 2014 - To Secure the Blessings of Liberty To Ourselves and Our Posterity
These six principles are based on narratives prepared by the chief justice of the United States, John G. Roberts, Jr., at the request of the United States Mint.
The reverse design for the 2011 American Platinum Eagles show a the "harvest goddess emerging from a field of wheat." The design is meant to symbolize the "vastness of our Nation and its wide diversity of views." "describes the Mint. In her left hand is a stalk of wheat. Her right hand extends toward a landing dove, which symbolized the "fulfillment of tranquility in our Nation's cohesive yet free society."
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US $3,599.99
American Platinum Eagle Specifications
Mintmark: W for Proof, None for bullion
Composition: 99.95% platinum
Weight and Diameter: Depends on denomination
Date of Issue: 2011
Mintages: Based on Demand
Obverse Designer/Sculptor: John Mercanti
Reverse Designer/Sculptor: Joel Iskowitz
