U.S. Mint Platinum Bullion

These platinum products were introduced in 1997 as part of the American Eagle Bullion program. The American Eagle Platinum coins typically feature the Statue of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. These coins contain 99.95% pure platinum.

These coins are popular among investors and collectors. Investors value them for their precious metal content, while collectors appreciate the artistic designs and limited mintages. Although they are legal tender, their face value does not reflect their market value, which is usually much higher due to the platinum content.

Sizes and Demoninations

The United States Mint produces platinum bullion coins in various sizes and denominations. These sizes correspond to the weight of platinum in each coin.

• 1 Ounce ($100)
• 1/2 Ounce ($50)
• 1/4 Ounce ($25)
• 1/10 Ounce ($10)

Years of Mintage

The U.S. Mint first minted these platinum coins in 1997. At that time, four sizes were minted. Beginning in 2008, only the one-ounce $100 coin was minted. Sources that report minted numbers vary.

How many of each coin that was minted may vary significantly through the years; for example, in 2014, less than 5000 1-ounce coins were minted. However, in 2022, 80000 were minted. The 2014 version is a collectible. If you are a collector, consider a lower mintage year like 2001-2007 or 2008 for the one-ounce.

The first year of issue, 1997, is popular amongst collectors in all sizes. MS-70 versions of older releases are also desirable.

In 2007, the 2007 W Proof (Frosted Freedom) had an extremely low mintage of only 12 for the one-ounce. So far, only one has been discovered. Other rare options are the 2004-2008 Foundations of the Democracy Series sets. Only 21 of 1/4 and 1/2 ounces sizes were minted. Only 12 of the one-ounce size were released.

Another version collectors may find interesting is the proof series highlighting the five freedoms of the First Amendment. The first coin, featuring Freedom of Religion, was released in 2021. The 2022 coin celebrated the Freedom of Speech, and the 2023 version Freedom of the Press. The West Point Mint produced these coins and all coins have a limited mintage.

If you simply want to collect platinum, the year does not matter as much as the precious metals content and value.

Graded Platinum Bullion

These platinum coins are available in graded versions, including MS-70, MS-69, PR-70, and PF-70. Graded coins are designated to be of a certain level of quality.

MS-70

"Mint State" coins are in the condition they were when they left the mint, without any wear from circulation. The coin should have no scratches, handling marks, or contact with other coins. It should also have full, original luster and exceptional eye appeal. MS-70 coins are designated by the Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS).

MS-69

This PCGS grade signifies a coin that is nearly perfect, with only minuscule imperfections that are barely noticeable. Despite these minor flaws, an MS-69 coin still maintains its full mint luster and outstanding eye appeal. The distinction between MS-69 and MS-70 is subtle and can often come down to minor and minute details.

PR-70

A coin that is in absolutely perfect condition. Under 5x magnification, there should be no imperfections visible. The coin must have sharp, intricate details, a flawless mirror-like finish in the fields, and exceptional eye appeal. Coins with a PR-70 grade are designated as such by the Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS).

PF-70

This NGC grade signifies that the coin is in perfect condition. A PF-70 coin shows no post-production imperfections at 5x magnification, maintaining its full, original mint luster and top-tier eye appeal. The coin's features should be sharply struck, with clear, crisp details. The fields should be free of scratches, blemishes, or contact marks.

Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Coins

This term refers to coins that have never been circulated and retain their original mint condition. BU coins show no signs of wear from being used in transactions. One key aspect of BU coins is their luster, which results from the minting process and diminishes as coins enter circulation and experience wear. Although BU coins have not been used in circulation, they might have minor marks or imperfections from being handled, stored, or transported.

The quality of platinum BU coins can vary. They are generally of higher quality than circulated coins, but they might not meet the standards of higher grades or proof coins. BU coins are popular among collectors who want coins in excellent condition without the higher cost associated with graded coins like MS-70 or proof coins.

Platinum Proof Coins

Proof refers to the method of coin production, not the coin's condition. Proof coins are struck using specially prepared dies and blanks. The dies are often treated to create a more detailed and polished appearance. Proof coins are struck multiple times at lower speeds and with higher pressure, enhancing the precision and detail of the design.

Proof coins are often produced in limited quantities compared to regular circulation coins. This limited mintage can make them more desirable to collectors. Platinum proof coins are usually sold in protective packaging, which might include a display case and a certificate of authenticity. This packaging helps preserve the coin’s condition and can add to its collectibility.

Burnished Coins

Burnishing refers to the process of polishing coin blanks (planchets) before they are struck. This is done using a rotating drum with an abrasive material, which smoothens the surface of the planchet and gives it a matte or satin-like finish. This process is different from that used for creating proof or uncirculated coins. After the burnishing process, these planchets are struck with dies to imprint the coin's design. The striking process for burnished coins is similar to that of regular minted coins, but the pre-treatment of the planchets sets them apart.

Burnished coins are often handled with greater care during production to avoid scratches or marks. Like proof coins, burnished coins are often sold directly from the mint in special packaging. They may come with a certificate of authenticity and are targeted mainly at collectors. The mintage of burnished coins is typically lower than regular circulation coins, making them more exclusive.