2009 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins launched on Thursday, Dec. 3. By Sunday, sales reached 7,207 of the maximum 8,000 allotted according to the latest US Mint report on current coin purchases. A sell out appears imminent, and is only a matter of time.
[Editor’s note: The maximum mintage sold out on Thursday, Dec. 10. For more information, read the coin news article: 2009 Proof Platinum Eagle Coins Sell Out.]
The price tag for the 99.95 percent pure, one ounce platinum eagle is currently set at $1,792.00, with an order limit in place of 5 per household. While the price may seem high for a modern collectible with a premium of some $350 over the current spot of platinum, it is a bargain when considering the 2008 issue price of $2,299.95.
Platinum Eagles have not been available from the US Mint all year and, and as it announced in October, no bullion versions will be struck until at least 2010.
Also, there are no uncirculated versions and no fractional one-half, one-quarter and one-tenth ounce sizes — these were discontinued when the Mint reshaped its numismatic product line in Nov. 2008.
These facts help explain the increased demand, and faster selling pace. The US Mint sold just 4,769 of the one ounce proof coins last year.
The reverse of this year’s platinum eagle features the first design of a six year series commemorating the core concepts of American Democracy by showcasing six principles of the Preamble of the United States Constitution. The US Mint requested narratives to be used to determine the coin themes from Chief Justice of the United States, John G. Roberts, Jr., which he provided.
The 2009 reverse theme depicts "To Form a More Perfect Union" by using four faces to represent the diversity of the Nation with interweaving hair and clothing. It was designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. Also shown are the inscriptions "A MORE PERFECT UNION," "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "1 oz. .9995 PLATINUM" and the face value of "$100." A new element added this year is an American Eagle "privy mark," based on an original "coin punch" identified at the United States Mint at Philadelphia.
The obverse side remains unchanged, featuring United States Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti’s Lady Liberty along with the inscriptions "LIBIERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the year.
Order information
The 2009 Platinum Proof American Eagle may be ordered directly from US Mint’s website (www.usmint.gov) via the:
Orders can also be placed using their toll-free number at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing and speech impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT.
The price of the eagles may change weekly, and is determined by US Mint coin pricing policy which uses an average of the weekly London Fix for platinum.
