WASHINGTON — The United States Mint announced today that, beginning December 13, 2007, at 12 noon (ET), it will offer a limited edition, two–coin set to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the American Eagle Platinum Coin Program. Mintage of the American Eagle 10th Anniversary Platinum Coin Set, offered at $1,949.95, is limited to 30,000 sets. Orders will be limited to one set per household. To ensure the broadest and fairest access to this United States Mint product, the order limit will remain in effect for the first seven (7) days of release. Following this initial sales period, the United States Mint will reevaluate and either extend, adjust or lift the limit.
The American Eagle 10th Anniversary Platinum Set will contain one proof coin and one enhanced reverse proof coin, each containing one–half ounce of .9995 platinum. The proof coin features a cameo image floating on a mirror–like background. The enhanced reverse proof coin features a frosted background and a brilliant, mirror–like finish on the raised elements of the coin. This is an enhanced reverse proof version because it is not an exact opposite polish of the regular proof version. The design elements on the enhanced reverse proof platinum coin were strategically selected to feature the proof, mirror–like finish in contrast to frosted background design elements to enhance the entire image.
This is the first time the United States Mint is offering a reverse proof version of the American Eagle Platinum Coin.
Designed and engraved by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver John Mercanti, the obverse of both coins bear the striking image of Lady Liberty, symbolizing vigilance and resolute faithfulness to duty. Inscriptions are “Liberty,” “In God We Trust,” “E Pluribus Unum” and “2007.” United States Mint American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins have featured this design since their debut in 1997.
The coins’ reverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Thomas Cleveland and engraved by United States Mint Medallic Sculptor Phebe Hemphill. Featured on the 2007–dated platinum coins, it is the second design in the three–year series entitled, “The Foundations of American Democracy,” and celebrates the Executive Branch of government. The design depicts a bald eagle with its wings spread wide representing freedom, with a shield at the ready to enforce the laws that guarantee those freedoms. Inscriptions on the reverse are “½ oz.,” “.9995 platinum,” “$50,” “The United States of America,” and “Freedom.” The reverse also carries the “W” mintmark denoting production at the United States Mint at West Point.
The American Eagle 10th Anniversary Platinum Set is presented in an elegant hardwood box with a mahogany finish and adorned with a silver foil on the domed lid. The box is highly lacquered, rubbed and buffed to a gloss finish. The coins are exhibited on a specially designed wood platform angled to display the coins when the box is opened. Each set is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
The United States Mint will receive orders for the American Eagle 10th Anniversary Platinum Set at its secure Web site, www.usmint.gov, or at the toll–free number, 1–800–USA–MINT (872–6468). Hearing– and speech–impaired customers with TTY equipment may place their orders by calling 1–888–321–MINT (6468) 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday.
Customers who are paying by credit card should ensure that their credit card information remains current to avoid order processing delays. Credit cards that expire before an order is shipped will be cancelled. To update credit card information after an order has been placed, customers should call 1–800–USA–MINT (872–6468).
Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, any order placed prior to the official on–sale date and time (December 13, 2007, 12:00 Noon ET) shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored.