WASHINGTON — The United States Mint announced today that it will begin accepting orders for the 2009 American Eagle One–Ounce Platinum Proof Coin at noon Eastern Time (ET) December 3, 2009. Orders will be limited to five units per household.
The reverse (tails side) of the 2009 American Eagle One–Ounce Platinum Proof Coin features the first design in a new six–year program that commemorates the core concepts of American democracy by featuring the six principles of the Preamble of the United States Constitution. Themes for the reverse designs in the new series of American Eagle One–Ounce Platinum Proof Coins are inspired by narratives prepared by the Chief Justice of the United States, John G. Roberts, Jr., at the request of the United States Mint. Coin designs reflecting the remaining principles of the Preamble will be released as follows: To Establish Justice (2010); To Insure Domestic Tranquility (2011); To Provide for the Common Defense (2012); To Promote General Welfare (2013); and To Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and our Posterity (2014).
The 2009 design depicts four faces representing the diversity of our Nation, with the clothing and hair weaving together symbolizing the principle, To Form a More Perfect Union. A new design element, an American Eagle “privy mark,” has been added to the reverse of the coin. The privy mark is from an original “coin punch” identified at the United States Mint at Philadelphia. The reverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Phebe Hemphill.
The coin’s obverse (heads side) will continue to feature Lady Liberty–a symbol of vigilance and resolute faithfulness to duty–by United States Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti.
An image of the 2009 American Eagle One–Ounce Platinum Proof Coin is available at: http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=photo#platinumProof.
The American Eagle One–Ounce Platinum Proof Coin will be struck at the United States Mint at West Point. Mintage is limited to 8,000 units. The coin’s price will be based on the United States Mint’s pricing structure for numismatic products containing precious metals. For the most current information, visit: http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?flash=yes&action=goldplat.
Customers may purchase the 2009 American Eagle One–Ounce Platinum Proof Coin at the United States Mint’s Online Catalog at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog, or at the toll–free number, 1–800–USA–MINT (872–6468). Hearing– and speech–impaired customers may order by calling 1–888–321–MINT. A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders.
The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage. Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver gold and platinum bullion coins.
Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on–sale date and time of December 3, 2009, noon ET on, shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored. For more information, please review the United States Mint’s Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.