WASHINGTON — The United States Mint will open sales for the 2011 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin at noon Eastern Time (ET) on May 26, 2011. This year’s coin features the third reverse (tails side) design in the six–year Preamble Series. Introduced in 2009, the series explores the core concepts of American democracy by examining the six principles of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. The 2011 coin design is emblematic of the theme “To Insure Domestic Tranquility,” the third principle in the Preamble.
The reverse of the one–ounce platinum coin was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Phebe Hemphill. The design depicts the harvest goddess emerging from a field of wheat, symbolizing the vastness of our Nation and its wide diversity of views. She bears a a stalk of wheat in her left hand, as she extends her right hand to a landing dove, representing the fulfillment of tranquility in our Nation’s cohesive yet free society. Inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1 oz., .9995 PLATINUM and $100. The coin’s reverse also features an American Eagle “privy mark” from an original “coin punch” identified at the United States Mint at Philadelphia.
The obverse (heads side) of the coin was designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver John Mercanti. The design features Lady Liberty, a symbol of vigilance and resolute faithfulness to duty.
Inspiration for the reverse designs in the Preamble Series is drawn from narratives prepared by the Chief Justice of the United States at the request of the United States Mint. Coins bearing design themes emblematic of “To Form a More Perfect Union” and “To Establish Justice” were issued in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Coin designs bearing the three remaining themes will be released as follows: “To Provide for the Common Defence” (2012); “To Promote the General Welfare” (2013); and “To Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and our Posterity” (2014).
The American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins are minted at the United States Mint at West Point and feature the “W” mint mark. Mintage is limited to 15,000 units. The price of the coin is based on the United States Mint’s pricing policy for certain numismatic products containing precious metals. For current pricing information, visit http://catalog.usmint.gov/wcsstore/ConsumerDirect/images/catalog/en_US/GoldCoinGrid.pdf.
Orders will be accepted at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or at 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. Orders will be limited to five coins per household for the first week of the product’s release. At the end of that week, the United States Mint will re–evaluate this limit and either extend, adjust or remove it.
The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing 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 May 26, 2011, noon ET 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.