WASHINGTON — The United States Mint will open sales for the 2012 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin on August 9, at noon Eastern Time (ET). The coin features the fourth new reverse (tails side) design in the six–year “Preamble Series” program, launched in 2009. The program commemorates the core concepts of American democracy by recognizing the six principles of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
The 2012 coin’s reverse design is emblematic of the theme “To Provide for the Common Defence,” the fourth principle in the Preamble. Designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Associate Designer Barbara Fox and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Charles L. Vickers, it depicts a vigilant minuteman from the Revolutionary War, representing the protection and defense of the country during its early days. The minuteman carries a rifle and a book, which symbolizes the importance of knowledge in defending our Nation. The design also features an American Eagle privy mark from an original “coin punch” identified at the United States Mint at Philadelphia. Inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1 oz., .9995 PLATINUM and $100. The coin’s obverse (heads side), designed and sculpted by former United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver John Mercanti, features Lady Liberty, a symbol of vigilance and resolute faithfulness to duty.
The reverse designs in the Preamble Series are inspired by narratives prepared by the Chief Justice of the United States at the request of the United States Mint. Previously released coins with themes emblematic of “To Form a More Perfect Union,” “To Establish Justice” and “To Insure Domestic Tranquility” were issued in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Coin designs reflecting the remaining themes of “To Promote the General Welfare” and “To Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and our Posterity” will be released in 2013 and 2014.
The American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin is struck at the United States Mint at West Point. Mintage is limited to 15,000 units. Pricing is based on the United States Mint’s policy for numismatic products containing precious metals. Current pricing information is available at http://catalog.usmint.gov/wcsstore/ConsumerDirect/images/catalog/en_US/GoldCoinGrid.pdf.
Orders will be accepted at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog and at 1–800–USA–MINT (872–6468). Hearing– and speech–impaired customers may order at 1–888–321–MINT (6468). 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 was created by Congress in 1792. This year marks the bureau’s 220th anniversary. The United States Mint 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 August 9, 2012, at 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.