The United States government first issued the American Platinum Eagle Coins in 1997, which was more than a decade after initial production of the Gold and Silver American Eagles. These unique coins quickly became the number one platinum bullion coin in the world and the designs featured are entirely new.

Uncirculated American Platinum Eagle coins are all struck at the United States West Point Mint in New York. Although normally none of the uncirculated pieces carry mintmarks there was an exception that occurred in 1999 when the one-tenth ounce and quarter ounce proof dies bearing the 'W' mint mark were prepared by mistake. These 1999-W uncirculated coins are extremely scarce and avid collectors have them at the top of their want lists.

Each American Platinum Eagle coin is guaranteed to contain the exact quantity of platinum stamped on the coin and they meet the rigid quality standards set by the United States Mint. They maintain a unique advantage over all other platinum bullion coins simply because the United States government guarantees their content, weight, and purity. Platinum has become one of the scarcest precious metals in the world, in fact one out of every five consumer products either contains platinum or is produced using platinum.

The obverse side features the powerful and striking image of "Lady Liberty" looking off into the future symbolizing vigilance, faithfulness to duty, and the American spirit and character. It was designed and engraved by United States Mint sculptor and engraver John M. Mercanti, who also designed the reverse side of the American Silver Eagle Coin. This astonishing coin bears the inscription "Liberty" and the mottoes, "In God We Trust" and "E Pluribus Unum" also on the obverse along with the date of issue. Within the curving exergue side at the bottom of the coin is the face value, and the West Point "W: mint mark is also located on the obverse side.

On the reverse the design features a bald eagle soaring across a setting sun in different regions of America changing each year. Watching over our firm foundation of democracy is the bald eagle our Nation's symbol of power, courage, and freedom, which was shown in different designs between the years of 1998 and 2002 known as the "Vistas of Liberty" series. Then during the years between 2006 and 2008 the United States Mint celebrated the three branches of government with the "Foundation of American Democracy' series.

Platinum American Eagle coins are available in four different sizes and denominations authorized by the United States Congress and backed by the United States Mint for their weight and content. The one-ounce has a diameter of 32.7mm, a thickness of 2.39mm, a weight of 1.0005 troy ounce, and contains one troy ounce of pure .9995 fine platinum with a face value of $100, the highest face value of any American coin ever produced and recently priced at $2,299.95.

The half-ounce platinum American Eagle coin has a diameter of 27mm, a thickness of 1.75mm, a weight of 0.5003 troy ounce, and contains a half-ounce of pure platinum, and has a face value of $50. The quarter-ounce platinum coin has a diameter of 22mm, a thickness of 1.32mm, a weight of 0.2501 troy ounce, and contains a quarter-ounce of pure platinum, and has a face value of $25. The tenth-ounce platinum coin has a diameter of 16.5mm, a thickness of .95mm, a weight of 0.10005 troy ounce, and contains a tenth-ounce of pure platinum and has a face value of $10.

For anyone wishing to diversify their investment portfolio platinum American Eagles may just be the ideal way. They will provide any collector with the means to add balance and stability to any well-rounded investment portfolio.