For the 20th anniversary of the Platinum American Eagle coin series, the United States Mint is doing something it’s never done before with the proof version of the coin: repeat a design. Since 1997, a new design has been used each year on the reverse of these platinum coins, and now the mint will bring back Thomas D. Rogers’ design for the monumental occasion. The 2017-W 1 oz Proof Platinum American Eagle Coin is now available to you online at Silver.com.
Coin Highlights:
- Ships to you inside of a protective plastic slab from the NGC.
- 20th anniversary celebration of the Platinum Eagles!
- Availability of certified coins is limited!
- Consists of One Troy ounce of .9995 fine platinum.
- Issued a face value of $100 (USD) by the United States.
- Bears a Grade of PF70 from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
- UCAM designation.
- Early Release label.
- Obverse features John Mercanti’s depiction of Liberty.
- Thomas D. Rogers’ original Eagle Soaring Above America design on the reverse.
- Includes the West Point Mint’s “W” mint mark.
When the Proof Platinum American Eagle debuted in 1997, it featured an obverse design from John Mercanti, the former Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. While Mercanti’s Liberty design has continued since that day as the obverse design on both the bullion and proof coins, the reverse has seen a different history.
Thomas D. Rogers, a former sculptor-engraver with the US Mint, created the very first proof reverse design in 1997. While the American bald eagle would feature in the first design theme series from 1997 to 2003, different artists offered different depictions from 1998 until 2003, including Rogers himself who designed the 1998 image. However, his original 1997 design has never repeated on the proof coin.
Now, the reverse of the 2017-W 1 oz Proof Platinum American Eagle Coin includes Rogers’ first Eagle Soaring Above American design used back in 1997 to mark the 20th anniversary of the coins. It depicts the eagle with wings spread wide as it flies over the nation with the sun highlighting its figure from behind.
The obverse of the Proof Platinum American Eagle includes Mercanti’s image of Liberty. He captures the face of Liberty from the Statue of Liberty, her gazed fixed in the distance as she looks to offer the guiding light of freedom to those suffering and in search of a new home around the globe.
Each of these 2017 Proof Platinum American Eagles earned a perfect certification from the NGC. Coins in PF70 condition have full, original mint luster and no detracting flaws. Further, their UCAM finish lends strong, frosted finishes to the devices and a deeply-mirrored, clear background field.
The Early Release label included denotes the coins were received by the NGC for certification within 30 days of their 2017 release from the US Mint.
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