1997 American Platinum Eagle
The 1997 Platinum Eagle coins marked the US Mint's first release of an investment grade platinum coin. The obverse of the coin features a rendition of the Statue of Liberty by John Mercanti. The reverse of the coin features a Bald Eagle soaring against the backdrop of a rising sun designed by Thomas D. Rogers.
Various fractional sizes of the new platinum bullion coin were offered. This included one ounce, 1/2 ounce, 1/4 ounce, and 1/10 ounce coins.
The US Mint also produced the 1997 Proof Platinum Eagle. The proof coins were sold individually or as part of a 4 coin set. In addition, the Mint offered a special Impressions of Liberty 3 Coin Set, which contained a one-ounce proof Gold Eagle, Platinum Eagle, and Silver Eagle. On a historical basis, mintages for the coins were very high. During its lifetime, the Platinum Eagle series would see mintages slide as the price of platinum increased.
The average price of platinum during 1997 was $395.23
1997 Platinum Eagle Specifications
Designers: John Mercanti (obverse), Thomas D. Rogers Sr. (reverse)
Composition: 99.95% platinum
Weight ($100 Denom): 31.120 grams (1.0005 oz )
Diameter ($100 Denom): 32.7 mm (1.287 inches)
Thickness ($100 Denom): 2.39 mm (0.094 inches)
Edge: Reeded
Mint Mark: none (bullion), W (proof)
1997 Platinum Eagle Mintage
Bullion Mintage: 56,000 (1 oz), 20,500 (1/2 oz), 27,100 (1/4 oz), 70,250 (1/10 oz)
Proof Mintage: 20,851 (1 oz), 15,431 (1/2 oz), 18,628 (1/4 oz), 36,993 (1/10 oz)
1997 Platinum Eagles For Sale
1998 Platinum Eagle >
