2008 Platinum Eagle

2008 American Platinum Eagle

The 2008 Platinum Eagle coins mark the twelfth year of the platinum coin series. Platinum experienced a turbulent year creating a mixed picture for mintages. The bullion coins saw a large jump in mintage figures from prior years. Based on preliminary numbers, the proof coins will mark the lowest mintages for any proof coins in the series.

The 2008 Proof Platinum Eagle featured the third and final design of "The Foundations of Democracy" design series. The reverse was designed by Joel Iskowtiz and engraved by Charles Vickers. It features Lady Justice with scales suspended from a finger of her right hand. Her left hand holds a sword and an eagle is pictured in the background.

Once again the US Mint issued special collectible uncirculated versions of the coin. The 2008-W Uncirculated Platinum Eagle coins are sometimes referred to as burnished Platinum Eagles since the coins are struck on specially burnished blanks. The coins also carry the "W" mintmark to signify mintage at the West Point mint.

For each of the three options, Platinum Eagles were available in the full slate of fractional sizes, including 1 ounce, 1/2 ounce, 1/4 ounces, and 1/10 ounce sizes. Late in the year the US Mint announced that the uncirculated "W" mintmarked coins would no longer be offered and the fractional proof coins would no longer be offered in future years.

During 2008, the price of platinum reached peak price of $2,273 before collapsing to a low of $763. The average price of platinum for 2008 was $1,573.53.