2012 American Platinum Eagle Designs
The 2012 Platinum Eagle will continue the design series highlighting the core concepts of American Democracy as communicated through the Preamble to the United States Constitution.
The theme for the reverse design is “For the Common Defence.” The spelling of the word “defence” is based on the original Preamble, as opposed to the common modern spelling of the word “defense.” Eleven different candidate designs were prepared for the theme, taking inspiration from a narrative written by Chief Justice John G. Roberts. The candidates represented the theme in a variety of methods, including shields, the Liberty cap on a pole, the Greek goddess of warfare, depictions of Liberty with a sword, and a Continental Minuteman.
After reviewing the candidates, the Commission of Fine Arts recommended a design featuring a large shield with an eagle on top clutching a bundle of arrows in its talons. The words “The Common Defence” appear on a banner encircling the shield. The CFA favored this design as the most legible.
The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee offered a different recommendation. They favored the depiction of a Continental Minuteman holding a rifle in one hand and a book in the other. A modernistic rendition of the American flag appears in the background.
The final reverse design selection will be made by the United States Treasury Secretary, after weighing the commendations of the CFA, CCAC, and US Mint Director. The obverse of the coin would carry the image of the Statue of Liberty designed by John Mercanti and used for all previous years of the series.
Provided the US Mint maintains the practices of recent years, the 2012 Platinum Eagle will be offered in one ounce proof version only. Typically, a maximum mintage level is announced along with a household ordering limit. Pricing for the coins is based on the average weekly market price of platinum.
Since 2008, the US Mint has not offered bullion versions of the Platinum Eagle. If offered, these coins would feature the Statue of Liberty obverse and a reverse design featuring a soaring bald eagle designed by Thomas D. Rogers.
