American Eagle One Hundred Dollar Platinum 1997 to Date

About This Series

Carrying the highest face value of any U.S. bullion coin at $100, the one-ounce American Platinum Eagle contains 31.1 grams of .9995 fine platinum, making it one of the purest precious metal coins issued by any sovereign mint. John Mercanti's Statue of Liberty obverse graces both bullion and proof versions, but the proof program has distinguished itself through annually rotating reverse designs exploring themes such as Vistas of Liberty, Foundations of Democracy, and the Preamble to the Constitution — a design philosophy unique among American bullion programs. The bullion reverse features Thomas D. Rogers Sr.'s soaring eagle design. Authorized by Congress in 1996 and first struck in 1997, the platinum program filled a gap in the American precious metals lineup alongside gold (1986) and silver (1986) eagles. Annual proof mintages have been relatively modest — often under 10,000 pieces — creating genuine collector scarcity for many years. The rotating proof reverse concept has generated a dedicated collecting community that pursues each year's unique design, and certain early issues with low certified populations in top grades command substantial premiums. The $100 denomination, while largely symbolic given platinum's market value, establishes these coins as legal tender backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.