Bulletin
Proof American Eagle platinum sales
start Dec. 3
Reverse side
Proof 2009 American Eagle platinum coin celebrates diversity of Union; on sale Dec. 3.
Sales of the Proof 2009-W American Eagle 1-ounce .9995 fine platinum $100 coin will begin at noon Eastern Time Dec. 3, limited to a maximum mintage of 8,000 coins.
The first public notice about the Proof 2009 platinum coin was posted at the U.S. Mint's Web site around noon Nov. 20.
Customers will be limited to five coins per household.
The price of the coin has not yet been determined, but will be based on a pricing structure located online at www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?flash=yes&action=goldplat.
The reverse design is the first in a six-year series of reverse designs featuring the six principles of the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution. The 2009 reverse shows four portraits reflecting the nation’s diversity, with the clothing and hair weaving together to follow the theme "To Form a More Perfect Union." It was designed by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculptured by U.S. Mint Medallic Sculptor Phebe Hemphill.
A new element, an eagle head privy mark from among the Philadelphia Mint's coin punches, has been sculptured into the reverse design. A Mint press release did not elaborate on the origin of the punch.
The obverse, designed and engraved by John Mercanti who now heads the U.S. Mint's engraving staff, is the same Lady Liberty portrait that has appeared on all Proof and bullion American Eagle platinum coins since the platinum program was introduced in 1997.