Today at noon ET, the United States Mint begins selling one of its last collectible products for the year, the 2015-W $100 Proof American Platinum Eagle.
Don’t be surprised if this coin sells out quickly. There are several appealing factors that set it apart from prior issues, namely:
- A lower opening price of $1,200
- A smaller mintage of 4,000
- The first release in a 2-year design series
- An attractive design
- No companion bullion release
Last year’s proof Platinum Eagle was introduced at $1,650 with a stated mintage of 15,000. This year’s lower price is the result of plunging platinum, which is near $830 an ounce or about $440 lower than when the 2014-dated coin launched. This year’s smaller mintage and lack of companion bullion coin, according to the Mint, is "due to a lag in obtaining a sufficient quantity of production platinum blanks."
Coin Designs
Reverse designs on proof Platinum Eagles change annually. This year’s design is the first in a two-year series emblematic of the core values of liberty and freedom. (See original 2015 and 2016 Platinum Eagle candidate designs.)
Created by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, the design is titled "Liberty Nurtures Freedom." It depicts Lady Liberty and an American bald eagle, representing Freedom. The earth and sun with rays are included in the image. Inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1 oz., .9995 PLATINUM and $100.
A modern interpretation of the Statue of Liberty appears on obverses. The image was designed and sculpted by John Mercanti, the former Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. It’s been on proof Platinum Eagles since their 1997 debut. Obverse inscriptions include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and 2015.
Coin Specifications
| Denomination | $100 |
| Finish | Proof |
| Composition | 99.95% Platinum |
| Diameter | 1.287 inches (32.70 mm) |
| Weight | 1.0005 troy oz. (31.120 grams) |
| Thickness | 0.094 inch (2.39 mm) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint and Mint Mark | West Point – W |
| Obverse Design | John Mercanti |
| Reverse Design | Joel Iskowitz / Phebe Hemphill |
Ordering and Limits
Place orders for the 2015-W Proof American Platinum Eagle using the U.S. Mint’s online product page or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
This year’s issue does have a 1 coin per household ordering limit. That’s new. Last year’s proof had no such limit. It scored opening 7-day sales of 3,341 and it eventually ended with sales of 4,596. The bullion 2014 Platinum Eagle posted final sales of 16,900 coins.
Pricing can change weekly depending on market conditions. The coin’s current price of $1,200 is based on a weekly LBMA Platinum average that’s within the $800.00 to $849.99 range.
