An original design is planned for the 20th anniversary 2017-W $100 Proof American Platinum Eagle, the United States Mint announced this week, and the series could see an even bigger makeover in 2018.
In 1997, the U.S. Mint introduced .9995 fine Platinum Eagles in investor bullion and collector proof editions. Both types shared common designs but that changed for the proofs in 1998 when their reverses began carrying a new image each year. Now, the Mint is planning on circling back to 1997 by using the proof’s original reverse for the 20th anniversary issue.
Thomas D. Rogers Sr. created the design, which features an eagle soaring above America with a rising sun in the background. Many will readily recognize it, with its appearance on bullion versions for every year of their production.
The U.S. Mint is not planning on offering additional 20th anniversary coins, such as a reverse proof or an enhanced edition. Nor is it looking at variations from the traditional proof, like adding edge letterings. Finally, no decision on mintages has been made, though the Mint did say there were no supply issues at this time.
American Platinum Eagles, whether bullion versions intended for investors or proofs for collectors, have always had obverses bearing John Mercanti’s rendition of the Statue of Liberty. The design’s reign may not last much longer, however, as the U.S. Mint is anticipating something different in 2018.
