Debuting today, June 30, is the U.S. Mint’s 2016-W $100 Proof American Platinum Eagle. The .9995 fine platinum coin for collectors goes on sale beginning at noon ET.
This year’s proof Platinum Eagle ends the two-year Torches of Liberty series, and showcases a reverse design described by the United States Mint as "innovative, beautiful, and representative of our nation’s core values of liberty and freedom." (See photos of last year’s design.)
It features a mintage maximum of 10,000 coins, which is significantly higher than its predecessor’s 4,000-coin limit. Last year’s coin sold out in just seven minutes even with a household ordering limit of one, which remains in place for this release.
Coin Designs
Reverse designs on proof Platinum Eagles change annually, enhancing the attraction coin collectors have for them.
United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Paul C. Balan created this year’s design. Sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Joseph Menna, it depicts Liberty holding a torch of enlightenment in her right hand and an olive branch in her left to symbolize peace. The olives represent the Thirteen Original Colonies. A bald eagle with its wings out-stretched appears to the side. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "1 OZ.," ".9995 PLATINUM," and "$100" are inscribed around the design.
Shown on the obverse (heads side) is a "Portrait of Liberty" as created by John Mercanti. This same design has appeared on all American Platinum Eagles since their introduction in 1997. Obverse inscriptions read "LIBERTY," "2016," "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM."
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 |
| Maximum Mintage | 10,000 |
| Mint and Mint Mark | West Point – W |
| Obverse Design | John Mercanti |
| Reverse Design | Paul C. Balan / Joseph Menna |
Ordering and Pricing
Order 2016-W Proof American Platinum Eagles using the U.S. Mint’s American Eagle online product page or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Each coin is initially priced at $1,350.00, which is $150 higher than last year’s coin but $300 less than the one from 2014.
Pricing is subject to change weekly according to market conditions and the Mint’s precious metal coin pricing matrix. The current price is based on a weekly average of LBMA platinum that resides within the range of $950.00 and $999.99. Platinum at this writing is trading above $1,000 an ounce. If the level is maintained through Wednesday, July 6, the coin’s price on that day will increase by $50 to $1,400.00.
Update: The United States Mint provided the following sales update on Friday, July 1:
"At 12:56 p.m. EDT, June 30, the 2016 American Eagle One Ounce Platinum Proof Coin (16EJ) went into a ‘Currently Unavailable’ status after the Mint received orders totaling the entire mintage of 10,000.
If the product is made available later to the public as the result of returns and cancellations, the most efficient way for interested customers to receive notification is through the use of the ‘Remind Me’ feature on our Web site appearing on the product page."
