The Final "Three Branches of Government" Proof American Platinum Eagles

The final design in the three-year American Eagle Platinum Proof series celebrating the three branches of U.S. government, debuted this month. Last week, the U.S. Mint began taking orders for the coins that honor the judiciary branch. The latest coins are stately, with a historic feel. All American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins contain 99.95 percent platinum.

Images courtesy of US Mint. click to enlarge.

Struck in four sizes to fit coin collector's budgets, this year's coin emblazon on the reverse the image of Lady Justice with her scales suspended from a finger of her right hand, and a sword in the left. On the background is the bald eagle-an American symbol of courage and freedom-watching over the Lady with its wings spread wide. The unique feature of the series is that these are the only U.S. bullion coins that change reverse designs every year.

United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz sculpted the coin's reverse. The engraving was done by Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers. The obverse-designed and engraved by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver John Mercanti remains unchanged and bears the now familiar image of Lady Liberty, symbolizing vigilance and faithfulness to duty.

The coins were minted at United States Mint at West Point, and they bear the "W" mintmark indicating their origin. Each coin is shipped from the Mint housed in a plastic capsule. The US Mint’s price of its platinum coins this year shot up about 40 percent compared to last year, even though the mintage limit remains the same.

The proof 2008 one-ounce coin has a mintage limit of 6,000. The half-ounce has a mintage limit of 5,000. The quarter-ounce coin also has a mintage limit of 5,000. The tenth-ounce coin has the highest individual mintage limit, set at 10,000. All four coins are also sold together as a set with a mintage limit of 10,000.

All US Bullion coins are eligible for NGC’s Early Releases designation, including those struck for collectors in proof formats. In order for 2008 Platinum Proof Eagles to qualify, they must be received by NGC on Saturday, June 7, 2008. Note that coins do not need to be sent with Mint packaging, but simply must be received before the cut-off date.