The only US Mint platinum coins for the year were released late, but sold out early.
Collectors purchased the maximum 8,000 minted 2009 American Platinum Eagle Proof Coins in a span of a week, despite their rather hefty $1,792 price, and a five per household order limit.
The sellout was not exactly surprising. Over 7,200 eagles were sold in the first four days of issue -- they launched on Dec. 3. That easily topped the 4,769 sold by the United States Mint in all of 2008.
A few collectors may still have a shot at buying the coins directly from the US Mint. While the Mint has taken in more than enough orders, cancellations and returns are always possible. As such, a waiting list has been implemented, with the following statement posted at the Mint's online store for the coins:
Waiting List Notice: The number of orders we have taken meets the maximum limit for the 2009 American Eagle One Ounce Platinum Proof Coin. You may still place an order for this product, which will go on a waiting list. If a product becomes available due to an order cancellation, we will fulfill orders from the waiting list on a first-in, first-served basis. We cannot provide information about your position on the waiting list.
When we place your order on the waiting list, we will send you an order receipt. This is not a guarantee that you will receive your order. If we are not able to fulfill part or all of your order, you will receive a cancellation or sold-out notification. If you paid by check, you will receive a refund.
Aside from the limited mintage, collectors have been seeking the one ounce, 99.95 percent pure platinum coins for several other reasons. Topmost is the fact that it is the only platinum option available from the Mint this year -- there are no bullion versions, or fractional sizes. The Mint announced in October that the bullion coins would not be struck for 2009. Uncirculated and fractional Platinum Proof Eagles were cut from the US Mint’s product portfolio late last year.
The 2009 Platinum Eagle features a new reverse or tails side design emblematic of the principle "To Form a More Perfect Union," the first of six principles of American democracy found in the Preamble to the United States Constitution.
The theme depicts the diversity of the nation with four faces on the left looking towards the right, hair and clothing weaved together. The weaving completes a circle where within the concept is inscribed. It was designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill.
Also added is a new American Eagle "privy mark," based on an original "coin punch" identified at the US Mint at Philadelphia.
For additional information, click on the coin image above.
Related World Mint Coins articles:
{ 0 comments… add one now }