Overview
About the American Platinum Eagle
The Platinum Eagle contains one troy ounce of .9995 fine platinum. It was the first platinum bullion coin from the US Mint.
Platinum coins trade in smaller volumes than gold and silver, so premiums and buy-back spreads can be wider. Check what a dealer would pay you back before buying.
For background on the metal itself, see our platinum guide.
Reference
Specifications
| Issuer | US Mint |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| First year | 1997 |
| Type | Bullion coin |
| Metal | Platinum |
| Purity | .9995 fine |
| Gross weight | 31.12 g (1.0005 troy oz) |
| Pure platinum content | 1 troy oz (31.103 g) |
| Diameter | 32.7 mm |
| Thickness | 2.39 mm |
| Face value | $100 (US) |
| Available sizes | 1 oz (fractional sizes were issued from 1997 to 2008) |
Try it
Melt value calculator
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Melt value
$1,701.05
1 troy oz of pure platinum
Melt value is the metal content at spot. Dealers sell above it (the premium) and usually buy below it. Rare coins can be worth far more than melt.
Pre-set to one American Platinum Eagle. Change the weight to value several coins, or a different size.
Look closer
Design
Design
The obverse shows a close-up of the Statue of Liberty's face, by John Mercanti.
The bullion coin's reverse shows an eagle in flight over a rising sun, by Thomas D. Rogers. Proof versions have had different reverse designs over the years.
Watch out for
What to check when buying
- Wider spreads. Fewer dealers stock platinum, so compare both buy and sell prices.
- Proofs priced as bullion. Proof Platinum Eagles are collector coins with different designs and much higher premiums.
- Check the specs. Weigh and measure, and buy from established dealers.
Retirement accounts
IRA eligibility
Generally yes. American Eagle coins are named in US tax law as allowed IRA investments, and the .9995 purity meets the usual standard for platinum. Rules change and custodians set their own lists, so confirm with your IRA custodian before buying.
IRA metal has to be held by a custodian in an approved depository, not at home.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much platinum is in an American Platinum Eagle?
An American Platinum Eagle (1 oz size) contains 1 troy oz (31.103 g) of pure platinum at .9995 fineness, in a coin weighing 31.12 g in total.
What is an American Platinum Eagle worth?
At the latest platinum spot price of $1,701.00 per troy ounce, the metal in one coin is worth about $1,701.00. Dealers sell above melt value (the premium) and usually buy back a little below it.
Can an American Platinum Eagle go in an IRA?
Generally yes. American Eagle coins are named in US tax law as allowed IRA investments, and the .9995 purity meets the usual standard for platinum. Rules change and custodians set their own lists, so confirm with your IRA custodian before buying.
How can I tell if an American Platinum Eagle is fake?
Compare it with the published specs: a genuine 1 oz coin weighs 31.12 g and is 32.7 mm across. Wider spreads. Fewer dealers stock platinum, so compare both buy and sell prices. If you're unsure, ask an established dealer to test it.
This page is for general education only and isn’t financial, tax or legal advice. Melt value is an estimate of metal content, not a dealer quote, and prices may be delayed. Check current details with a dealer or a licensed adviser before making decisions.