1/10 oz 2003 American Eagle ICG MS-70 Platinum Coin | United States Mint

This coin is graded as a perfect MS-70 by ICG coin grading.

Just over 22000 of these were minted, and very few would be graded as highly as this one.

As America's official platinum coin it is the only bullion version coin with its weight, content and purity of 9995 guaranteed by the US Government.

The obverse features a design by the U.S. Mint Engraver John Mercanti that features a close-up portrayal of the face of the Statue of Liberty.

Along Liberty's raised arm the words "E Pluribus Unum" are engraved and the word Liberty is written large above her and to her left the words "2003 In God We Trust" complete the design.

It is fitting that this design focuses on Liberty as a sound coinage was important to the US Founding Fathers and was even mentioned in the Constitution (albeit platinum was not included).

The idea that a sound monetary system was necessary for true liberty was a view shared by the founders especially after having experienced the hardships of the Continental Dollar and its demise.

The reverse was designed by artist Thomas D. Rogers and depicts an eagle soaring with outstretched wings in front of a sunrise with the words "United States of America 9995 Platinum 1/10 oz".

This design is reminiscent of the American Gold Eagle reverse except that the eagle here isn't trying to stop or about to land, but rather flying free.

ABOUT THE UNITED STATES MINT

Established in 1792 as the first national mint in the United States, the United States Mint is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury responsible for official legal tender coinage and precious metals bullion production. The United States Mint has a mission to serve Americans as the sole manufacturer and distributor of circulating currency coins. The U.S. mint also produces commemorative coins for collectors, silver and gold bullion coins for investors (such as the popular Eagle and Buffalo series), as well as Congressional Medals.