2006 Platinum American Eagle One Ounce

The 2006 Platinum American Eagle One Ounce coin represents a key entry in the ongoing platinum bullion program initiated by the United States Mint in 1997. As the official platinum bullion coin of the United States, the American Platinum Eagle has gained international recognition for its exceptional purity, elegant design, and status as legal tender. The 2006 issue continues this proud tradition, offering collectors and investors one full troy ounce of .9995 fine platinum backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. Struck at the West Point Mint, this coin is both a vehicle for precious metal investment and a showcase of American numismatic artistry.

The American Platinum Eagle was introduced in response to growing global interest in platinum as an investment asset. While gold and silver coins had long been staples of the U.S. Mint’s offerings, the addition of platinum in 1997 diversified the Mint’s bullion lineup and allowed the United States to participate more fully in international platinum coin markets. The program includes bullion, proof, and, in some years, burnished and reverse proof versions. The 2006 one-ounce bullion version is part of this regular series, produced primarily for investors seeking high-purity platinum in an easily tradable format.

The obverse of the 2006 Platinum Eagle features a powerful close-up depiction of the Statue of Liberty, designed by then-Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, John Mercanti. This image captures Liberty’s face and upper crown in bold, clean lines, emphasizing her solemn gaze and the regal strength of her form. The inscriptions read “LIBERTY” across the top, with the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the right and the date “2006” at the lower left. Mercanti’s design has become an iconic representation of American ideals, lending gravitas and dignity to the Platinum Eagle series.

The reverse of the 2006 bullion Platinum Eagle features an American bald eagle soaring above the landscape with the sun rising in the background. Designed by U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver Thomas D. Rogers Sr., this reverse was used on all bullion and many proof coins from 1997 to 2017. The design is dynamic, capturing the power and freedom symbolized by the eagle in flight. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “.9995 PLATINUM 1 OZ.,” and the coin’s denomination, “$100.” This reverse design is particularly admired for its sense of motion and harmony, and it balances realism with patriotic symbolism.

The 2006 one-ounce Platinum Eagle was struck at the West Point Mint, though the bullion version bears no mintmark. Only the proof and other special finish versions carry the “W” mintmark. As part of the bullion series, this coin was not sold directly to the public by the U.S. Mint but instead distributed through a network of authorized purchasers. These dealers were responsible for setting prices based on the current spot price of platinum plus a premium reflecting market demand, production costs, and distribution.

Exact mintage figures for bullion Platinum Eagles can vary annually depending on investor demand and platinum supply. For 2006, the U.S. Mint reported a total bullion mintage of 6,000 one-ounce Platinum Eagles, a relatively low number compared to gold or silver bullion issues. This limited mintage makes the 2006 coin particularly interesting to collectors and investors who focus on scarce bullion issues. Compared to the higher-mintage years early in the program’s history, coins from the mid-2000s tend to have lower production levels and are more challenging to find in pristine condition today.

Each coin contains one full troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of .9995 fine platinum, struck with precision and uniformity. The diameter measures 32.7 millimeters, and the thickness is 2.39 millimeters. The edge of the coin is reeded, and its composition of nearly pure platinum makes it a valuable addition to any precious metal portfolio. Platinum itself is rarer than gold or silver and is used extensively in industrial applications, especially in catalytic converters and clean energy technologies. This utility helps support the intrinsic value of the metal even beyond investment and collector demand.

Coins graded as Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) typically exhibit sharp strikes, full original mint luster, and no signs of wear. While BU coins may have minor contact marks from the minting or packaging process, they are free of circulation damage. Many 2006 Platinum Eagles remain in outstanding condition due to careful handling and storage by dealers and collectors. Certified examples, such as those graded MS69 or MS70 by PCGS or NGC, are especially sought after by numismatists and investors who prioritize top-quality specimens with strong visual appeal and third-party verification.

The American Platinum Eagle series holds the unique distinction of being the only U.S. bullion coin to feature yearly design changes on its proof versions. While the bullion design remained consistent through 2017, the proof series featured a different reverse design each year as part of multi-year themes celebrating American democracy and the judicial system. The presence of this constant obverse and reverse design on the bullion version provides continuity and recognizability that appeals to investors who prefer consistency across their holdings. The 2006 issue fits squarely within this tradition, providing the iconic original designs that many consider the “classic” Platinum Eagle look.

The 2006 Platinum American Eagle One Ounce coin is a significant addition to any bullion collection. With its low mintage, high purity, and status as legal tender backed by the U.S. government, it remains an ideal choice for platinum investors and coin collectors alike. The artistic value of the Statue of Liberty and soaring eagle designs enhances its appeal, while the quality of U.S. Mint production ensures long-term preservation of its beauty. Whether acquired as a hedge against inflation, a store of wealth, or a tribute to American strength and independence, the 2006 Platinum Eagle delivers enduring value in one of the world’s most precious metals.

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• Year: 2006
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