-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 35652
The American Eagle 2019-W One Ounce Palladium Reverse Proof Coin represents one of the most innovative and celebrated modern issues from the United States Mint. Introduced as part of the American Eagle Palladium series, which debuted in 2017, the 2019-W release distinguished itself by offering the first-ever reverse proof finish in palladium from the U.S. Mint. Combining precious metal content, historic design motifs, and special minting techniques, the 2019-W Palladium Reverse Proof quickly became a favorite among collectors and investors. Struck at the West Point Mint and bearing the "W" mintmark, this coin blends classic American numismatic artistry with contemporary innovation, embodying both tradition and modernity in a stunning, high-relief format.
The American Eagle Palladium series was authorized by the American Eagle Palladium Bullion Coin Act of 2010, but it took several years for the Mint to develop and release the first coins. The series is notable for its use of palladium, a rare and valuable precious metal that offers a brilliant, silvery-white appearance distinct from gold, platinum, or silver. Palladium coins were a fresh addition to the American Eagle family, which already included gold, silver, and platinum issues. The 2019-W Reverse Proof release marks a milestone in the program’s evolution, showcasing the U.S. Mint’s ability to produce exquisite finishes in a challenging metal, while continuing to honor America’s most iconic coin designs.
The obverse of the 2019-W Palladium Reverse Proof Coin features a faithful high-relief rendering of the Winged Liberty Head design by Adolph A. Weinman, originally used on the Mercury Dime from 1916 to 1945. Lady Liberty wears a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought, with intricate details evident in the curls of her hair and the texture of her cap. The inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the year “2019” accompany the design, with the artist’s monogram “AW” subtly placed. In reverse proof finish, the normally frosted devices are rendered in mirror-like polish, while the fields exhibit a soft matte texture, creating a visually arresting inversion of the traditional proof aesthetic. The result is a striking portrait with dramatic contrast, highlighting every nuance of Weinman’s iconic artwork.
The reverse of the coin showcases another classic design by Adolph A. Weinman, originally created for the reverse of the 1907 American Institute of Architects (AIA) gold medal. It features a majestic eagle perched on a rocky outcrop, wings slightly extended, with a laurel branch grasped firmly in its talons. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “$25,” “1 OZ. Pd .9995 FINE,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” encircle the design. The high-relief strike ensures the eagle's feathers, rocky texture, and laurel leaves are sharply rendered, while the reverse proof finish further enhances the three-dimensional quality of the artwork. The brilliant devices rise dramatically from the softly textured fields, giving the eagle a lifelike and powerful appearance under varying light conditions.
The 2019-W Palladium Reverse Proof was struck in one troy ounce of .9995 fine palladium, carrying a legal tender denomination of $25. With a diameter of 34 millimeters and a reeded edge, the coin matches the dimensions established for the series. Each piece was individually struck with special care to ensure the reverse proof finish was achieved perfectly, requiring more meticulous production standards than standard bullion coins. The West Point Mint’s expertise in handling precious metals ensured that these coins met the highest quality expectations, despite palladium's hardness and challenging working characteristics compared to gold and silver. The result is a coin that feels substantial in hand, both in weight and visual impact.
The United States Mint limited the mintage of the 2019-W Palladium Reverse Proof Coin to just 30,000 pieces, a remarkably low number for a modern U.S. Mint product. Demand was extremely high upon release, with the entire mintage selling out almost immediately. Collectors and investors were drawn to the coin not only for its low mintage but also for its status as the first reverse proof palladium coin issued by the United States. This scarcity, combined with the unique finish and the use of a rare metal, ensured that the coin would quickly achieve strong secondary market interest, cementing its place as a key issue within the broader American Eagle family of coins.
The condition of the 2019-W American Eagle One Ounce Palladium Reverse Proof Coin is typically exceptional, reflecting the Mint’s careful quality control. Reverse proof coins undergo multiple strikes and careful handling to minimize the risk of imperfections. Examples certified by grading services such as NGC or PCGS often achieve the highest grades of PF69 or PF70, indicating near-perfect or perfect condition, with flawless mirrored and frosted surfaces, razor-sharp detail, and no visible marks or blemishes. Collectors seeking a truly outstanding example often pursue PF70-certified coins, which guarantee the maximum eye appeal and value, particularly for a coin as visually striking as the 2019-W Reverse Proof Palladium Eagle.
One of the most captivating aspects of the 2019-W Reverse Proof Palladium Coin is the way the finish transforms Adolph A. Weinman’s historic designs. The mirrored, brilliant devices highlight the intricate sculpting of Liberty’s face, the delicate folds of her cap, and the complex feather arrangement of the eagle on the reverse. In traditional proof coins, the fields are mirrored and the devices are frosted, but in reverse proof, this relationship is inverted, adding a modern twist to the century-old designs. Collectors appreciate how the finish brings out subtleties that might otherwise be less apparent, giving a new life and dimension to the classic art while honoring its timeless beauty.
The 2019-W American Eagle Palladium Reverse Proof is not only a standout of its series but also an important milestone in modern American numismatics. It represents the U.S. Mint’s continued commitment to innovation, artistic excellence, and the celebration of the nation's heritage through coinage. The choice to use Adolph A. Weinman's designs, revered for their beauty and symbolism, ties the coin directly to the Golden Age of American coin art while showcasing the Mint’s technical mastery of contemporary minting techniques. The extremely low mintage, combined with the coin’s intrinsic palladium value and breathtaking visual appeal, ensures that the 2019-W Palladium Reverse Proof will remain one of the most prized issues of its generation.
The American Eagle 2019-W One Ounce Palladium Reverse Proof Coin stands as a remarkable synthesis of rare metal, historic design, and modern minting innovation. With its limited mintage, stunning reverse proof finish, and connection to two of Adolph A. Weinman’s masterworks, it holds immense appeal for collectors, investors, and students of American numismatic artistry. Whether sought for its precious metal content, its aesthetic achievement, or its place as a modern American classic, the 2019-W Reverse Proof Palladium Eagle is a coin that captures both the imagination and admiration of the numismatic world.