-
Inventory:
OUT OF STOCK
- Product ID: 51011
Checkout
The U.S. $100 Platinum Proof 1 Oz. 2021 First Amendment—Freedom of Religion coin marks the beginning of a profound and meaningful series launched by the United States Mint to celebrate the five freedoms enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Platinum American Eagles, first introduced in 1997, have long stood as a symbol of American ideals and artistic innovation, often featuring unique annual designs on the reverse. The 2021 release, focusing on "Freedom of Religion," is the first issue in a five-year series running from 2021 through 2025. Each year’s coin is dedicated to one of the five freedoms—religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition—making the 2021 edition historically significant not only for its intrinsic value and artistry but also for its thematic importance in honoring the very foundations of American liberty.
The design of the 2021 Platinum Proof $100 coin is a beautifully thoughtful representation of its theme. The obverse, created by Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Joseph Menna, features a serene depiction of Liberty, personified as a nurturing figure sowing seeds in a field. She is shown walking forward confidently, scattering seeds that symbolize the founding principles of freedom taking root. Liberty wears a simple classical gown, and her presence is both graceful and strong, embodying the sense of promise and hope that the First Amendment's freedoms provide. Surrounding the image are the inscriptions "WITH FREEDOM OF RELIGION LIBERTY GROWS," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "2021." The reverse, designed by AIP artist Richard Masters and sculpted by Mint artist Phebe Hemphill, features an eagle in flight, carrying an olive branch, symbolizing peace, hope, and the tireless pursuit of freedom. This combination of imagery delivers a powerful message about the ongoing growth and strength of American liberties.
The mint responsible for the production of the 2021 First Amendment—Freedom of Religion Platinum Proof is the West Point Mint, one of the premier facilities of the United States Mint system. Known for its exceptional standards in producing proof and bullion precious metal coins, the West Point Mint strikes Platinum Eagles with meticulous care, employing specially prepared planchets and dies. Each proof coin is struck multiple times to ensure sharp, detailed relief and a flawless, mirror-like background. The "W" mintmark appears on the obverse next to Liberty’s right hand, signifying the origin of the coin from the West Point facility. The Mint’s reputation for technical excellence and innovation ensures that each Platinum Proof is a premium product, meeting the highest expectations of collectors and investors alike.
The mintage of the 2021 $100 Platinum Proof 1 oz. Freedom of Religion coin was intentionally limited to enhance its collectibility and to reflect the series' special significance. The United States Mint set a maximum mintage of just 15,000 coins, and a household order limit of one coin per person was initially imposed to give a broader range of collectors the opportunity to acquire this historically meaningful issue. The relatively low mintage makes the coin highly desirable among both Platinum Eagle series collectors and those with an interest in constitutional history. The 2021 coin’s status as the inaugural release in a five-year program adds further importance, as first issues in multi-year series traditionally hold special value in the numismatic community.
The technical specifications of the 2021 Freedom of Religion Platinum Proof are consistent with previous issues in the Platinum American Eagle series. Each coin contains one troy ounce of .9995 fine platinum, measures 32.7 millimeters in diameter, and weighs approximately 31.12 grams. The reeded edge and the flawless proof finish distinguish the coin from bullion-strike Platinum Eagles, and the high platinum purity ensures that the coin retains a bright, untarnished appearance. Platinum’s durability and resistance to corrosion make it ideal for coins intended to last for generations, allowing the intricate designs and finely engraved details to remain crisp and beautiful over time.
The condition of the U.S. $100 Platinum Proof 1 oz. 2021 First Amendment—Freedom of Religion coins is uniformly exceptional, especially when graded by top services such as PCGS or NGC. Coins awarded the Proof 70 (PR70) grade, the highest possible, exhibit perfect surfaces under magnification with no post-production imperfections. The mirror-like fields and frosted design elements are sharply contrasted, delivering the classic “cameo” effect that collectors seek in proof coinage. The care taken during the production and packaging process, along with the use of premium capsules and presentation boxes, ensures that most coins distributed by the U.S. Mint retain their flawless condition. Those designated as “First Strike” or “Early Release” have the added cachet of having been graded as received within 30 days of the Mint's launch date, often commanding a premium in the marketplace.
The 2021 Platinum Proof’s artistic execution and thematic content resonate strongly with the ideals that have long underpinned American democracy. Freedom of religion was one of the driving forces behind the founding of the United States, with early settlers seeking a place where they could worship without fear of persecution. By portraying Liberty sowing seeds, the design draws a poignant connection between religious freedom and the flourishing of all other freedoms in American society. This visual metaphor is particularly powerful, suggesting that with the establishment of religious liberty, the seeds of other rights—free speech, a free press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition—can grow and thrive.
The secondary market for the 2021 First Amendment—Freedom of Religion Platinum Proof remains robust, buoyed by the coin’s limited mintage, beautiful design, and its pivotal role as the first entry in the First Amendment series. Collectors and investors alike recognize that first-issue coins often experience heightened demand over time, particularly when the entire series gains momentum and attention. As each successive freedom is celebrated on future issues, the importance of the 2021 coin as the foundation of the set is likely to grow, ensuring its lasting significance in the world of modern American numismatics.
Beyond its investment potential, the 2021 $100 Platinum Proof stands as a powerful piece of symbolic artistry. By linking the high intrinsic value of platinum to one of the country’s most cherished principles, the United States Mint has created a coin that transcends mere precious metal content. It serves as a tangible reminder of the foundational freedoms that continue to define the American experience. Whether housed in a personal collection, displayed in a place of honor, or preserved for future generations, the coin offers both aesthetic satisfaction and profound historical resonance.
The U.S. $100 Platinum Proof 1 oz. 2021 First Amendment—Freedom of Religion represents a masterful intersection of artistic excellence, historical tribute, and numismatic prestige. With its low mintage, exceptional condition, inspiring theme, and beautiful design, it occupies a special place among the greatest achievements of the United States Mint. As the first of a five-coin series celebrating the First Amendment, it will continue to be cherished by collectors not only for its material worth but for its enduring celebration of the ideals that gave birth to a nation and continue to guide it forward.