Platinum is the newest commodity that has the advantage of liquidity, universal acceptance, and a store of wealth.  Gold, silver, jade, salt...all have been used as currency and a store of wealth, some for thousands of years.  Platinum is a new form.  Approximately 500 years ago the conquistadores used platinum and since than it has become the rarest and most valuable form of currency. 

Part of the American Eagle Bullion program established in 1986, the U.S. Mint had previously mint gold and silver.  In 1996, Congress established a program for platinum.  The goal was to give investors an alternative vehicle for investment and a coin for collectors to cherish. 

Unlike gold or silver, the platinum coins are unique.  Non-bullion platinum coins have the distinction of a changing reverse.  The obverse is the same on all coins.  the obverse was designed and engraved by John Mercanti.  The reverse on all bullion coins was engraved by Thomas Rogers.

In 2006, the U.S. Mint established a new tier: Uncirculated.  Uncirculated coins differ from Bullion coins in that they are hand-fed burnished blanks.  They also carry the "W" mint mark of the United States Mint at West Point.  What they lack is the fine work of Proofs. 

Uncirculated coins differ from Proof coins in how the coins are minted.  Proofs are often struck repeatedly to create a frosted relief that 'floats'.  They are a step above bullion and a step below proofs with a price that reflects this.

Platinum proof coins have had a different reverse each year. See Editions for more information.