The designs for the 2026-, 2027-, and 2028-dated American Platinum Eagles in proof finish appear to be finalized. These three coins will be part of the United States Mint’s upcoming “Charters of Freedom” series, inspired by the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Proof American Platinum Eagles debuted in 1997 and have undergone multiple theme and design changes. Each coin is struck from 1 ounce of 99.95% fine platinum at the U.S. Mint’s West Point facility and carries a $100 face value – the highest denomination for any U.S. legal tender coin.
Since 2018, proof American Platinum Eagles have featured a common reverse design of an eagle in flight carrying an olive branch, while the obverse has showcased unique, annually changing designs. The Charters of Freedom series will continue this tradition with new obverse designs representing foundational American documents.
Last October, the U.S. Mint presented candidate designs for the series to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). Out of three design sets proposed, both committees recommended Set 01.
A design was selected for the 2026-dated platinum coin, while slight modifications were suggested for the 2027 and 2028 designs to enhance the set’s cohesiveness. These refinements included standardizing the sun’s rays across all years to match the 2026 design, adjusting the tree in the 2027 design to appear younger and still developing, and modifying the child in the 2028 design to differentiate it from previous Mint coins featuring children. The CFA also identified misaligned date placements on the 2027 and 2028 designs, requiring correction. Additionally, a CCAC member suggested adding a 14th star to the 2028 Bill of Rights design to accurately reflect the number of states at its ratification, a recommendation the CFA also supported.
In February, both panels reviewed the U.S. Mint’s revisions and formally approved the updated designs, as detailed above and below.
Along with additional images, the following are the U.S. Mint’s official design descriptions for the selected designs.
SET 01 employs the symbolism of Nature to chronicle America’s journey through its founding documents. Through a carefully crafted progression of environmental motifs, it traces the transformational impact of each charter, together illustrating a living embodiment of our American democracy. (Image shown above.)
PTP-01-D-01A depicts sun rays beginning to emerge through storm clouds, representing the dawn of a new nation arising from the turmoil of revolution, as well as the Enlightenment ideas that influenced the Declaration of Independence. A quill symbolizing the Declaration sweeps over the landscape, marking the nation’s founding and the power of revolutionary ideas to 2 catalyze change. This design features 13 stars representing the original 13 colonies in the border. The additional inscription is “DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.”
PTP-01-C-01 shows the storm clouds receding and the sunlight growing stronger, marking the nation’s transition to self-governance. In place of the quill, a young tree has taken root, representing the U.S. Constitution as a living framework in this American landscape. Its form echoes the shape of the quill, a visual reminder that this new system of government is informed by and built upon the values and ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence. Thirteen stars representing the 13 colonies frame the scene. The additional inscription is “UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.”
PTP-01-B-01 reveals a maturing tree, its canopy offering shelter and protection – a powerful metaphor for the rights and freedoms guaranteed to citizens in the Bill of Rights. Beneath it, a child gazes forward, representing the people whose rights are safeguarded now and the protection provided to future generations. The scene is now fully illuminated by sunlight, suggesting the powerful influence of these founding documents on our nation. Fourteen stars reflecting the number of states at ratification encircle the design. The additional inscription is “BILL OF RIGHTS.”
