1/2 oz American Platinum Eagle Coin

A Half Ounce the Mint No Longer Makes

The 1/2 oz American Platinum Eagle holds half a troy ounce of .9995 fine platinum, struck by the United States Mint with a $50 face value. The Mint made this size as a bullion coin only from 1997 through 2008, so every coin on this listing carries one of those twelve dates. The year is our choice from stock.

Twelve Years, Then Gone

The Platinum Eagle arrived in 1997 in four sizes: a tenth, a quarter, a half and a full ounce. In late 2008 the Mint dropped the three smaller sizes, and when bullion Platinum Eagles came back in 2014, only the 1 oz returned. The half ounce has not been struck as a bullion coin since. What exists now is what was made in those twelve years.

Liberty Looking to the Future

John Mercanti’s obverse shows the face of the Statue of Liberty close up, her crowned head framed by rays, with LIBERTY across the top and the date and IN GOD WE TRUST at the right. Thomas D. Rogers’ reverse, “Soaring Eagle over America,” shows a bald eagle gliding above a rising sun, with .9995 PLATINUM 1/2 OZ. in the field and $50 at the base.

Bullion, Not Proof

This listing ships the bullion coin. The Mint also sold proof half ounces, and from 2006 to 2008 a burnished uncirculated version, as separate collector products. A half ounce also costs more per ounce of platinum than a full ounce, since a small coin costs nearly as much to make. Every coin was struck in 2008 or earlier and may show light handling from storage.

1/2 oz American Platinum Eagle Specifications

Each coin contains half a troy ounce of .9995 fine platinum, measures 27 mm across and 1.75 mm thick, and has a reeded edge. It carries a $50 face value and dates from 1997 to 2008. Full current details are on the Specifications tab.

1/2 oz American Platinum Eagle FAQ

Which years could I receive?

Any year from 1997 to 2008, the only years the half ounce was made as a bullion coin. The coin in our photos is dated 2003.

Why did the Mint stop making the half ounce?

The Mint discontinued all three fractional sizes in late 2008. When bullion production resumed in 2014, it was 1 oz only.

Is this a proof coin?

No. It is the bullion version. Proof and burnished half ounces were separate collector coins with their own mintages.

How big is it next to the 1 oz?

The half ounce is 27 mm across, against 32.7 mm for the 1 oz Platinum Eagle. The same designs on both.

Is the 1/2 oz Platinum Eagle IRA eligible?

Yes. At .9995 fine platinum from the United States Mint, it is IRA eligible and can be held in a qualifying precious metals IRA.

Want the size the Mint still makes? See the 1 oz American Platinum Eagle.

Half an ounce of U.S. Mint platinum from a size that ended in 2008. Add the 1/2 oz American Platinum Eagle Coin to your cart.