American Platinum Eagles were first released by the United States Mint in 1997. Like American Gold Eagles, they are offered in 1/10oz, 1/4oz, 1/2oz ounce, and 1 ounce denominations and are backed by the U.S. Mint for weight and content.  These coins are available in Mint State, Burnished, and Proof versions. The Proof versions of the coin, which were designed for collectors, are unique in the fact that they are the only US bullion coin that has a yearly alternating design on the Reverse.