WASHINGTON - The United States Mint announced today that the 2006 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins will be available for sale on March 24, 2006, at 12:00 noon (ET).

The new 2006 reverse design is the first in a three-year series entitled The Foundations of American Democracy which celebrates the branches of government in the order they appear in the United States Constitution. The design features a "Legislative Muse" inscribing the Nation’s law, flanked by twin pillars upon which eagles are perched, symbolizing the strength and wisdom that eternally guard the law-making process.

The "Legislative Muse," designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz of Woodstock, NY, is inspired by, and based upon, the marble statue entitled "The Car of History" by Carlo Franzoni. The figure of Clio, the Muse of History, combined with studio drawings from life, attempts to reincarnate this allegorical figure into the Muse, or Scribe, of the Legislative Branch of government. The composition includes eagles perched atop Corinthian columns, representing the chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives. United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart executed the design.

The coin’s obverse remains unchanged. Designed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver John Mercanti, the obverse features Lady Liberty, evoking the spirit of freedom with her serene gaze, her face and crown seemingly lit by the torch she holds. The coin bears the "W" mint mark of the United States Mint at West Point.

The American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin reverse will feature designs commemorating the Executive Branch in 2007 and the Judicial Branch in 2008.

Platinum values affect overall production costs for this program, and the newly adjusted prices are listed below:

Coin	Price	Maximum Mintage	Product Limit
One ounce	$1,500	14,000	4,000
Half-ounce	$780	13,000	3,000
Quarter-ounce	$435	15,000	5,000
Tenth-ounce	$220	20,000	10,000
Four-Coin Set	$2,750	N/A	10,000

Because mintages of the 2006 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins are limited, orders should be placed early. The United States Mint reserves the right to limit quantities and may discontinue accepting orders at any time.

The 2006 American Eagle Gold and Silver Proof Coins went on sale on February 2, 2006.

Customers can purchase the 2006 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins online through the United States Mint's secure website at www.usmint.gov, or by calling toll-free 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468) 8:00 a.m. to midnight (ET), seven days a week. Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468) 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday. A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order will be added to all domestic orders.