WASHINGTON – The United States Mint today announced that its 2002 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins will go on sale August 5th at 12:00 Noon (Eastern Time). The coins feature the last of the five-year Vistas of Liberty™ series reverse designs, “Eagle Fishing in America’s Northwest.”

Since the United States Mint’s Vistas of Liberty™ series began in 1998, each release of American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins has featured a different scene on the reverse, depicting the beauty of regional landscapes from across the nation.

“The distinction of these exquisite coins is enhanced by the knowledge that they are the last to be issued in the Vistas of LibertyTM Series,” said United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore. “The low mintage, the rarity of platinum, and the quality of the proofing process combine to create coins that discerning collectors will want to make the centerpieces of their collections.”

United States Mint sculptor-engraver Al Maletsky’s 2002 reverse design features the American Bald Eagle, set in the Northwestern United States. The reverse of the coin bears a lake bordered by magnificent snowcapped mountains and trees – a landscape typical of the region. A swooping eagle and leaping trout fill the foreground of the majestic panorama.

The coin’s obverse is graced by United States Mint sculptor-engraver John Mercanti’s striking rendition of Lady Liberty’s face. Her serene purposeful gaze evokes the spirit of freedom and hope, her face and crown seemingly lit by the torch she holds aloft – an appropriate visage for these rare and historic coins.

Prices for the American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins will remain the same as last year’s: $740 for the one-ounce; $405 for the half-ounce; $227 for the quarter-ounce; $118 for the tenth-ounce; and $1,375 for the 4-coin set. All American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins are presented in luxurious black velvet packaging, and are accompanied by an official Certificate of Authenticity.

American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins will be available until December 31, 2002, or until a sellout occurs, whichever comes first. Mintage of these coins is strictly limited (see below); orders received after mintage limits have been reached will not be processed.

American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins can be purchased online using the Mint’s secure website at http://www.usmint.gov/. Customers may also call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). A shipping and handling fee of $3.95 per order will be added to all domestic orders. Hearing and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). Please allow approximately 2-3 weeks for delivery.

The authorized maximum mintages for the 2002 Platinum Proof Eagles:

One Ounce - 4,000 coins

One-Half Ounce - 3,000 coins

One-Quarter Ounce - 5,000 coins

One-Tenth Ounce - 10,000 coins

Four-Coin Set - 10,000 sets

Vistas of Liberty™ Series Designs:

1998 – “Eagle Over New England”

1999 – “Eagle Above Southeastern Wetlands”

2000 – “Eagle Above America’s Heartland”

2001 – “Eagle Above America’s Southwest”

2002 – “Eagle Fishing in America’s Northwest”