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About the coins

In 1999, U.S. Mint Engraver Al Maletsky sculpted the reverse design of the second “Vistas of Liberty” Platinum Proof coins. Maletsky, who had also designed the popular Lewis & Clark Keelboat nickel, went on to design four Platinum Proof reverses in the first decade of production, including three of the five “Vistas of Liberty” Proofs. This total is more than any other artist whose work was featured from 1997-2006.

Maletsky’s meticulously crafted engraving “Eagle Above Southeastern Wetlands” dresses the reverse of the 1999 Platinum Eagle Proof. In its simplest view, Maletsky’s design depicts a Bald Eagle flying over a primordial swamp in the foreground, while a full-sized alligator crawls from the swamp onto the bank in the background. While a Bald Eagle is no stranger to U.S. coinage, an alligator is a rarity indeed. The combination of the two is not only a powerful reminded of the wild nature of the southeastern wetlands, but also makes the 1999 Platinum Eagle Proof a rarity among all U.S. coins.

The legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” is arced and centered across the top rim in a single line marking the first time in the series it appeared so. The fineness designation “.9995 Platinum” and the coin’s government guaranteed platinum weight appear just below the eagle’s beak, just to the left of a swamp tree ornamenting the right rim. The coin’s legal tender denomination is at the bottom center in the swamp field. The ‘W” mint mark designating the West Point Mint as the producer is located near the outer rim about four o’clock just off the swamp bank.

Original Total Mintage Summary:

Including all four denominations, there was a total of 56,106 Platinum Eagle Proofs minted and sold in 1999. With only 11,103 coins produced, the $50 Proof coin is the rarest. The total 1999 Platinum Eagle Proof mintage ranks as the seventh rarest in the series.

NGC Certified Population Summary:

Additionally, through June 26, 2009, a total of only 214 four coin Platinum Eagle Proof sets from 1999 had been certified by NGC in Proof 70 condition.

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