More Rare Than Gold
The U.S. Mint made history in 1986 with the launch of the American Eagle program, beginning with gold and silver editions. Over the decades, the program expanded to include platinum and, most recently, palladium.
The Palladium American Eagle was authorized by Congress on December 14, 2010, under the American Eagle Palladium Bullion Coin Act of 2010. This law amended Title 31 of the U.S. Code to authorize a $25 coin, struck from 1 troy ounce of .9995 fine palladium.
From Authorization to Release
The coin was legally approved in 2010, but its release was delayed by several years.
The Act required an independent third-party analysis to determine investor demand and ensure the Mint could produce the coins at no net cost to taxpayers.
Following the review, the first bullion version debuted in 2017.
The first Proof investment-grade coin was struck in 2018.
Unique Alternating Finishes
Unlike other American Eagle series, the Palladium Eagle is distinguished by changing finishes each year. The law mandates that each new Proof or Uncirculated version feature a materially different surface treatment from the year before.
This rotation makes the Palladium Eagle one of the most dynamic and collectible U.S. Mint programs.
By law, all Proof Palladium Eagles must be struck at the West Point Mint, bearing the "W" mint mark beneath "In God We Trust" on the obverse. Another unique stipulation requires that the palladium used be sourced from natural deposits within the United States or its territories, unless unavailable or economically impractical. This ensures the Palladium Eagle remains a truly American coin from metal to minting.
Investment-grade Palladium Eagles have shown consistent appreciation since the program began.
Top Performers
PF70 Population: 5,222 — 73% gain, Current Price: $6,689 (Best Performer)
PF70 Population: 4,352 — 48% gain, Current Price: $6,866
MS70 Population: 5,649 — 28% gain, Current Price: $6,470
PF70 Population: 1,187 (Rarest!) — 22% gain, Current Price: $4,379
MS70 Population: 4,075 — 21% gain, Current Price: $6,491
Complete Collection
For serious collectors and investors, the Palladium Eagle Full Date Run represents a unique opportunity to own every year and finish of this remarkable series.
From the inaugural 2017 bullion issue through the latest releases, a complete Date Run showcases the full evolution of America's newest precious metal coin program.
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The Palladium American Eagle is unique among the U.S. Mint's American Eagle series because it features the same designs every year, both created by the famed early 20th-century sculptor and medallic artist Adolph A. Weinman. Each side is struck in high relief, faithfully replicating classic works of American coinage and medallic art.
Obverse Design
The portrait is widely believed to have been modeled after Elsie Stevens, wife of poet and lawyer Wallace Stevens, who rented an apartment from Weinman in 1913.
"LIBERTY", "IN GOD WE TRUST", the "W" mint mark for West Point, the year of issue, and Weinman's artist's mark (intertwined "AW")
Reverse Design
For the Palladium Eagle, the U.S. Mint adapted Weinman's original plaster model from 1907, making this the first U.S. coin to bear the AIA medal design.
"UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", "$25" face value, "1 OZ. Pd .9995 FINE" (metal content and purity), and "E PLURIBUS UNUM"
The Mint's highest-quality strikes featuring mirror-like fields (backgrounds) and frosted devices (raised design elements), creating the distinctive "cameo contrast." Blanks are burnished, polished, bathed in solution, and struck at least twice with special dies.
Use the same process as classic proofs but invert the cameo contrast—the fields are frosted while the raised design elements shine with a mirror finish.
Produced with special handling to enhance quality. Burnished blanks are loaded by hand, and the dies are struck with slightly higher force. The result is a soft, matte-like finish distinct from both Proof and Reverse Proof strikes.
Grading and Certification
Developed in 1949 by numismatist William Herbert Sheldon, adopted by NGC in 1987. Scores range from 1 to 70.
Barely identifiable coin, nearly flat rims
A perfect coin, with no post-production flaws under 5x magnification
Proof coins carry the designation "Proof" or "PF" (e.g., PF70 indicates a flawless proof)
Uncirculated coins receive "MS" (Mint State) for scores between 60-70
Investment Appeal
Unlike bullion, which is tied directly to commodity prices, investment-grade Palladium Eagles derive their value from relative rarity, condition, and collector demand. Their prices behave less like a commodity and more like fine art or collectible automobiles, where scarcity, craftsmanship, and desirability determine long-term worth.
This unique blend of artistry, scarcity, and certified perfection makes the Palladium American Eagle one of the most compelling modern coins for serious collectors and investors alike.
Contact our specialists to learn more about available inventory, pricing, and how these exceptional coins can strengthen your investment portfolio.
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