Ever since its inception in 1997, Proof Platinum American Eagles have had their reverse designs change from year to year. Whether part of a series, like the current 2021-2025 First Amendment to the United States Constitution Coin Series, or if they stand alone, the designs have stunned in Proof finishes that highlight amazing detail. However, there is a coin from the 2007 series that appeared to showcase details in two separate ways due to an unforeseen error. Authors Scott Schechter and Jeff Garrett will walk us through this top 15 pick as part of the fourth edition of Whitman Publishing’s 100 Greatest United States Modern Coins series.
#13 – 2007-W American Platinum Eagle, Proof, “Frosted Freedom” Variety
The design of the 2007-W Proof Platinum American Eagle showcases the executive branch of the United States government. An eagle with spread wings is featured in the middle, representing freedom. A shield is placed in front of it, symbolizing the readiness to enforce the laws that allow that freedom. Draped across the top of the shield is a banner with the word FREEDOM on the right side. All design elements are frosted atop a Proof background.
The main illustration of the coin on the Mint’s website and in the Red Book showed the word FREEDOM frosted along with the other elements. However, the word FREEDOM was mirrored on the issued coin, contrasting to the frosted elements around it. No one thought twice about this irregularity or even contributed any significance to the difference. The image used on the Mint’s website was created before the actual production of the coin. No big deal, right? That all changed when a Florida dealer came across a discovery in January of 2011 when his purchased one ounce $100 Proof Platinum American Eagle showed the word FREEDOM frosted. Another came to light in February when a quarter ounce $25 Proof coin showed up with the “Frosted FREEDOM.” A third would show up in the form of a half-ounce $50 Proof just months later.
After many theories emerged around the discoveries, the Mint would quickly go on record stating that a few coins were struck with the original design featuring frosted FREEDOM. Once those coins were struck, the Mint quickly decided that the coins would look better with a mirrored finish. New dies were prepared for regular production, but the coins struck in pre-production were never destroyed and were mistakenly mixed among the release. In addition, the Mint also released official numbers for the Frosted FREEDOM Proof Platinum American Eagles: 12 one ounce $100 coins, 21 half-ounce $50 coins, and 21 quarter-ounce $25 coins. Tenth ounce $10 coins were never produced with the error.
The 2007-W Proof Platinum American Eagle with Frosted FREEDOM has held steady at the #13 across three editions of this publication. It was not featured in the first edition.