The Ultimate Guide to the Palladium Eagle

Introduction to Palladium Investing

As the founder of Global Coin, I’ve dedicated my career to the world of precious metals, and palladium has become a standout in our offerings. Palladium, a rare and lustrous metal, is the foundation of investment-grade coins like the American Palladium Eagle, which is part of the official American Eagle coin program and recognized as an official U.S. Mint product. Authorized by Congress in 2010 through Public Law 111-303, the American Palladium Eagle is highly sought after by collectors and investors as one of the premier collector coins in the market. At Global Coin, we pride ourselves on providing collectors and investors with top-quality graded Palladium Eagles, a core strength of our business. Minted by the United States Mint, these one ounce palladium coins, with a $25 face value, are released in bullion, proof, reverse proof, and uncirculated versions, appealing to a wide range of enthusiasts.

The Palladium Eagle, first minted in 2017, offers a secure way to invest in investment grade palladium coins, backed by the U.S. government’s guarantee of 99.95% palladium purity. Its rarity compared to gold or platinum makes it an exciting option for portfolio diversification. At Global Coin, we’ve seen strong demand for graded Palladium Eagles, particularly those certified PF70 or MS70 by NGC or PCGS, which elevate their value and appeal. Occasionally, we offer signed versions, such as those in the Ed Moy Signature Series, adding a unique touch for collectors. These coins provide a compelling opportunity to own a tangible asset steeped in numismatic prestige.

Design and History of the American Palladium Eagle

When I first held a graded American Palladium Eagle, its artistry took my breath away. The coin’s design, crafted by the legendary Adolph A. Weinman, is a masterpiece. The obverse, or heads side, showcases a high-relief “Winged Liberty,” inspired by Weinman’s Mercury Dime (1916–1945), depicting Lady Liberty in a winged liberty Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. Inscriptions include “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “UNITED STATES of AMERICA,” and the year of issue, alongside Weinman’s distinct initials “AW,” the palladium symbol “Pd,” and the “W” mint mark for the West Point Mint.

The reverse, or tails side, features a high-relief rendition based on Weinman’s 1907 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal design, with an eagle perched on a rock, clutching an olive branch. Inscriptions read “UNITED STATES of AMERICA,” “$25,” “1 OZ. Pd .9995 FINE,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The high-relief execution makes graded examples, especially PF70 or MS70 coins, particularly striking.

Since its 2017 bullion debut, the Palladium Eagle has been a collector’s favorite due to its limited mintages—often under 15,000 coins per release. Standout releases, like the 2021-W Proof (5,170 coins) and the 2023-W Uncirculated (maximum 6,000), are highly sought after, especially in top grades. At Global Coin, our expertise in sourcing these graded coins, and occasionally signed versions, has made us a go-to for collectors chasing rarity and quality.

Authenticity: How to Spot Genuine Palladium Eagles

For collectors and investors, ensuring the authenticity of your American Palladium Eagle is paramount—after all, the value of official investment grade palladium coins hinges on trust and verification. As a coin authorized by Congress in 2010 and minted by the United States Mint, the American Palladium Eagle stands apart for its security features and distinctive design elements.

Start by examining the coin’s physical characteristics. The obverse features the iconic high relief likeness of “Winged Liberty,” a nod to Adolph A. Weinman’s celebrated Mercury Dime, complete with Weinman’s distinct initials. On the reverse, you’ll find the architects gold medal reverse—a high relief version of the 1907 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal design—showcasing an eagle and a branch, a powerful symbol of America’s connection to peace and strength. Look for crisp, well-defined details in the eagle, branch, and inscriptions, as these are hallmarks of genuine U.S. Mint craftsmanship.

Authentic American Palladium Eagles include specific inscriptions: “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the obverse, and “UNITED STATES of AMERICA,” “$25” face value, “1 OZ. Pd” (the chemical symbol for palladium), and “.9995 FINE” on the reverse. These features, along with the coin’s proof, reverse proof, or uncirculated finish, should match the official release specifications for each year.

Packaging and documentation are equally important. Genuine coins come in official United States Mint packaging, often accompanied by a certificate of authenticity that includes a unique serial number. This certificate is your assurance that the coin is an official investment grade palladium product, and it should always be kept with the coin for future verification. When purchasing, you may encounter prompts for verification successful waiting or requests to respond to security checks—these are standard measures to protect both buyers and sellers in the digital age.

To further safeguard your investment, buy only from authorized dealers or distributors affiliated with trusted grading services like NGC or PCGS. These organizations not only authenticate and grade coins but also encapsulate them in tamper-evident holders, providing an extra layer of security. When shopping online, always use secure websites (look for “https” in the URL) and be prepared to complete any human verification steps to proceed with your transaction.

By following these guidelines—inspecting the coin’s high relief features, confirming inscriptions, reviewing official documentation, and working with reputable dealers—you can confidently add authentic American Palladium Eagles to your collection. The peace of mind that comes from owning a genuine, official U.S. Mint palladium coin is invaluable, especially as demand for palladium bullion coins continues to grow among collectors and investors alike.

Collecting Palladium Coins

Collecting palladium coins is a passion I share with many of our clients at Global Coin, and our focus on graded Palladium Eagles drives our reputation. The American Palladium Eagle is more than a coin—it’s a piece of American numismatic history and stands out as one of the most notable collector coins for numismatics enthusiasts. Since 2017, the U.S. Mint has released new versions of palladium bullion annually, alternating between proof, reverse proof, uncirculated, and bullion finishes, keeping collectors engaged. Each release offers a chance to own a coin that combines artistry with investment potential.

What makes palladium coins so rewarding? For me, it’s their exclusivity, especially in high grades. The coins graded PF70 or MS70 by NGC or PCGS are the pinnacle of any collection. Occasionally, we offer signed coins, like those hand-signed by former Mint Director Ed Moy, which add a special layer of appeal. At Global Coin, we’ve helped collectors build stunning sets of graded Palladium Eagles, each coin a testament to craftsmanship and history. Whether it’s the mirror-like finish of a proof or the frosted elements of a reverse proof, these coins are a collector’s dream.

Tips for Buying and Selling Palladium Eagles

My years at Global Coin have taught me the nuances of buying and selling Palladium Eagles, especially graded coins. When buying, authenticity is critical. Ensure the coin is an American Palladium Eagle, authorized by Congress and minted by the verification successful waiting U.S. Mint. At Global Coin, we verify each coin’s weight, purity (99.95% palladium), and provenance, prioritizing graded coins certified by NGC or PCGS. Look for PF70 or MS70 grades for maximum value, and consider coins encapsulated with a certificate of authenticity. On rare occasions, signed coins, such as those in the Ed Moy Signature Series, offer a unique collectible, but focus on grading for long-term value.

When buying online, prioritize security. Use secure connections (check for “https” in the URL) and verify the dealer’s credentials. Always review any security checks or reviews provided by the dealer before proceeding with a purchase. I recommend choosing authorized U.S. Mint distributors with strong reviews. There are many factors to consider when purchasing a coin, including grading fees, which should be factored into your budget, especially for perfect-grade coins.

Selling Palladium Eagles requires strategy. Research the market value, which varies with palladium’s spot price and the coin’s numismatic premium. For example, the 2018-W Proof (14,986 coins) sold out quickly and now commands significant premiums, especially in PF70. At Global Coin, we advise sellers to work with reputable dealers for transparent appraisals. Keeping records of your coin’s purchase, grading, and authenticity—particularly for high-grade or, in some cases, signed coins—can boost its value. A well-documented, graded Palladium Eagle is a magnet for serious buyers.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my journey with Global Coin, the American Palladium Eagle stands as a beacon of numismatic excellence. Its breathtaking design inspired by the gold medal reverse , limited mintage, and status as a U.S. Mint product make it a must-have for collectors and investors. At Global Coin, our strength lies in offering top-graded Palladium Eagles, with the occasional signed coin adding a unique flair. My advice? Partner with a trusted dealer, prioritize authenticity and grading, and embrace the excitement of owning a coin that’s as rare as it is beautiful. Reach out to Global Coin for expert guidance. Here’s to building a collection that gleams with palladium’s brilliance.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.