How to Identify the American Palladium Eagle
A guide to the US Mint's Palladium Eagle, covering its Mercury dime-inspired obverse and reverse, weight standard, and how to check for fakes.
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What This Coin Is
The American Palladium Eagle is the US Mint's palladium bullion coin, first released in 2017. Its design deliberately revives Adolph Weinman's classic Mercury dime and American Institute of Architects medal artwork rather than introducing brand-new imagery, giving the coin a distinctly vintage appearance compared to other modern bullion issues.
Obverse Design
The obverse reproduces Weinman's Winged Liberty Head design originally used on the 1916 to 1945 Mercury dime, showing Liberty wearing a winged cap in profile, with "LIBERTY" and the date surrounding the portrait.
Reverse Design
The reverse features an eagle clutching an olive branch, based on Weinman's design for the reverse of the American Institute of Architects gold medal, rather than any dime reverse. The denomination "$25," "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," and the weight and fineness statement appear along the design.
Size, Weight, and Metal
Standard issues are one troy ounce of .9995 fine palladium, with a $25 face value, measuring approximately 32.7mm in diameter with a reeded edge, closely matching the American Platinum Eagle's general dimensions.
Mint Marks and Inscriptions
Bullion strikes typically carry no mint mark, while special proof or reverse-proof versions, produced in select years, may include a "P" mint mark for Philadelphia beneath the date. The fineness and weight text appear on the reverse alongside the eagle design.
Telling It Apart From Similar Coins
Because the design borrows directly from the Mercury dime and AIA medal, the Palladium Eagle can look visually similar to vintage Mercury dimes at a glance, but the much larger size, denomination of "$25," and palladium fineness statement make confirmation straightforward. It should also not be confused with the American Platinum Eagle, which uses an entirely different Statue of Liberty and eagle-in-flight design.
Judging Condition at a Glance
Bullion strikes show a satin, matte finish, while proof and reverse-proof versions display more dramatic contrast between mirrored and frosted surfaces. Assess condition by checking for sharpness in Liberty's wing feathers and the eagle's plumage, since flattened detail in these high points indicates wear or a weaker strike.
Authenticity Red Flags
Given palladium's value and the coin's recognizable vintage-inspired design, verify weight and diameter against the one-ounce .9995 fine standard, since counterfeiters may attempt to replicate the design using cheaper silvery metals. Soft or blurred feather and profile detail, an incorrect denomination, or a coin failing to match expected weight for its size are signs that call for further scrutiny.
Frequently asked questions
When did the American Palladium Eagle debut?
It was first released in 2017 as the US Mint's initial palladium bullion coin.
Whose design does the obverse reuse?
It reproduces Adolph Weinman's Winged Liberty Head design originally created for the 1916 to 1945 Mercury dime.
What is shown on the reverse?
An eagle clutching an olive branch, based on Weinman's design for the American Institute of Architects gold medal.
What is the coin's weight and purity?
It is struck in one troy ounce of .9995 fine palladium with a $25 face value.
How do I avoid confusing it with the Platinum Eagle?
Check the design, since the Palladium Eagle uses the vintage Mercury dime-inspired artwork while the Platinum Eagle uses a Statue of Liberty and eagle-in-flight design.