-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 7144
Checkout
The Certified Platinum American Eagle 2006-W $25 Quarter Ounce Burnished MS70 NGC stands out as a particularly significant issue within the broader Platinum Eagle series. The Platinum American Eagle program was introduced in 1997, authorized under the American Eagle Bullion Coin Act of 1995, to offer investors and collectors an official platinum bullion product backed by the U.S. government. In 2006, the U.S. Mint introduced a special new variety: the burnished Platinum Eagle. Struck on specially prepared planchets and treated with a distinctive finish, the burnished coins offered a unique matte appearance that differentiated them from the traditional bullion and proof issues. The 2006-W Burnished Platinum Eagle marks the first time this style was used for platinum, making it a groundbreaking addition to the American Eagle family and a prized piece for collectors seeking complete series sets.
The obverse design of the 2006-W Platinum American Eagle $25 Quarter Ounce Burnished coin features the iconic image of the Statue of Liberty, rendered in a powerful and intricate close-up. John Mercanti, one of the most celebrated designers and engravers in U.S. Mint history, created the obverse artwork. His design focuses on Lady Liberty’s face, crown, and torch, capturing the stoic dignity and strength that have come to symbolize American ideals. The inscriptions around the portrait include "LIBERTY," the year "2006," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." The finish on the burnished coins softens the bright luster of a traditional bullion strike, giving Lady Liberty a refined, satin-like appearance that highlights the extraordinary detail of Mercanti’s design in a subtle and elegant way.
The reverse design of the 2006-W Burnished Platinum Eagle $25 Quarter Ounce coin continues the soaring eagle motif created by Thomas D. Rogers, Sr. This imagery depicts a bald eagle with its wings fully extended, gliding gracefully over a rising sun. The eagle’s powerful, outstretched form symbolizes America’s strength, independence, and optimism. Surrounding the central image are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "1/4 OZ.," ".9995 PLATINUM," and "$25," clearly stating the coin’s weight, metal purity, and denomination. The artistry of the reverse is enhanced by the burnished finish, which lends a soft, almost ethereal glow to the fields and frosted devices, creating a distinctive and highly appealing visual contrast unique to this special minting process.
The 2006-W Platinum American Eagle Burnished Quarter Ounce coin was produced exclusively at the West Point Mint in New York, one of the premier minting facilities of the United States. The "W" mintmark located on the reverse certifies its West Point origin and signals its status as a specially struck collector piece rather than a standard bullion coin. The West Point Mint is known for its production of high-quality precious metal coins, including proof, burnished, and bullion strikes. For the burnished Platinum Eagles, specially treated planchets were hand-fed into the coining presses, and each coin received extra attention to ensure a uniform matte finish. This level of craftsmanship distinguishes the burnished coins from their standard bullion counterparts and underscores the Mint’s commitment to producing world-class numismatic products.
The mintage of the 2006-W Platinum American Eagle $25 Quarter Ounce Burnished coin was extremely limited, further enhancing its appeal among collectors. Only 3,068 pieces were struck, making it one of the rarest issues within the Platinum Eagle series. The limited production was intentional, aimed at creating a premium collector’s item for discerning numismatists and investors. This tiny mintage figure ensures that the 2006-W Burnished quarter-ounce coin holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, both for its beauty and for its scarcity. Coins with such low mintages typically become key dates within their respective series, and the 2006-W burnished Platinum Eagle is no exception, commanding strong premiums and intense demand in the marketplace.
The Certified Platinum American Eagle 2006-W $25 Quarter Ounce Burnished MS70 NGC represents the highest grade achievable for a modern coin, indicating a perfect specimen without any post-production flaws visible even under magnification. MS70 certification by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) assures collectors that the coin is in pristine condition, exhibiting flawless surfaces, razor-sharp details, and full original mint luster. The burnished finish enhances the presentation, giving the coin a soft satin texture that differs from both traditional business strikes and proof strikes. Collectors highly prize MS70 examples because they combine maximum eye appeal with perfect preservation, qualities that are particularly critical for limited-issue modern coins like the 2006-W Burnished Platinum Eagle.
The Certified MS70 Burnished 2006-W Platinum Eagle is encapsulated in a protective, tamper-evident NGC holder that ensures long-term preservation and authenticity. Each NGC holder includes a label specifying the coin’s denomination, metal content, year of issue, mintmark, and special burnished designation. The certification number provides traceability and adds confidence to future buyers in the secondary market. Coins with specialty labels, such as "First Strike" or "Early Release" designations, may command additional premiums, although even standard labels for MS70 examples are highly desirable. The integrity of the NGC holder and the clarity of the label contribute to the coin’s value and collectibility, making it a sought-after item for high-end collectors who demand the best examples available.
The market for the 2006-W Platinum American Eagle $25 Quarter Ounce Burnished MS70 NGC remains strong due to the combination of extreme scarcity, high-grade certification, and numismatic significance. As one of the earliest burnished platinum coins and with a tiny mintage of just over 3,000 pieces, competition for high-grade examples has remained steady among serious collectors. The 2006-W Burnished quarter-ounce Platinum Eagle fits neatly into several popular collecting strategies, including complete Platinum Eagle sets, modern U.S. Mint burnished coin sets, and high-grade registry sets. The coin’s appeal is enhanced by the overall strength of the platinum market, offering collectors the dual advantage of numismatic and intrinsic value appreciation.
The Certified Platinum American Eagle 2006-W $25 Quarter Ounce Burnished MS70 NGC represents a perfect confluence of artistry, rarity, and historical importance within the modern American numismatic landscape. Its superb craftsmanship, limited mintage, groundbreaking burnished finish, and flawless MS70 grade make it a cornerstone for any serious collector of platinum coins or American Eagles. As interest in modern U.S. Mint specialties continues to grow, and as collectors increasingly recognize the importance of early burnished issues, the 2006-W Burnished Platinum Eagle will undoubtedly continue to shine as one of the most coveted and treasured pieces of its era.