First minted in 1997, these are the official platinum bullion coins of the United States. The obverse features Lady Liberty looking into the future and each year the design on the reverse side changes. These coins are the only U.S. bullion coins that do so. American Platinum Eagle coins are also considered a commodity rather than a rare coin, which means that the US Mint feels that their value will never go beyond the market price. As such, they may be used or held in some government sponsored retirement plans.