The face that launched 3,225 sales

Before I began to write this, I blurted out to a colleague in the office that Miss Liberty on the 2019-W proof platinum $100 coin looks like actress Myrna Loy.

We both laughed.

Perhaps I am too much of an addict to Thin Man movies and should focus instead on the serious aspect of the Jan. 31 release of the “Preamble to the Declaration of Independence 2019 Platinum Proof Coin – Liberty.”

It is a serious topic because issue price is a serious $1,220.

This puts it out of reach of many.

First day sales were 3,225.

Maximum mintage is 15,000.

There is a long way to go to reach the maximum.

Buyers might never push the final number that high.

That is why the 2018 issue is still on sale.

So far, 12,411 of these have been purchased.

However, leftovers could be an advantage.

Because the 2018 was the first design of a set of three, some collectors will find that being able to go back and get the first one will induce them to buy the 2019-W as the second.

The three designs are reflective of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Mint Artistic Infusion Program designer Justin Kunz created all three obverse designs in this series.

Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna sculpted the 2019 design.

Having one artist do the complete set creates an artistic unity that many coin programs have lacked in the past.

I am sure those who appreciate fine art will appreciate this.

The Mint probably won’t sell any additional coins, because this is a function of affordability more than looks.

The eagle on the reverse doesn’t change for the three-year series.

It is a gorgeous eagle.

The Mint said AIP designer Patricia Lucas-Morris created the design, which former Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart sculpted.

They are to be congratulated.

As expensive as the coin is, we need to keep in mind that platinum is on the cheap side at the moment.

It is about $825 an ounce. Just five years ago, it was $1,500.

If ever you were going to enter the new issue platinum coin market, this is as advantageous as it gets.

However, I write this in the knowledge that I own precisely one platinum coin.

It is a tenth ounce.

Buzz blogger Dave Harper won the Numismatic Literary Guild Award for Best Blog for the third time in 2017. He is editor of the weekly newspaper "Numismatic News."