U.S. Palladium Bullion Coin OK

This article was originally printed in the latest issue of Numismatic News.
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America is getting a new coin – a $25 face value palladium bullion coin with a Mercury-head design and a weight of 1 ounce.

The bill authorizing the coin passed the House on Sept. 29 and was approved unanimously by the Senate on Nov. 30. Then, in an unusual move, it was cleared the same day for the White House. President Obama’s signature is all that is needed for the measure to become law.

Any United States mint, other than the mint at West Point, N.Y., may be used to strike coins minted, other than proof versions.

The Adolph Weinman Mercury-head design featured on the dime from 1916 to 1945 will be featured on the obverse. The reverse will have a high-relief version of the reverse design of the 1907 American Institute of Architects medal.

Bullion for the palladium coins issued is to be acquired from palladium mined from natural deposits in the United States, or in a territory or possession of the United States, within 1 year after the month in which the ore is mined.

A marketing study is also called for; the palladium coins will join platinum, silver and gold bullion coins within one year from passage and completion of the study.