Platinum Bullion: Securing Wealth For Tomorrow

Platinum bullion can help protect your financial future from inflation, economic uncertainty, and market volatility.

Why platinum bullion?

Investors choose platinum bullion because it gives them the following:

Portfolio diversification: Platinum is a precious metal that can help balance out risks from stocks and bonds, potentially protecting some of your wealth if the economy struggles. Platinum's value often moves independently from stocks and currencies, which can help spread out your investment risks.
Industrial demand: Platinum has industrial applications such as automotive catalytic converters. This can drive long-term demand.
Rarity: Platinum is scarcer than gold. It's mined in only a few countries, and its annual production is much lower than that of gold.
Tangible asset: Physical platinum is something you can hold onto. Physical platinum has a real-world value that doesn't rely on banks or the financial market. You can hold it in your hand and trade it directly if needed.
Potential for growth: Some analysts believe platinum may be undervalued compared to other precious metals. Consider how industries like automobiles use a large amount of platinum, which increases demand. Miners are also producing limited amounts of platinum right now, which could push prices up if demand grows.

How to buy platinum coins or bars in 3 easy steps

Ready to add platinum to your precious metals portfolio? Here's how:

Step 1: Call us for a consultation: Our expert team is here to help you reach your investment goals. We'll work with you to find the best options for your personal needs and financial future.

Step 2: Place your order: Once you've chosen which platinum bullion to buy, we'll help you place your safe and secure order.

Step 3. Receive your gold: We'll ship your platinum bullion bars, coins, or other precious metals securely to wherever you want them delivered.

Strengthen your financial future now by contacting Swiss America to add platinum bullion coins or bars to your investment portfolio.

What to look for in platinum bullion

Here are things to look for when you guy to buy platinum bullion products:

Purity: Investment-grade platinum bullion should be at least 99.95% pure, with some premium products offering 99.99% purity.
Weight options: Common sizes include 1 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kg. One-ounce products are the most popular and liquid, while larger sizes can be cost-effective if you have a larger investment portfolio.
Manufacturers: Look for products from well-known government mints like the U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, or Austrian Mint. Respected private mints include PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, and Credit Suisse.
Product types: Choose between coins like the American Platinum Eagle or Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf and bars of various sizes. People can recognize a popular platinum coin, and bars can be a good option as well since they have lower premiums.
IRA eligibility: For retirement investing, platinum products that are 99.95% pure, such as American Platinum Eagles or bars from NYMEX/COMEX-approved refiners, qualify for IRAs.

Popular platinum bullion coins

Here are eight of the most popular platinum coins on the market today:

American Platinum Eagle

The United States Mint produces the American Platinum Eagle. Its front features a portrait of the Statue of Liberty, while the back displays a soaring eagle design. The reverse design changes annually for proof versions. This coin is 99.95% pure platinum and is available in sizes of 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz.

Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf

The Royal Canadian Mint produces the Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf. The coin's front bears a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, and the back showcases a Canadian maple leaf. It is 99.95% pure platinum and comes in a 1 oz size.

Australian Platinum Kangaroo

The Perth Mint mints the Australian Platinum Kangaroo. Its front displays a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, while the back features a kangaroo design that may change annually. This coin is 99.95% pure platinum and is available in a 1 oz size.

Austrian Platinum Philharmonic

The Austrian Mint produces the Austrian Platinum Philharmonic. The coin's front features the Great Organ of the Golden Hall in Vienna's Musikverein. The back displays an array of musical instruments, including a cello, violin, harp, French horn, and bassoon. It is 99.95% pure platinum and is available in a 1 oz size.

British Platinum Britannia

The Royal Mint produces the British Platinum Britannia. The front of the coin shows a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The back depicts the iconic figure of Britannia, standing with a trident, shield, and olive branch. It is 99.95% pure platinum and is available in a 1 oz size. The design of Britannia may vary slightly from year to year.

Isle of Man Platinum Noble

The Pobjoy Mint mints the Isle of Man Platinum Noble on behalf of the Isle of Man government. The front of the coin displays the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. The reverse features a Viking longship, symbolizing the Isle of Man's rich Norse heritage. This coin is 99.95% pure platinum and comes in a 1 oz size.

Chinese Platinum Panda

The People's Bank of China produces the Chinese Platinum Panda. The front of the coin features the Temple of Heaven, a historic religious complex in Beijing. The back displays a panda design that typically changes yearly, showcasing the beloved animal in different poses or settings. This coin is 99.95% pure platinum and is available in a 1 oz size.

South African Platinum Krugerrand

The South African Mint produces the Platinum Krugerrand. The front of the coin depicts a portrait of Paul Kruger, the former president of the South African Republic. The reverse features a springbok antelope, a national symbol of South Africa. The coin's name and weight are also on the reverse. It is 99.95% pure platinum and is available in a 1 oz size. This newer coin became available in 2017, following the long-standing tradition of its gold counterpart.

Platinum IRA

A platinum IRA allows investors to hold physical platinum or other precious metals like gold coins as part of their retirement portfolio. This type of IRA follows the same rules and regulations as traditional IRAs, but instead of only containing paper assets like stocks and bonds, it includes physical platinum bullion.

Setting up your IRA

Swiss America can help you set up a platinum IRA. Platinum or other precious metals must meet specific purity requirements and be in the form of IRS-approved coins or bars.

Storage

Physical platinum bullion must be stored in an IRS-approved depository, not in your personal possession. These secure facilities verify the safekeeping of your platinum coins or bars and keep documentation for tax purposes. There are several approved depositories across the United States.

Contributions

Contributions to a Platinum IRA can be tax-deductible, and the investments grow tax-deferred until withdrawal. However, just like traditional IRAs, if you withdraw before age 59½, you may incur penalties.

Storing platinum bullion

You'll get a chance to decide where you want to store your platinum bars or coins, and there are several options to protect your valuable assets. Swiss America can guide you through this process when you are ready to get started. Some of the primary options for securing your platinum bullion include:

Home storage

Investors that have a smaller amount of platinum coins or bars can choose to use a home safe.

Bank safety deposit boxes

If you want something more secure than home storage, banks can be a good option. These provide protection against theft and natural disasters, but your access is limited to bank hours, and the FDIC and bank do not insure the contents.

Professional vault storage

If you have a larger amount of platinum coins or bars or you want the highest level of security, you can use professional vault storage. Precious metals dealers and storage companies often provide two main types of secure storage:

Allocated storage: Your specific platinum pieces are stored separately from others' metals and remain your property.
Segregated storage: This is a private space for your platinum bullion bars or coins.

Insurance considerations

No matter what storage method you choose, consider insurance for your platinum coins. Homeowners or renters insurance may cover some bullion stored at home, but there may be strict limits. Professional storage facilities offer comprehensive insurance options.

Maintenance and documentation

To preserve your platinum's value and condition, store it in its original packaging or protective cases. This helps prevent scratches and other damage. Keep all related paperwork, such as certificates of authenticity and purchase receipts, in a separate location from your bullion. This helps enhance security and simplifies tax reporting.

IRA storage requirements

As mentioned above, if you have platinum bullion bars or coins in an IRA, the IRS requires you to hold the bullion in an approved depository.

Finding reputable dealers

If you decide to add platinum coins or bars to your investment portfolio, be sure to buy from a reputable dealer. Look for companies that offer:

Experience: Companies with decades in the precious metals industry have navigated various market conditions. Swiss America's 40+ years of experience shows our longevity and adaptability in the market.
Industry affiliations: Look for companies that belong to trade organizations like the Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA) or the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG). These groups set high standards for their members to promote ethical business practices and consumer protection.
Expert guidance: Good dealers offer more than just products—they provide education and support. Look for companies with knowledgeable staff who can explain the ins and outs of platinum investing, such as choosing between coins and bars and understanding market trends.
Customer feedback: Check independent review sites and forums to see what other investors say. Swiss America has a 4.6/5.0-star rating on Google reviews, demonstrating high customer satisfaction.
Product range: Build your platinum portfolio with help from a company that offers a variety of products to suit different investment goals.

History of platinum bullion

Platinum coins offer an inflation hedge and a physical asset for today's investors. To understand how platinum reached this status, let's look at its history:

Early discovery and use

The Europeans in South America discovered platinum during the 16th century. At first, miners considered it a nuisance in gold mining operations due to its similar appearance but much higher melting point. However, native South Americans had been working with platinum for centuries before European contact, incorporating it into various artifacts and jewelry.

Rise to precious metal status

By the 18th century, people began to appreciate platinum's unique properties. They recognized its rarity and resistance to corrosion, giving it precious metal status. But its stubbornly high melting point made it tricky to work with, so it didn't catch on for coins and bullion right away.

Introduction of platinum bullion

Platinum bullion coins didn't appear until the late 20th century. The Isle of Man introduced the first platinum Noble in 1983, and Australia followed in 1988 with its Koala. These early coins helped establish platinum as a legitimate investment option alongside gold and silver.

Modern platinum bullion market

The platinum bullion market really took off in the 1990s and 2000s. When the American Platinum Eagle debuted in 1997, it quickly became the go-to platinum coin for investors. Other big mints jumped on board, too, producing coins like the Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf and the Austrian Platinum Philharmonic.

Platinum in industry and investment

Today, platinum bullion is an industrial metal and an investment. Its widespread use in catalytic converters and other industrial applications influences its market behavior. This dual role causes platinum prices to move differently than gold or silver, giving investors a unique option in the precious metals market.

Future outlook

As environmental regulations tighten and new technologies emerge, there's an evolving demand for platinum in the industrial space. This, plus investor's consideration of platinum bullion products as a way to preserve wealth means that platinum remains an intriguing option for investors looking to diversify their precious metals holdings.

Platinum bullion: FAQs

Are platinum bars hard to sell?

You can sell platinum bars through dealers and online platforms. Because it's more rare, it may have a smaller market than gold or silver.

What is 1 oz of platinum worth?

The value of 1 oz of platinum varies with market conditions. Contact the experts at Swiss America for the latest value and personalized assistance.

How can I buy platinum in the USA?

To buy platinum in the USA, you can purchase from Swiss America, which offers a range of platinum products, including bars and coins, with secure and insured shipping options.