Platinum Coins: Diversifying Your Bullion Portfolio

Platinum coins offer a niche investment opportunity, combining the rarity of platinum with the reliability of government-minted bullion.

Why platinum bullion coins?

Investors looking to diversify their investment portfolios might want to consider platinum bullion coins. These coins combine the value of a rare metal with the assurance of government-backed purity and weight. Some of the reasons to look at platinum coins for your investment portfolio include:

Rarity and value: Platinum is one of the scarcest precious metals, increasing its potential for appreciation.
Purity and portability: These coins give you almost pure platinum in a compact, easily storable form. Their small size and high value make them an efficient way to store wealth in limited space.
Liquidity and recognition: Government-minted platinum coins like the American Platinum Eagle are easy to buy and sell. This gives you a path to quickly sell if needed.
Diversification and industrial demand: Adding platinum to your portfolio along with gold and silver helps you spread risk across metals that respond differently to economic factors. Besides investors, the automotive and electronics industries also drive demand for platinum in their products.
Legal tender and collectibility: Many platinum coins carry official face values with government backing. Some have limited-edition designs that appeal to collectors and can increase a coin's value beyond just the metal content.
Limited supply: Only a few countries mine platinum, making the supply sensitive to geopolitical events.
Tangible asset: You can hold physical platinum coins in your hand versus paper assets like stocks and bonds.

How to buy platinum coins in 3 easy steps

You can buy platinum coins and platinum bullion bars from Swiss America. It's easy to get started in just 3 steps:

Step 1: Call us for a consultation: Speak with our expert advisors, who will answer your questions and help you choose the right gold products for your needs.

Step 2: Place your order: Once you've decided which gold coins you want to buy, we'll help you through the simple ordering process, making sure you get the best value for your investment.

Step 3. Receive your platinum: Your platinum coins ship safely and directly to you or a secure storage facility.

Start securing your financial future. Contact the Swiss America team today to begin protecting your portfolio with platinum coins.

What to look for in platinum coins

When you go to buy platinum bullion coinage, look for criteria like:

Purity: Buy coins with .9995 or higher platinum content. Most investment-grade platinum coins are 99.95% pure.
Brands: Buy platinum coins from popular government mints like the United States Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, and Perth Mint (Australia). Well-known series are American Platinum Eagle, Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf, and Australian Platinum Koala.
Premium: This is the amount you pay above the metal's spot price. Platinum coins generally carry higher premiums than gold or silver.
Sizes: Common sizes for platinum coins include 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz.
Authenticity: Purchase from reputable dealers like Swiss America.

Popular platinum coins

Through Swiss America, investors and collectors have a variety of platinum coins to choose from. Government-issued coins offer guaranteed purity and weight, making them great options for investors looking to diversify their investment portfolio. Some of the most popular platinum coins from mints around the world include:

1. American Platinum Eagle

Made by the U.S. Mint, this coin depicts Lady Liberty on its face and an eagle on its back. It has .9995 platinum purity and is offered in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz weights.

2. Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf

The Royal Canadian Mint creates this .9995 pure platinum piece. Queen Elizabeth II graces the obverse, while a maple leaf adorns the reverse. It's solely available as a 1 oz coin.

3. Austrian Platinum Philharmonic

Austria's Mint produces this musical tribute, featuring the Great Organ of the Golden Hall on one side and an array of instruments on the other. This .9995 fine platinum coin weighs 1 oz.

4. Australian Platinum Kangaroo

Perth Mint's creation places Queen Elizabeth II's portrait on the front and a bounding kangaroo on the back. This 1 oz coin has .9995 platinum purity.

5. British Platinum Britannia

Produced by the Royal Mint, this coin showcases Her Majesty on the obverse and the iconic Britannia on the reverse. It's a 1 oz piece of .9995 pure platinum.

6. Isle of Man Platinum Noble

Pobjoy Mint makes this coin for the Isle of Man. The Queen's effigy appears on one side, a Viking ship on the other. This .9995 platinum coin comes in a 1 oz variant.

7. Somalian Platinum Elephant

Bavarian State Mint produces this Somalian legal tender. The national coat of arms faces an elephant design. This 1 oz coin is made of .9995 platinum.

8. Australian Platinum Platypus

Another Perth Mint offering, this coin pairs Queen Elizabeth II with Australia's unique platypus. The 1 oz .9995 pure platinum piece celebrates this distinctive creature.

9. British Queen's Beast Platinum Series

The Royal Mint's collection features Her Majesty alongside various heraldic beasts. Each .9995 platinum coin in this series weighs 1 oz.

10. Russian Platinum Saint George the Victorious

Russia's Central Bank issues this .999 fine platinum coin. The national coat of arms contrasts with Saint George's dragon-slaying scene. This coin comes in a 1/4 oz piece.

Types of platinum bullion

Investors have several options when it comes to platinum bullion. The two categories are coins and bars.

Platinum bullion coins

Platinum bullion coins are popular among collectors and investors. Governments mint these coins with guaranteed weight and purity and special designs that represent their country of origin. Coins can come in various sizes, with 1 oz being the most common.

Platinum bullion bars

Platinum bullion bars provide an alternative for investors seeking lower premiums and larger quantities. Both government mints and private refineries produce these bars. They come in a range of sizes, from 1 oz to 1 kg or more.

Well-known brands include the Credit Suisse, PAMP Suisse Platinum Bars, Valcambi, and Heraeus. Investors like bars due to their lower production costs, which can mean lower prices closer to platinum's spot value.

Other precious metals

Besides platinum bars or coins, other precious metal options include:

Gold

Gold is the most popular investment precious metal. It comes in various forms, like coins, bars, and rounds. Gold is known for its stability during economic uncertainty.

Gold is easy to sell and accepted around the world. Its value often moves separately from the stock market and can be a hedge against economic downturns. Common gold products include American Gold Eagles, Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, and various gold bars.

Silver

Silver is a more affordable precious metal. It's available as coins, bars, and rounds.

Because of its lower price point, it is accessible to a broader range of investors. Silver tends to be more volatile than gold, which means it can provide higher returns but with increased risk. Popular silver products include American Silver Eagles, Austrian Silver Philharmonics, and various silver bars.

Cost of platinum coins

The costs of precious metal investments like platinum coins include variables like:

Spot price: This is the current market value of platinum, which changes based on global supply and demand. This forms the foundation of a coin's price.
Premium: The premium is an additional cost above the spot price. This cost includes production expenses, distribution costs, and dealer services.
Rarity: Limited edition or low-mintage coins have higher premiums because of their scarcity and collector appeal.
Size: Larger coins offer better value per ounce since the production costs get spread over more metal content.
Condition: Mint-state or proof coins have higher prices than circulated ones because collectors value pristine quality.
Brand: Coins from government mints like the U.S. Mint or Royal Canadian Mint have higher premiums due to their credibility and guaranteed purity.
Market demand: Economic uncertainty or inflation concerns can increase investor interest and drive up premiums during these periods.

Platinum or precious metal IRA

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) offer a tax-advantaged way to invest in platinum for retirement. Here's what you need to know:

Eligibility: The IRS allows certain platinum products in IRAs that meet purity standards of .9995 or higher. Investors can buy products like American Platinum Eagles and Canadian Platinum Maple Leafs.
Self-Directed IRA: To hold physical platinum, you'll need a self-directed IRA (SDIRA). These accounts let you invest in investments outside of the stock market. Swiss America can guide you through the process of setting up your SDIRA.
Storage: IRS rules require you to store your IRA-held platinum in an approved depository. You can't keep it at home or in a personal safe deposit box.
Taxes: Your contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax-deductible. If you have a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax dollars, but it offers tax-free growth.
IRS-prohibited transactions: You can't use your IRA to buy platinum you already own or use IRA-held platinum for personal use. This means you can't store it at home or use it as collateral.

Storing platinum bullion coins

Some of the options you have for storing your physical platinum bullion include:

Home storage: Non-IRA holders can keep their coins at home in a secure location like a safe. This approach allows you to maintain complete privacy and control over your assets. The drawbacks of this method are the risk of theft or damage.
Bank safe deposit box: You can rent a box at a local bank. This gives you bank-level security and may offer some insurance coverage. The challenge is that you can only access your box during bank hours. Also, if you are concerned about privacy, be aware that banks may have to comply with government requests for information.
Private vault storage: You can also use dedicated precious metals storage facilities. These offer high-security measures like 24/7 surveillance, armed guards, and advanced alarm systems. Many provide insurance coverage, and some offer round-the-clock access. The downside of this approach is that you'll pay higher fees compared to bank safe deposit boxes.

Platinum coins: FAQs

Are platinum coins worth buying?

Yes, platinum coins can be worth buying because of their rarity, intrinsic value, and potential for price appreciation. They also offer portfolio diversification beyond gold and silver.

Are any US coins made of platinum?

Yes, the United States Mint produces platinum coins like the American Platinum Eagle, which is a popular bullion coin made of 99.95% pure platinum.

Is platinum as good as gold?

Platinum and gold each have unique benefits. Platinum is rarer and more expensive per ounce, while gold is more widely recognized and has a longer history as a store of value. The choice depends on your investment goals and market conditions. Our team can help guide you in making the best investment decision.