Generally weighing more than the standard 1 Troy ounce for platinum coins, these bars have a lower price per gram and also entail lower manufacturing costs. Most major gold bullion coins have a purity of 0.9999 (99.99%). Similarly, silver bullion coins will have a silver purity ranging from 0.999 to 0.9999 (99.9% to 99.99%) and platinum coins will have a platinum purity of 0.995 (99.5%) or higher. Bullion coins are manufactured in various denominations of weight, with the most common peso being the 1 troy ounce coin, which is considered the main issue of most mints.
Additionally, Roth IRA Gold is a popular option for those looking to invest in gold bullion coins. Because of their relatively lower value compared to gold and platinum, some silver coins are produced in fairly large weights, such as 1 kg and 10 ounces, as well as in weights lower than 5 ounces, 2 ounces and 1 ounce. As a rare precious metal, platinum is popular with those who want to diversify their investment portfolios. Well-known gold and silver coins can also be used for exchange and bartering in times of financial crisis and war, and bullion coins can be easily transported across national borders. The rarity of platinum gives it long-term value, making it a good investment option for those seeking to diversify their portfolios with precious metals.
Both ingot and ingot coins are one way, in fact the only way, of obtaining direct ownership of physical precious metals. In addition to being a precious metal such as gold and silver, platinum is widely used in the automotive and jewelry industries and has an increasing importance in green technologies. While the final decision between buying bullion or precious metal coins is a matter of buyer preference, it is useful to understand the relative advantages of both ingots and precious metal coins. Platinum is one of six metals in the platinum group (PGM) that also include ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium and iridium.
Examples of well-known gold bullion coins are the gold kangaroo nugget from the Perth Mint, the Golden Philharmonic from the Austrian Mint and Gold Britannia from the Royal Mint. Platinum can be an interesting investment for those who want to increase their exposure to precious metals in their investment portfolios, due to its exceptional characteristics such as precious metal, industrial metal and green metal. Since the world's leading precious metal refineries and mints manufacture a wide variety of gold, silver and platinum ingots and coins, a natural question for buyers of precious metals investment is whether they should buy ingots, precious metal coins, or both. Bullion coins refer to gold, silver and platinum coins that contain known quantities of precious metals and that are traded in terms of weight and purity.
Thanks to the many products available to retail consumers and investors, adding platinum to your precious metals portfolio is easy. Almost all gold bars, silver ingots and platinum ingots will bear the name of the refinery or mint manufacturer, the refinery logo, and the weight and fineness stamped or embossed in relief on the front surface of the ingot. The availability of small denomination coins and the wide variety of ingot coins available make gold and silver coins unique gifts. In general, it's best to limit your investments in gold bars, silver ingots and platinum bars to well-known brands from major precious metals refineries.
