Platinum coins are a form of currency. Platinum has an international currency symbol under ISO 4217 of XPT. The issues of legitimate platinum coins were initiated by Spain in Spanish-colonized America in the 18th century and continued by the Russian Empire in the 19th century. As a form of currency, these coins proved to be impractical: platinum resembles many less expensive metals, and, unlike the more malleable and ductile silver and gold, it is very difficult to work. Several commemorative coin sets have been issued starting from 1978 and became popular among coin collectors. The major platinum bullion coins include the American Platinum Eagle, the Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf, the Australian Platinum Koala, the Isle of Man Noble, the Chinese Platinum Panda and several series by the Soviet Union and later by the Russian Federation. The production of most platinum coins stopped around 2005 except for the American Platinum Eagle – one of the world's most popular platinum coins – which was still being produced in 2009.
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Platinum was first used for minting coins in Spanish-colonized America. Following the discovery of platinum in gold rocks, the Spaniards for a long time were unable to use it because they had no technology for processing this metal. The then-cheap platinum was used for various kinds of frauds, such as substituting it for the more expensive silver. After the discovery that platinum alloys with gold, counterfeiters began to add it to gold coins. The platinum confiscated from counterfeiters was then thrown into the sea, in accordance with the royal decree of 1735. Later, the practice of adding platinum to gold as a ligature was adopted by the authorities in Spain in order to lower the gold content of coins.[1] Also in Spain, in the mid-19th century, counterfeiters began producing British Sovereigns out of a gold-plated alloy of platinum and copper, relying on a similar specific weight of platinum and gold.[2]
In the late 1820s, the British Royal Mint produced several trial coins as part of experiments on the use of platinum in coins. One of these coins has a diameter of farthing and a weak relief owing to the high hardness of platinum. The 1812 Pattern 9 Pence Bank Token (S3773A) was used for the obverse and the farthing of 1825 for the reverse parts of this coin. No dies were manufactured for these experiments but the expired ones of the corresponding coins were used instead. Such coins minted using dies from different coins are called mules. The coin bears the year of 1825, but was likely printed at a later date. Like all test coins, the platinum farthing has a high historic and numismatic value. This coin is also interesting by featuring the portrait of already deceased monarch George III (1738–1820).[3]
The first and only case when platinum coins were used as a regular national currency[4] were Russian coins circulated between 1828 and 1845. These coins proved to be impractical: platinum resembles many less expensive metals, and, unlike the more malleable and ductile silver and gold, it is very difficult to work. However, merchants valued platinum coins because it did not melt in fires like gold or silver.[5] The minting of platinum coins resumed only after 130 years. In 1977–1980 in preparation for the 1980 Summer Olympics, Soviet Union produced five commemorative coin sets, and since 1988 commemorative platinum coins were issued every year. The practice of regularly issuing platinum coins has continued in modern Russia, and since 1992 the Central Bank of Russia released 16 sets of platinum coins.[6]
Since 1983, other countries began regular minting of platinum coins.[7] The most notable examples are the Platinum cat,[8] and Platinum Noble by the Isle of Man, Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf,[9] Chinese Platinum Panda and Australian Platinum Koala. Since 1997, the hundred-dollar American Platinum Eagle became the most notable platinum coin among the collectors. Its name originates from the Bald Eagle depicted on the coin.[10]
Platinum coins of Imperial Russia | ||
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Date of the issuing decree[11] | ||
12 September 1830 | 30 November 1829 | 24 April 1828 |
Weight, g[12] | ||
41.41 | 20.71 | 10.35 |
A "new Siberian metal", platinum, became known in Russia in 1819. Whereas it was first observed only as minor inclusions in rocks, richer deposits were discovered in the late 1824 and their mining began in 1825.[13] These discoveries have prompted Demidov to start looking for platinum around his Nizhny Tagil plants, where it was quickly found along the river beds. In the late 1826, P. G. Sobolevsky (father of powder metallurgy in Russia) invented a simple way of processing (purifying) platinum that prompted the idea to use platinum in coins. The decree of the 24 April 1828 noted that "among the treasures of the Ural Mountains also occurs platinum, which priorly was located almost exclusively in South America. For easy sale of this precious metal, it is desirable to introduce it in coins." and also described the design of new coins.[13]
Minting began with 3 ruble coins, and 6-ruble and 12-ruble coins were added in 1829 and 1830, respectively.[14] The numbers coined were 1,371,691 for 3 ruble, 14,847 for 6 ruble and 3,474 for 12 ruble coins.[13] The first coin was sent to the prominent German scientist Alexander von Humboldt, who was previously asked to evaluate the use of platinum as a currency and confirm its price relatively to silver. After his death, the emperor Alexander II bought that coin, and in 1859 it was returned to Russia and later became an exhibit of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.[4]
The choice of denominations had the following reasoning. Minters used the same forms for the platinum and traditional silver coins. Platinum is twice heavier than silver.[15] and it was approximately 6 times more expensive than silver at the time. The platinum three rubles coin had the same size as the silver 25 kopeks (0.25 ruble), it weighed twice as much and was thus valued 12 times higher. For this reason, the coin is specifically marked as "3 rubles per silver" (Russian: 3 рубля на серебро). Same reasoning applied to the 6 and 12 ruble coins. The coins were minted from native Ural platinum. It was not free from such noble metals as iridium and palladium, and thus the accompanying phrase "... pure Ural platinum" (Russian: чистой уральской платины) only meant that no metal was intentionally added in production.[16]
The minting was discontinued on 22 June 1845 because of the concerns on possible financial disbalance due to the declining price of platinum and within the next 6 months platinum coins were withdrawn from circulation. An estimated amount of 883,212 rubles was then in the hands of population.[13] Platinum coins then were considered neither as investment nor collection item and were readily exchanged to the "more reliable" gold.[17]
Year | 12 rubles | 6 rubles | 3 rubles | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
1828 | - | - | 60069 | 60069 |
1829 | - | 4968 | 130347 | 135315 |
1830 | 1428 | 51660 | 318078 | 371166 |
1831 | 17556 | 16704 | 259500 | 293760 |
1832 | 13224 | 9012 | 197301 | 219537 |
1833 | 3060 | 1812 | 253620 | 258492 |
1834 | 132 | 66 | 272916 | 273114 |
1835 | 1524 | 642 | 415512 | 417678 |
1836 | 132 | 66 | 131256 | 131454 |
1837 | 636 | 1518 | 138909 | 141063 |
1838 | 144 | 72 | 145536 | 145752 |
1839 | 24 | 12 | 6 | 42 |
1840 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 21 |
1841 | 900 | 1020 | 50763 | 52683 |
1842 | 1380 | 726 | 436734 | 438840 |
1843 | 1464 | 762 | 517005 | 519231 |
1844 | 48 | 24 | 643512 | 643584 |
1845 | 24 | 12 | 15006 | 15042 |
Total: | 41,688 | 89,082 | 4,121,073[19] | 4,251,843 |
The amount of 11–32 tonnes of platinum, raw and in coins, that had accumulated at the St. Petersburg Mint by 1846 was sold to the British firm Johnson, Matte & Co. This made Britain a platinum monopolist even though it did not produce platinum domestically[20] (Russia and Columbia were the only major platinum producers). Other possible reasons for discontinuing the platinum mint were low popularity to an unknown metal among the population,[13] and the high cost of minting, which was 98 kopeks per the 3-ruble coin as compared to less than one kopek per gold ruble.[13]
There were fruitless attempts to resume the platinum mint in 1859, which resulted in a scientific study on usage of platinum in coins by academician Moritz von Jacobi published in 1860. No country had used platinum for money after 1846, and one reason for that could be that platinum was about 2.5 times cheaper than gold in the 19th century. Currently, the platinum coins of the Russian Empire are rare, especially for 1839–1840 when only a few coins were minted. All platinum coins minted in 1840 were bought by the famous numismatist, Earl Ivan Ivanovich Tolstoy directly from the Saint Petersburg Mint,[16] and on the numismatic auction of the United Bank of Switzerland (UBS Gold and Silver Auction 50) held in autumn 2001 in Basel, one of the two 12 ruble coins minted in 1839 was sold for US$60,500 at a starting price of $22,000.[16]
Eleven commemorative platinum coins of the face value 150 rubles were produced in the Soviet Union between 1977 and 1991. The first 5-coin set was dedicated to the Moscow Olympics in 1980 and was a part of a large minting which included various copper-nickel coins (8.5 million pcs.), 14 silver coins of 5 and 10 rubles (16.67 and 33.3 g respectively) and six 100-ruble gold coins (17.3 g).[21] These "XXII Summer Olympic Games" platinum coins depicted the emblem of the Olympics and fragments of the ancient Olympic Games and were issued in the period 1977–1980 in the two versions, proof and uncirculated. The proof minting technique (coins with mirrored background and frosted image) was first introduced in Soviet Union only in 1977, specifically for the Olympic commemorative series, and its quality (especially of the snowy like images) has been praised by experts.[22]
Olympics-1980: Emblem of the games | |||||||||
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Year | Value | Grading | Purity | Weight, g | Diameter, mm | No (proof), pcs.[23] | No (uncirculated), pcs. | Obverse | Reverse |
1977 | 150 rubles | Proof/AC | 999/1000 | 15.57 | 28.6 | 24,160 | 9,910 | ||
Obverse: Coat of Arms of the USSR and the face value
Reverse: Emblem of the XXII Olympic Games with a laurel wreath. Bottom – minting year, left – trade mark of the mint, along the rim: "The Games of the XXII Olympiad. MOSCOW. 1980" Design: Ermakov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD).[24] |
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Olympics-80: Discus Thrower | |||||||||
Year | Value | Grading | Purity | Weight, g | Diameter, mm | No (proof), pcs. | No (uncirculated), pcs. | Obverse | Reverse |
1978 | 150 rubles | Proof/AC | 999/1000 | 15.57 | 28.6 | 19,853 | 13,403 | ||
Obverse: Coat of Arms of the USSR and the face value
Reverse: Discus thrower, below – the mint trademark and the minting year, right – emblem of the games, along the rim: "The Games of the XXII Olympiad. MOSCOW. 1980" Design: Ermakov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD).[25] |
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Olympics-80: Champions | |||||||||
Year | Value | Grading | Purity | Weight, g | Diameter, mm | No (proof), pcs. | No (uncirculated), pcs. | Obverse | Reverse |
1979 | 150 rubles | Proof/AC | 999/1000 | 15.57 | 28.6 | 13,578 | 18,978 | ||
Obverse: Coat of Arms of the USSR and the face value
Reverse: Two wrestlers on the backdrop of ancient columns. Between the columns – the emblem of games, under the left column – the trade mark of the mint, bottom – the minting year, along the rim: "The Games of the XXII Olympiad. MOSCOW. 1980" Design: Ermakov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD).[26] |
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Olympics-80: Quadriga | |||||||||
Year | Value | Grading | Purity | Weight, g | Diameter, mm | Circulation (proof), pc. | No (uncirculated), pcs. | Obverse | Reverse |
1979 | 150 rubles | Proof/AC | 999/1000 | 15.57 | 28.6 | 17,078 | 9,728 | ||
Obverse: Coat of Arms of the USSR and the face value
Reverse: Two chariots, left – the emblem of games, bottom – the mint trademark and the minting year, along the rim: "The Games of the XXII Olympiad. MOSCOW. 1980" Design: Ermakov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD).[27] |
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Olympics-80: Runners | |||||||||
Year | Value | Grading | Purity | Weight, g | Diameter, mm | Circulation (proof), pc. | No (uncirculated), pcs. | Obverse | Reverse |
1980 | 150 rubles | Proof/AC | 999/1000 | 15.57 | 28.6 | 12,870 | 7,820 | ||
Obverse: Coat of Arms of the USSR and the face value
Reverse: Two ancient runners, right – the emblem of games, bottom – the mint trademark and the minting year, along the rim: "The Games of the XXII Olympiad. MOSCOW. 1980" Design: Ermakov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD).[28] |
Despite the large circulation of the Olympic platinum coins (about 20,000 pcs., compare with 750 pcs. for the 1993 series "Russian Ballet"), they are difficult to find at the Russian numismatic markets. This is mostly because of the export to America, Europe, and Israel.[21] Since 1977, the commemorative platinum coins were issued every year, but different from Olympic designs appeared only on 13 September 1988, with the series "1000 years of ancient coinage, literature, architecture and the Baptism of Russia." The series consisted of two silver coins (3 rubles, "Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev" and "Srebrenic of Vladimir"), two gold coins (50 rubles "Saint Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod" and 100 rubles "Zlatnik of Vladimir"), the 25-ruble palladium coin "Monument to Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich", and the 150-ruble platinum coin "The Tale of Igor's Campaign". For the first time palladium was used for minting coins. This series was highly praised internationally and awarded the first prize for the quality of minting at the 1988 numismatic exhibition in Basel.[22]
Series: 1000 years of coinage, literature, architecture, and the Baptism of Russia. The Tale of Igor's Campaign | ||||||||
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Year | Value | Grading | Purity | Weight, g | Diameter, mm | No, pcs.[29] | Obverse | Reverse |
1988 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.57 | 28.6 | 16,000 | ||
Obverse: Coat of Arms of the USSR and the face value
Reverse: An scribe at work with cavalry troops in the background. Bottom: "The Tale of Igor's Campaign · 1185", along the rim: "1000 years of ancient literature" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD).[30] |
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Series: 500 years of united Russian state. Standing on the Ugra | ||||||||
Year | Value | Grading | Purity | Weight, g | Diameter, mm | No, pcs. | Obverse | Reverse |
1989 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.57 | 28.6 | 16,000 | ||
Obverse: Coat of Arms of the USSR and the face value
Reverse: Two cavalry forces facing each other with the river between them, around the image: "500 years of united Russian state", bottom: "Standing on the Ugra · 1480" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD).[31] |
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Series: 500 years of united Russian state. Battle of Poltava | ||||||||
Year | Value | Grading | Purity | Weight, g | Diameter, mm | No, pcs. | Obverse | Reverse |
1990 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.57 | 28.6 | 16,000 | ||
Obverse: Coat of Arms of the USSR and the face value
Reverse: Russian cavalry charging at the Swedish troops, around the image: "500 years of united Russia", bottom: "Battle of Poltava 1709" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD).[32] |
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Series: 250 years of discovery of Russian America. St. Gabriel | ||||||||
Year | Value | Grading | Purity | Weight, g | Diameter, mm | No, pcs. | Obverse | Reverse |
1990 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.57 | 28.6 | 6,500 | ||
Obverse: Coat of Arms of the USSR and the face value
Reverse: Sailing boat in wavy sea, around: "250 years of the discovery of Russian America", bottom: "BOT St. GAVRIIL/M. GVOZDEV – 1732", divided decorative element. Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD).[33] |
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Series: 500 years of united Russia. War of 1812 | ||||||||
Year | Value | Grading | Purity | Weight, g | Diameter, mm | No, pcs. | Obverse | Reverse |
1991 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.57 | 28.6 | 16,000 | ||
Obverse: Coat of Arms of the USSR and the face value
Reverse: An obelisk with an angel holding a cross, left – portrait of Napoleon, right – portrait of Alexander I (with names under the both portraits), around the image: "500 YEARS OF UNITED RUSSIA", below: "PATRIOTIC WAR OF 1812." Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD).[34] |
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Series: 250-anniversary of the discovery of Russian America. John Benjamin | ||||||||
Year | Value | Grading | Purity | Weight, g | Diameter, mm | No, pcs. | Obverse | Reverse |
1991 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.57 | 28.6 | 6,500 | ||
Obverse: Coat of Arms of the USSR and the face value
Reverse: The image of Ivan Veniaminov, in monk's dress, holding a cross, with a sailing boat in the background. Around it: "250 years of the discovery of Russian America", below: "Ivan Veniaminov – missionary and educator" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD).[35] |
The price for platinum coins of the USSR (proof quality) typically exceeds $1,500 per coin.[36]
Russia issued 16 platinum coins, starting from 1992, with the face value (weight) of 25 (1/10 oz), 50 (1/4 oz) and 150 rubles (1/2 oz).[37] The minting was suspended in 1996, with the last coin of 150 rubles dedicated to the Battle of the Neva of 1240.[16]
Series: The Age of Enlightenment. 18 Century. Battle of Chesma | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
24.11.1992 | 5318-0001 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.67 (± 0.11) | 15.55 | 28.60 (−0.25) | 1.5 (± 0.2) | 3000 |
Obverse: two-headed eagle (designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – BANK OF RUSSIA. At the bottom – the designation of metal, alloy, the precious metal content and the mint trademark.
Reverse: three sailing ships and a boat at the Battle of Chesma, around: "Age of Enlightenment. 18 century.", bottom: "Battle of Chesma" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD). 240 indents on the rim.[38] |
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Series: The Olympic Century Russia. First participation of Russia in the Olympics | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
20.01.1993 | 5316-0001 | 50 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 7.88 (± 0.09) | 7.78 | 20.0 (−0.15) | 1.60 (± 0.15) | 7500 |
Obverse: center – the emblem of the Bank of Russia (two-headed eagle designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: two horse riders – Russian participants of the II Olympic Games, right – the Eiffel Tower, left – the emblem of the Russian Olympic Committee, around: "OLYMPIC AGE OF RUSSIA, FIRST PARTICIPANCE · PARIS" Design: A.V. Baklanov (obverse), N.A. Nosov (reverse) Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD). 134 indents on the rim.[39] |
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Series: Russian Ballet (25 rubles) | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
19.04.1993 | 5315-0001 | 25 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 3.198 (± 0.08) | 3.11 | 16.0 (−0.1) | 1.00 (± 0.15) | 750 |
Obverse: center – the emblem of the Bank of Russia (two-headed eagle designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: a dancing ballerina, around it: "RUSSIAN BALLET" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD). 111 indents on the rim.[40] |
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Series: Russian Ballet (50 rubles) | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
19.04.1993 | 5316-0002 | 50 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 7.88 (± 0.09) | 7.78 | 20.0 (−0.15) | 1.60 (± 0.15) | 750 |
Obverse: center – the emblem of the Bank of Russia (two-headed eagle designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: a dancing ballerina, around it: "RUSSIAN BALLET" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD) 134 indents on the rim.[41] |
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Series: Russian Ballet (150 rubles) | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
19.04.1993 | 5318-0002 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.67 (± 0.11) | 15.55 | 22.60 (−0.25) | 1.5 (± 0.2) | 750 |
Obverse: center – the emblem of the Bank of Russia (two-headed eagle designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: a dancing ballerina, around it: "RUSSIAN BALLET" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD) 240 indents on the rim.[42] |
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Geographical Series: The first Russian voyage around the world. English Embankment in St. Petersburg | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
28.04.1993 | 5318-0003 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.67 (± 0.11) | 15.55 | 28.60 (−0.25) | 1.5 (± 0.2) | 2500 |
Obverse: center – the emblem of the Bank of Russia (two-headed eagle designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: ships Nadezhda and Neva and two boats. Background – houses of Russia's State Chancellor Count N.P. Rumyantsev in St. Petersburg on the English Embankment of the Neva River. Around it: "The first Russian voyage around the world 1803 • 1806" "English Embankment" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD). 240 indents on the rim.[43] |
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Historical Series: Russia's Contribution to World Culture. I. Stravinsky | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
13.12.1993 | 5318-0004 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.67 (± 0.11) | 15.55 | 28.60 (−0.25) | 1.5 (± 0.2) | 3000 |
Obverse: center – the emblem of the Bank of Russia (two-headed eagle designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: the image of Igor Stravinsky, background – a scene from the ballet "Petrushka", left – a lyre and a laurel branch, around: "RUSSIA AND WORLD CULTURE", "I. Stravinsky" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD) 240 indents on the rim.[44] |
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Series: Russian Ballet (25 rubles, 1994) | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
07.06.1994 | 5315-0002 | 25 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 3.198 (± 0.08) | 3.11 | 16.0 (−0.1) | 1.00 (± 0.15) | 900 |
Obverse: two-headed eagle (designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: a dancing ballerina, around it: "RUSSIAN BALLET" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD) 111 indents on the rim.[45] |
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Series: Russian Ballet (50 rubles, 1994) | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
07.06.1994 | 5316-0003 | 50 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 7.88 (± 0.09) | 7.78 | 20.0 (−0.15) | 1.60 (± 0.15) | 900 |
Obverse: two-headed eagle (designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: a dancing ballerina, around it: "RUSSIAN BALLET" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD) 134 indents on the rim.[46] |
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Series: Russian Ballet (150 rubles, 1994) | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
07.06.1994 | 5318-0005 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.67 (± 0.11) | 15.55 | 28.6 (−0.25) | 1.5 (± 0.2) | 900 |
Obverse: two-headed eagle (designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: a dancing ballerina, around it: "RUSSIAN BALLET" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD). 240 indents on the rim.[47] |
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Geographical Series: First Russian Antarctic Expedition | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
06.09.1994 | 5318-0006 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.67 (± 0.11) | 15.55 | 28.6 (−0.25) | 1.5 (± 0.2) | 4000 |
Obverse: two-headed eagle (designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: ships Vostok and Mirny, under them – a boat with rowers, penguins on an ice floe, around: "FIRST RUSSIAN ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION 1819–1821", "in Antarctic waters" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD) 240 indents on the rim.[48] |
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Historical Series: Russia's Contribution to World Culture. Mikhail Vrubel | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
17.11.1994 | 5318-0007 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.67 (± 0.11) | 15.55 | 28.6 (−0.25) | 1.5 (± 0.2) | 3000 |
Obverse: two-headed eagle (designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: self-portrait of Mikhail Vrubel, below – a palette and brushes, to the right – a fragment of his painting Demon Seated in a Garden, around: "RUSSIA AND WORLD CULTURE", "M. Vrubel" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Leningrad Mint (LMD). 240 indents on the rim.[49] |
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Series: Russian Ballet. Sleeping Beauty (25 rubles) | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
16.06.1995 | 5315-0003 | 25 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 3.198 (± 0.08) | 3.11 | 16.0 (−0.1) | 1.00 (± 0.15) | 900 |
Obverse: center – the emblem of the Bank of Russia (two-headed eagle designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: in the center – a dancer, left to right in a circle – the inscription: "Sleeping Beauty". Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Saint Petersburg Mint (LMD) 111 indents on the rim.[50] |
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Series: Russian Ballet. Sleeping Beauty (50 rubles) | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
16.06.1995 | 5316-0004 | 50 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 7.88 (± 0.09) | 7.78 | 20.0 (−0.15) | 1.60 (± 0.15) | 900 |
Obverse: center – the emblem of the Bank of Russia (two-headed eagle designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: a dancer, around him: "Sleeping Beauty" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Saint Petersburg Mint (LMD) 134 indents on the rim.[51] |
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Series: Russian Ballet. Sleeping Beauty (150 rubles) | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
16.06.1995 | 5318-0008 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.67 (± 0.11) | 15.55 | 22.60 (−0.25) | 1.5 (± 0.2) | 900 |
Obverse: center – the emblem of the Bank of Russia (two-headed eagle designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: a dancer, around him: "Sleeping Beauty" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Saint Petersburg Mint (LMD) 134 indents on the rim.[52] |
|||||||||
Historical Series: 1000 years of Russia. Alexander Nevsky | |||||||||
Date | Catalogue No |
Value | Grading | Purity | Total weight, g | Platinum contents, at least, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | No, pcs. |
28.12.1995 | 5318-0009 | 150 rubles | Proof | 999/1000 | 15.55 (± 0.09) | 15.5 | 28.6 (−0.25) | 1.5 (± 0.2) | 3000 |
Obverse: center – the emblem of the Bank of Russia (two-headed eagle designed by I. Bilibin), bottom – symbol, purity and weight of platinum, "BANK OF RUSSIA"
Reverse: a fight between four Russian soldiers and a Swedish knight, around: "1000 YEARS OF RUSSIA · Alexander Nevsky", "BATTLE AT THE RIVER NEVA 1240" Design: A.V. Baklanov Mint: Saint Petersburg Mint (LMD). 240 indents on the rim.[53] |
Several other countries have issued platinum coins, but only as bullion coins, and the most famous series are listed in the table. These coins are considered serial because the design of the reverse and obverse is the same or similar for all the coins of a given year. In addition to similarities in design, these coins are combined in the series because they are issued annually for a period of time. For example, Platinum Panda was produced from 1987 to 2005, and coins of the series "American Platinum Eagle" from 1997 to 2008.
Country | Name | Release year |
---|---|---|
United States | American Platinum Eagle | 1997–2010 |
Canada | Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf | 1988–1999, 2002 |
Isle of Man | Platinum Noble | 1983–1989 |
Isle of Man | Platinum Cat | ? |
Australia | Platinum Koala | 1988–2010 |
China | Platinum Panda | 1988–2005 |
American Platinum Eagle refers to the official platinum bullion coins of the United States. These coins are made of 0.9995 pure platinum with the face values of 10, 25, 50 and 100 dollars and were first released by the United States Mint in 1997. The design of coins of different values is almost the same, except for some numerical values. The 2009 minting of Platinum Eagles was uncertain due to the rising metal prices;[54] however, the issue of 8,000 one-ounce coins was announced in October. The price was set at $1,792, and the entire edition was sold out within a week.[55]
Reverse $100 | year | Weight, oz | Weight, g | Diameter, mm | Thickness, mm | Grading | Circulation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1997 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | BU | 56000 | |
1997 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | 16000 | |
1997 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | BU | 20500 | |
1997 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | Proof | 14640 | |
1997 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | BU | 27100 | |
1997 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | Proof | 18730 | |
1997 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | BU | 70250 | |
1997 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | Proof | 37270 | |
1998 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | BU | 133002 | |
1998 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | 26050 | |
1998 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | BU | 32419 | |
1998 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | Proof | 13920 | |
1998 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | BU | 38887 | |
1998 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | Proof | 14203 | |
1998 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | BU | 39525 | |
1998 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | Proof | 19920 | |
1999 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | BU | 56707 | |
1999 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | 12355 | |
1999 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | BU | 32309 | |
1999 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | Proof | 11100 | |
1999 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | BU | 39734 | |
1999 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | Proof | 13524 | |
1999 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | BU | 55955 | |
1999 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | Proof | 19125 | |
2000 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | BU | 10003 | |
2000 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | 12400 | |
2000 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | BU | 18892 | |
2000 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | Proof | 11000 | |
2000 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | BU | 20054 | |
2000 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | Proof | 11900 | |
2000 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | BU | 34027 | |
2000 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | Proof | 15600 | |
2001 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | BU | 14070 | |
2001 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | 14000 | |
2001 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | BU | 12815 | |
2001 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | Proof | 13000 | |
2001 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | BU | 21815 | |
2001 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | Proof | 15000 | |
2001 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | BU | 52017 | |
2001 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | Proof | 25000 | |
2002 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | BU | 11502 | |
2002 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | 9835 | |
2002 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | BU | 24005 | |
2002 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | Proof | 8775 | |
2002 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | BU | 27405 | |
2002 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | Proof | 9285 | |
2002 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | BU | 23005 | |
2002 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | Proof | 12365 | |
2003 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | BU | 8007 | |
2003 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | 14000 | |
2003 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | BU | 17409 | |
2003 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | Proof | 13000 | |
2003 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | BU | 25207 | |
2003 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | Proof | 15000 | |
2003 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | BU | 22007 | |
2003 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | Proof | 20000 | |
2004 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | BU | 7009 | |
2004 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | 14000 | |
2004 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | BU | 13236 | |
2004 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | Proof | 13000 | |
2004 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | BU | 18010 | |
2004 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | Proof | 15000 | |
2004 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | BU | 15010 | |
2004 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | Proof | 20000 | |
2005 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | BU | 6310 | |
2005 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | 14000 | |
2005 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | BU | 9013 | |
2005 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | Proof | 13000 | |
2005 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | BU | 12013 | |
2005 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | Proof | 15000 | |
2005 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | BU | 14013 | |
2005 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | Proof | 20000 | |
2006 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | BU | 6000 | |
2006 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | ? | |
2006 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | BU | 9602 | |
2006 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | Proof | ? | |
2006 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | BU | 12001 | |
2006 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | Proof | ? | |
2006 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | BU | 11001 | |
2006 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | Proof | ? | |
2007 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | BU | 7202 | |
2007 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | ? | |
2007 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | BU | 7001 | |
2007 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | Proof | ? | |
2007 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | BU | 8402 | |
2007 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | Proof | ? | |
2007 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | BU | 13003 | |
2007 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | Proof | ? | |
2008 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | BU | ? | |
2008 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | ? | |
2008 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | BU | ? | |
2008 | 1/2 | 15.560 | 27.0 | 1.75 | Proof | ? | |
2008 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | BU | ? | |
2008 | 1/4 | 7.780 | 22.0 | 1.32 | Proof | ? | |
2008 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | BU | ? | |
2008 | 1/10 | 3.112 | 16.5 | 0.95 | Proof | ? | |
2009 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | 8000 [55] | |
2010 | 1 | 31.120 | 32.70 | 2.39 | Proof | 10000 [57] |
In 2009, the U.S. Mint has announced a six-year plan to issue a new series of platinum coins, which will be devoted to the basic principles of democracy set forth in the preamble of the U.S. Constitution. The yearly topics will be "To Form a More Perfect Union" (2009), "To Establish Justice" (2010), "To Insure Domestic Tranquility" (2011), "To Provide for the Common Defence" (2012), "To Promote the General Welfare" (2013) and "To Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and our Posterity" (2014).[58] The 2009 and 2010 issues were quickly sold out.[59]
Canada has produced platinum coins from 1988 to 1999,[60] with the 10th anniversary edition in 1989,[61] and a series having a hologram on the reverse in 2002. Their weight ranges from 1/20 to 1 ounce (1.5 to 131.160 g).[62]
The first issue of the Maple Leaf coins with the face value of 50, 20, 10 and 5 Canadian dollars was announced on 11 July 1988,[63] and the minting began on 21 September of the same year.[64] The official selling started on 17 November 1988 in six cities,[65] and the total volume of 64,200 ounces had been sold during the first six weeks.[66][67]
On 29 July 1993, the Royal Canadian Mint started production of 1/20 oz, $1 coins,[66][68] and on 9 September 1994 launched a 1/15 oz variety.[69][70] The production of the 1/15 oz coins was however discontinued in January 1996.[66][71] The coins contain an image of maple leaves (the national symbol of Canada) and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The 1 ounce coins are sold in batches of 10 pcs. packed in plastic tubes.[72]
Regular editions, sold at prices close to the price of the metal | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Value | Weight, oz | Weight, g | Year | Note |
$1 | 1/20 | 1.555 | 1993–1999 | |
$2 | 1/15 | 2.07 | 1994 | |
$5 | 1/10 | 3.131 | 1988–1999 | |
$10 | 1/4 | 7.197 | 1988–1999 | |
$20 | 1/2 | 15.575 | 1988–1999 | |
$50 | 1 | 31.15 | 1988–1999 | |
Special collectible editions, priced much higher than the price of the metal | ||||
Value | Weight, oz | Weight, g | Year | Note |
$5 | 1/10 | 3.131 | 1989 | 10th anniversary issue |
$10 | 1/4 | 7.797 | 1989 | 10th anniversary issue |
$20 | 1/2 | 15.575 | 1989 | 10th anniversary issue |
$50 | 1 | 31.15 | 1989 | 10th anniversary issue |
$1 | 1/20 | 1.555 | 2002 | hologram |
$2 | 1/15 | 2.07 | 2002 | hologram |
$5 | 1/10 | 3.131 | 2002 | hologram |
$10 | 1/4 | 7.197 | 2002 | hologram |
$20 | 1/2 | 15.575 | 2002 | hologram |
$50 | 1 | 31.15 | 2002 | hologram |
Platinum Koala is the most famous series of platinum coins of Australia. On 18 June 1987, the Australian Government approved the minting of platinum and silver coins, and accepted them as the legal tender. This decision was made based on success of gold coins issued a year earlier. The minting of the "Platinum Koala" began in September 1988 in Perth. For marketing purposes, 2 ounce, 10 ounce and 1 kilogram coins of silver, gold and platinum were introduced in 1991; the 1 kg coins were the world's heaviest bullion coins at the time.[73]
The obverse, designed by Raphael Maklouf for most issues, depicts Queen Elizabeth II, and the reverse contains an image of a koala. The initials JB of the reverse face designer James Brown are present on most coins. The annual series contain coins weighing from 1/20 ounce to 1 kilogram.[74]
Weight | 1/20 oz | 1/10 oz | 1/4 oz | 1/2 oz | 1 oz | 2 oz | 10 oz | 1 kg |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Face value, $[75] | 5 | 10 | 25 | 50 | 100 | 200 | 1,000 | 3,000 |
Thickness, mm[76] | 1.32 | 1.40 | 1.90 | 2.03 | 2.7 | 3.8[77] | 7.9 [78] | 13.9 [79] |
Diameter, mm [76] | 14.1 | 16.1 | 20.1 | 25.1 | 32.1 | 40.60 | 60.30 | 75.30 |
The Platinum Koala never reached the popularity of the American Platinum Eagle, mostly because it has not been advertised in the US.[80] Like most investment platinum coins, Platinum Koalas are sealed in a protective plastic case. The coins are sold at prices that reflect the current price of platinum, and not at the face value printed on the coin. Since November 1986, Perth Mint has used more than 18 tonnes of platinum for minting. About 85% of them were sold abroad making the Gold Corporation (owner of the Mint) one of Australia's top 30 export earners.[81]
Platinum Panda is a series of platinum coins of China produced from 1987 to 2005.[82] The series is named after the image of giant panda printed on the reverse of all coins. The People's Bank of China has minted 8,300 one-ounce Platinum Panda coins between 1987 and 1990 with the face value of 100 yuans. Additionally, 5,450 ounces of platinum were used for coins of smaller denominations in the 1990s–first decade of the 21st century.[83] The minted was discontinued in 2005, mostly due to the increasing price of platinum – while in 1990 price was about US $490/oz, it crossed the $2,000 level in the summer of 2008.[84] All Platinum Pandas, except for coins of 2004–2005, are very rare and their availability can not be judged from the minted volumes.[83] This is partly because some coins had been remelted.
Year | Value, Yuan | Diameter, mm |
Weight, g |
No, pcs. |
---|---|---|---|---|
1987 | 100 | 32 | 31.1 | 2000 |
1988 | 100 | 32 | 31.1 | 2000 |
1989 | 100 | 32 | 31.1 | 3000 |
1990 | 100 | 32 | 31.1 | 1300 |
1990 | 50 | 27 | 15.55 | 2500 |
1990 | 25 | 22 | 7.8 | 3500 |
1990 | 10 | 18 | 3.1 | 4500 |
1993 | 10 | 18 | 3.1 | 2500 |
1993 | 5 | 14 | 1.55 | 2500 |
1994 | 10 | 18 | 3.1 | 5000 |
1995 | 10 | 18 | 3.1 | 5000 |
1995 | 5 | 14 | 1.55 | 10000 |
1996 | 10 | 18 | 3.1 | 2500 |
1996 | 5 | 14 | 1.55 | 5000 |
1997 | 10 | 18 | 3.1 | 2500 |
1997 | 5 | 14 | 1.55 | 5000 |
2002 [85] | 100 | 18 | 3.1 | 20000 |
2003 | 50 | 14 | 1.55 | 50000 |
2004 | 50 | 14 | 1.55 | 50000 |
2005 | 100 | 18 | 3.1 | 30000 |
Many commemorative coins were dedicated to a significant event or anniversary and issued once only. For example, Estonia released a platinum coin in 2008 to honor its 90th anniversary, and Tonga in 1967 issued 400 platinum coins on occasion of the coronation of Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.[1] The countries which minted such coins include Congo,[86] Panama,[87] South Africa, Portugal and France.[88]
The Estonian issue began on 24 February 2008 – the Independence Day of Estonia – and included silver, gold and platinum coins. The platinum coin was the first for Estonia. Its reverse featured Barn Swallow – the national symbol of Estonia – and the obverse contained the national coat of arms. The coin had a face value of 100 Estonian kroons, a platinum purity of 999/1000, a weight of 7.775 gram[89] and a diameter of 18.0 mm.[90] The coin was designed by Tiit Jϋrna and produced by the Mint of Finland with a quantity of 3,000 pieces.[89][91] The opening sale took place in the Hall of Independence at the National Bank, where the independence of Estonia was proclaimed 90 years ago;[89] 349 coins and 176 sets were sold within three and a half hours.[92] The entire issue is sold out.[93]
Platinum coins are a popular investment, and each year the number of such coins sold by Sberbank of Russia increases by 30–50%.[94] Most experts agree on that such investments should have a long-term character, as the rise of the platinum price is relatively slow – about 80% over the last 5 years, except for a rapid rise followed by decline in 2008.[84][95] Also, whereas most banks can sell platinum coins, only a few buy them, as this requires evaluation by an experienced professional. For example, only 5% of offices of Sberbank (the major bank of Russia) in the capital city of Moscow redeem precious metal coins.[96] The selling price is also much affected by visible scratches, spots, patina and other defects introduced by inaccurate handling.[97] For this reason, most bullion coins are sealed in transparent plastic right after removal from the press. They are then stored in a dry room with relative humidity below 80%, at temperatures between 15 to 40 °C.[98] If a coin is removed from its plastic seal, it is recommended not to store it in PVC albums, as PVC molecules gradually break down, releasing organochlorine compounds which produce patina on the coins. These compounds may also form acids by reacting with moisture. Unlike silver, platinum does not corrode.[99] However, as all unprotected coins, platinum coins are prone to contamination which can be caused even by washing with (chlorine-containing) tap water.[98]