Palladium Bullion
As the bullion market thrives, it has expanded. Alongside gold, silver, and platinum bullion, palladium bullion has recently come to the fore. Palladium is a very similar metal to platinum, both in appearance and in its chemical properties. It is less dense than platinum, and in most cases less expensive as well. Palladium has a number of industrial uses as well as being an investment metal.
What Forms Does Palladium Come In?
You can buy Palladium bullion in a number of different forms depending on the amount you are investing and your personal tastes. These forms include:
Coins: Similar to other bullion metals, palladium bullion coins are available from a number of mints.
Bars: Investment grade palladium is also readily available in bar form. Palladium bars are commonly available in 1 gram, 1 oz. and 10 oz. sizes.
What About Palladium Coins?
Although not a traditional coin metal in many countries, the popularity of palladium bullion has led to increased interest in the coin market and a number of countries now strike palladium bullion coins. Some of the better known examples include:
- Russian Ballerina: Originally issued by the Soviet Union, these coins were minted by the USSR and later the Russian Federation from 1989-1991. Commonly available in 1/2 oz. and 1 oz. weights, all these coins bear the Soviet hammer and sickle.
- Canadian Maple Leaf: Introduced in 2005, these $50 denomination 1 oz. coins were the first regularly issued palladium bullion coins to reach the market.
- Palladium American Eagle: First issued in 2017, the 1 oz. palladium American Eagle represents the first addition, and first new metal, to the American Eagle program in two decades.
Choosing an Investment Coin
When choosing an investment coin one of the most important factors to consider is the premium you have to pay. The higher the premium, the more you are paying over coin value. In general, numismatic coins command higher premiums because you are paying for the collectible value as well as the metal value. While there are a number of reasons for collecting numismatic coins, they are much more volatile than lower premium coins that sell primarily for metal value. Always look for the lowest premium when buying for investment purposes.