Platinum
Platinum. A heavy, gray-white precious metal. Platinum has great strength, it never tones or corrodes, but has a very high melting point. Once used for coins (in Russia, 1828-1845 where platinum is found in the Ural mountains) it became a jewelry item when its value surpassed that of gold. (White gold derives its color somewhat by alloying small amounts of platinum with gold.) The first U.S. medal struck in platinum was in 1937. Recent medals have been struck in pure platinum as a bullion medal. Canada was first to issued a platinum bullion coin, along with its Maple Leaf gold. The United States first issued a platinum American Eagle in 1996. While platinum is not included in medal rank, platinum objects have been awarded (when inscribed it has a smooth, fine surface for engraving). Platinum and iridium are common impurities found with native gold.
CLASS 05.4 Platinum Bullion Coins Country Type Weights* Australia Koala 1 kilo; 10, 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/10, 1/20 ounce Canada Maple Leaf 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/10, 1/15, 1/20 ounce Polar Bear 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/10 ounce Snowy Owl 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/10 ounce Cougar 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/10 ounce Fox 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/10 ounce Otter 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/10 ounce China Panda 1/10, 1/20 ounce Isle of Man Noble (ship) ? 1, 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, Persian Cat ? 1/20 ounce Babtail Cat ? Turkish Cat ? Alley Cat 1/5 ounce Russia Double Eagle 1 Rouble 1844 Ballerina 1/2, 1/4, 1/10 ounce United States Eagleexcerpted with permission from
An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology
For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators
COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON
Roger W. Burdette, Editor