Australian Platinum Koalas
Bullion Coins
Australian Platinum Koala Bullion Coins never really competed with American Platinum Eagle bullion coins in the U.S. market. This was more because The Perth Mint did not actively promote its Platinum Koala bullion coins, certainly not because of the Koala's beauty and high quality.
As was the case with Platinum Eagle bullion coins, the high price of platinum effectively destroyed investor interest in Platinum Koala bullion coins. Today, it is difficult even to find current year coins, despite Platinum Koalas being recognized as the most beautiful platinum coins in the world.
Platinum bullion coin investors who want Platinum Koala bullion coins often cannot get them. Actually, it is sometimes difficult to find Platinum Eagle bullion coins, despite Platinum Eagles being the most successful platinum bullion coins marketed.
When platinum bullion coin investors want platinum, CMIGS has to call the wholesalers with which we do business to find out which coins are available. Often, if an investor buys as few as ten ounces of platinum, we may have to fill the order with a mix of Platinum Eagles, Platinum Koalas, and Platinum Maple Leafs. At times, we have been offered fractional-ounce platinum coins at the same prices as 1-oz platinum coins.
Platinum Koalas come individually encapsulated in protective hard plastic capsules. Koalas are .9995 fine, are legal tender, and sell at prices that reflect the value of their platinum content, not their face values.
The Retail Premiums column in the table below shows Koala markups over spot for current year coins, when they were being imported through Perth Mint distributors. Investors (more likely collectors) wanting current year Platinum Koala coins may have to pay still higher premiums, if the coins can be found.
If you would like to know more about Platinum bullion investments, Platinum investing, Platinum coin investments or prices, give us a call.
