BULLION BARS AND COINS
The Perth Mint this week released the Australian Platypus 1oz platinum bullion coin for 2015.
The annual issue has struggled in recent years despite being a notable success on launch in 2011 and again in 2012 (see Sales & Mintage figures here).
Platinum coin sales traditionally do best when the price drops below gold. The white metal tumbled to a 5½ year low Tuesday and is now trading at a discount of about US$53 to an ounce to gold - the widest spread since March 2013.
The Mint's Wholesale Department, which handles sales to bullion dealers worldwide, has reported a significant spike in interest, particularly from clients in the US.
It means that from modest expectations a month ago, the Mint is now ramping up production of 2015 coins to meet the current demand.
Made from 99.95% pure platinum, the 2015 coin has an unlimited mintage. Production will be closed off at the end of the year pending the announcement of its declared (final) mintage.
The annual Australian Platypus bullion coin portrays a platypus diving underwater amongst reeds. Platypus coins can be ordered from The Perth Mint's Bullion Desk on 1300 201 112 (international callers +61 8 9421 7218) or leading bullion coin dealers.
