The rarity of platinum is well known. The precious metal is synonymous with the concept of being better than the best, with everything like the highest selling hit songs, customer loyalty programs and credit card companies reserving 'platinum' status for the very best award, product or customer recognition.
You may not know, however, that the metal is in high demand not only for the purposes of investment and jewellery but for a vast number of industrial uses. In fact, according to the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC), more than 50% of the platinum produced in the world today will go toward more practical uses. This is especially true in the automotive industry, where platinum is used in the making of catalytic converters and spark plugs, amongst other things. It is also playing a major role in the development of alternative technologies, such as hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles.
Often seen in the cutting-edge side of medical treatments – where it's used in everything from surgical tools to cancer treatment – platinum is also used to manufacture everyday items like fibreglass insulation. It is even used in the process of making silicone cupcake cases.
With industrial use on the increase, a growing number of investors are seeking to include platinum in their portfolios, with many investors opting for the tangibility of bullion bars and coins.
Platinum is the heaviest precious metal on earth – 10% heavier than gold – and platinum jewellery is usually the purest available, with a typical example being 95% pure. It is also quite literally a 'weighty' investment: a six-inch cube of platinum weighs as much as an average person. And for all its growing popularity, it is particularly rare. According to WPIC, if you were to melt down all the platinum ever produced and pour it into an Olympic-size swimming pool, the metal would only just touch your ankles. Whereas all the gold ever produced would completely fill three of those pools. Interestingly, experts suspect there is more platinum to be found on the Moon than here on Earth.
The Royal Mint offers three ways to invest in platinum: bullion bars, bullion coins or via the easy and affordable Signature™ programme. Signature Platinum allows you to get started with as little as £20, digitally purchasing a portion of a platinum bar. Over time you can work your way towards owning a full bar, or sell your portion — at any time of day, 365 days a year.
If your budget is such that you're able to invest in whole coins and/or bars, The Vault™ provides a perfect place to store your valuable assets. Located on The Royal Mint's 40-acre site in South Wales, The Vault is an independently audited and fully insured facility that is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Click here to see our range of platinum bullion coins and bars.
Login or open a bullion account with The Royal Mint today.
Discover great stories from history and how we're celebrating these moments within The Royal Mint
Read more