Platinum coin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
St. Petersburg mint,
10.3500 g., Platinum .3327 oz. APW
Platinum coins are a form of currency. Platinum has an international currency symbol under ISO 4217 of XPT. Platinum bullion coins include the American Platinum Eagle, the Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf, the Australian Platinum Koala and the discontinued Russian Ballet series issued by the Soviet Union and later by the Russian Federation.
Also, in 1987 China began minting platinum coins by issuing 2000 proof-quality pieces with face value of 100 Yuan, 99.95% in composition, containing 1 ounce of platinum. China minted more platinum panda coins, in varying denominations and amounts, in 1988-1990, 1993-1997, and 2002-2005.
The Russian Empire made legitimate platinum coins in the 1800s and the Soviet Union also produced platinum coinage. However, the imperial platinum coinage proved to be unpopular: Platinum resembles a great many less expensive metals, and it is very difficult to work, unlike the more malleable and ductile silver and gold. The Soviet Union and later the Russian Federation made plenty of platinum coins in denominations of 25, 50 and 150 rubles. Currently no Russian platinum coins are being made.
The British Royal Mint also produces Platinum Britannia bullion coins and other occasional coins.
