Buy platinum coins – rare issues from Mexico, Canada and South Africa at Wasserthal RareCoin.Store

Platinum is a silent companion in everyday life: in catalysts, in chemistry, in medicine. In numismatics, however, platinum occupies an exclusive niche. This is precisely what makes high-quality platinum coins so appealing to discerning collectors who consciously choose to buy and hold special platinum coins for the long term.

This post appears on the blog of Wasserthal RareCoin.Store, a dealer specializing in modern numismatic gold and platinum coins with an international collector base. The focus is on strictly limited editions, top grading, and verifiable provenance, enabling collectors to specifically purchase rare platinum coins instead of getting lost in the mass market.

In this article, we present selected platinum coins that are currently available at Wasserthal RareCoin.Store and at the same time exemplify why platinum coins play a special role in collecting – from an extremely rare Libertad issue from Mexico to artistic Maple Leaf special editions from Canada and the Big Five series from South Africa.

1. Why platinum coins are so interesting for collectors

Platinum was historically more difficult to extract than gold and silver, which is why it was rarely used for coins. While gold coins have a long tradition in many countries, the systematic minting of platinum coins mostly only began in the 20th century. As a result, many platinum issues are strictly limited from the outset.

This has several consequences for collectors:

• Low requirements
  Many platinum coins are minted in editions of only three or even just two digits. As a result, they are significantly rarer on the market than comparable gold or silver issues of the same series.

• Interface between precious metals and high numismatics
  Platinum coins often combine a high material value with a pronounced collector component – for example through proof quality, elaborate finishing, special series or top grading.

• A manageable, yet international market
  The circle of collectors is smaller, but very international. This creates dynamic markets and interesting price levels, especially for rare issues, particularly in top condition.

Our current platinum range operates precisely within this tension: deliberately small, but with a clear focus on collectors. Those who want to buy not just precious metals, but specifically rare platinum coins, will find a very focused selection here.

2. Mexico 1987 – 1 Onza Platinum Libertad – one of the rarest platinum coins in the country

The 1-Onza Libertad from Mexico is familiar to many collectors in silver or gold. In platinum, however, it is a great rarity and even experienced Libertad specialists have rarely encountered it in practice.

Technical and numismatic specifications

The Platinum Libertad 1987 brings the classic design features of the series into an exceptional metal format:

• 1 ounce of fine platinum (.9995)

• Proof quality embossing

• Casa de Moneda de México as a mint

• Traditional Libertad motif with goddess of victory in front of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl

• State coat of arms with eagle and snake on the reverse

However, the mintage is particularly crucial: The 1987 issue was minted in an extremely small number and is therefore one of the rarest platinum coins in Mexico.

Why this coin stands out as a collector’s item

For serious collectors, this platinum Libertad is remarkable for several reasons:

1. Extremely low print run
   Compared to the already limited mintages of many platinum coins, this Libertad is an absolute rarity.

2. Iconic motif in the “unusual” metal
   Many collectors are familiar with Libertad in silver or gold. A platinum version therefore seems almost like a secret chapter in the series – ideal for specialists and lovers of unusual variations.

3. Hardly any market supply
   This coin rarely appears in international auctions or dealer lists. Therefore, verifiable proof of origin and a professional environment are particularly important when acquiring it.

Collectors who consciously buy rare platinum coins and don’t just want to own “any old ounce of platinum” will find this Libertad to be a piece with strong character and long-term collecting potential.

3. Canada in Platinum – the Maple Leaf special editions “Maple Leaf Forever”

Canada is best known in the collectors’ market for its gold and silver Maple Leaf coins. However, in the platinum segment, the Royal Canadian Mint has created some numismatically sophisticated special editions that go far beyond classic bullion coins.

3.1 Maple Leaf Forever 2016 and 2018 – Platinum with gold accents

The 2016 and 2018 platinum editions of “Maple Leaf Forever” are prime examples of modern premium numismatics:

• 1 oz platinum (99.95 percent), face value 300 CAD

• Reverse-proof finish with selective gold plating

• Very low print run of only 250 copies each.

• Elegant presentation in original RCM wooden box with certificate

• Grading for our pieces is usually: ANACS RP70 DCAM, First Release

The interplay of platinum, selective gold plating, and reverse proofing creates a highly three-dimensional effect: the maple leaves appear almost sculptural and stand out clearly against the finely satin-finished background. At the same time, these issues, thanks to their top grading of RP70 DCAM, represent the highest level of preservation available on the market.

Anyone who wants to buy platinum coins and specifically choose Canadian designs will find two issues here that are at the forefront of modern minting, both technically and visually.

3.2 Maple Leaf Forever 2021 – Tribute To The Maple Tree

With the 2021 edition “Maple Leaf Forever – Tribute To The Maple Tree”, the Royal Canadian Mint continues the concept consistently:

• 1 oz platinum (99.95 percent), face value 300 CAD

• Reverse-proof surface with partially gilded maple leaves

• Limited edition of only 300 copies worldwide

• Delivered in original RCM box with certificate

Visually, this creates a captivating triad: platinum in the main motif, gilded leaves in various shades, and the deeply matte reverse-proof surface. The result is a coin that resembles a small work of art more than a classic investment coin.

Especially in combination with the 2016 and 2018 vintages, an impressive platinum ensemble around the maple leaf motif is created for collectors – with a clear focus on low editions, high-quality surfaces and certified top quality.

4. South Africa – Big Five Elephant 2019 in Platinum – Wildlife in High Relief

South Africa is best known in the precious metals sector for the Krugerrand. However, with the Big Five series, the South African Mint has created a unique collector’s line that focuses on Africa’s iconic wildlife. The platinum version of this series is particularly exclusive.

The Big Five Elephant 2019 Platinum edition marks the start of this series.

Key data of the Platinum Elephant edition

• 1 oz platinum (99.95 percent), face value 20 Rand

• Proof quality with exceptionally fine details

• Strictly limited edition in the low three-figure range

• Official first issue artwork of the Big Five Platinum series

• Frequently circulated in NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo and as First Day of Issue.

The design captures the elephant in a striking frontal view: the enormous ears, tusks, and textured skin are showcased to particularly impressive effect in the platinum-proof finish. Combined with the limited edition, this results in a powerful collector’s item with a clear thematic message.

Why this particular Big Five edition is exciting

• First issue of the series and therefore often in high demand in the long term

• Wildlife motif in a metal that is otherwise perceived as rather technical.

• Top-grading (PF70 Ultra Cameo) ensures that the coin remains in the highest quality grade.

For collectors who buy platinum coins and also appreciate South African numismatics, this elephant issue is an ideal combination of theme, metal and rarity.

5. Grading and preservation – why PF70, RP70 and similar grades are so important for platinum coins

Platinum is a robust metal, but one that is very demanding to mint. Even the smallest hairline cracks, contact marks, or planchet defects are immediately noticeable on reflective proof and reverse-proof surfaces. This makes the difference between “normally beautiful” and “technically perfect” particularly significant.

This is exactly where grading comes into play:

• PF70 / PR70 / RP70
  Indicates a technically flawless coin with no visible defects under 5x magnification.

• Additions such as Ultra Cameo / Deep Cameo / DCAM
  They emphasize the strong contrast between the reflective surface and the matte, raised areas. This effect is particularly visually appealing with platinum.

• First Day of Issue / First Release
  Document that the item comes from the first batches delivered and was certified directly at the start of emissions.

With the platinum coins shown here, we deliberately combine low mintages with top grading. This transforms an already rare issue into a position at the upper end of the quality and demand curve. For collectors who think long-term and specifically purchase high-quality platinum coins, this is a crucial element of their strategy.

6. How platinum coins fit into a high-quality collection

Platinum coins are not a replacement for traditional gold holdings, but rather a targeted complement. In practice, three roles have proven effective from our perspective:

1. Setting thematic accents
   Those who already collect Maple Leaf, Libertad or South African series in gold or silver can deliberately set highlights with selected platinum editions – for example, a particularly rare Libertad or an artistic Maple Leaf special edition in platinum.

2. Focus on rarity within the precious metals quota
   A small, clearly defined portion of the precious metals portfolio can consist of strictly limited-edition platinum coins. This maintains the connection to the material itself, while at the same time a significant portion of the value appreciation comes from the collector’s component.

3. Long-term “signature pieces”
   Pieces like the 1-Onza-Libertad 1987 in platinum or the first Big Five issues are particularly suitable as numismatic signature pieces – coins that characterize a collection and immediately take center stage at any presentation.

It’s important to view platinum coins not as a quick trade, but as carefully considered building blocks of a long-term collecting strategy. Those wishing to buy platinum coins should therefore select them specifically based on mintage, condition, grading, and market presence.

7. Conclusion – Buying platinum coins is a niche market with a big impact

Platinum coins will never achieve the breadth of the gold or silver market. That’s precisely their appeal. Those who consciously seek rarity, manufacturing quality, and international demand will find a small but highly effective platform in platinum.

The pieces presented here – from the rare 1 Onza Platinum Libertad 1987 to the artfully designed Maple Leaf Forever issues and the South African Big Five Elephant coin – demonstrate how much platinum coins can enhance a collection when carefully selected.

At Wasserthal RareCoin.Store, the focus is consistently on:

• low print runs

• first-class surfaces (Proof, Reverse Proof, Ultra Cameo)

• professional certification by internationally recognized grading institutes

• and a selection that is more consciously curated than randomly purchased.

Those who want to buy high-quality platinum coins and thus specifically deepen their collection will find an attractive combination of precious metal value and numismatic substance in this niche.

Frequently asked questions about platinum coins

Are platinum coins more of an investment or a collector’s item?
Platinum coins occupy a niche between precious metal investment and high numismatics. While the material value plays a role, the mintage, design, and condition are crucial, which is why many issues are geared more towards collectors.

Why do many platinum coins have such low mintages?
Platinum is more complex to process and demand is lower than for gold or silver. Therefore, many mints deliberately produce small quantities for a specialized collector base, allowing collectors to specifically purchase rare platinum coins.

Who are rare platinum coins suitable for?
Especially for collectors who already own gold and silver and are specifically looking for rarities with strong collector appeal. Strictly limited proof and reverse-proof issues in top grades are particularly interesting in this regard.

Can I buy platinum coins directly online at Wasserthal RareCoin.Store?
Yes, in the Wasserthal RareCoin.Store online shop you will find a curated selection of modern platinum coins focusing on low mintages and certified top quality. This allows you to buy platinum coins that are both numismatically valuable and offer long-term value stability.