When it comes to bullion coins, silver and gold get all the attention. Platinum coins have become increasingly popular in recent years as well. While palladium coins, are still somewhat of a rarity, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some shining examples. Constellations, ballerinas, pandas, and more can be found on palladium coins. Here are the five most outstanding coins ever made of one of the world’s lesser-known precious metals.
5. Australian Emu
The Australian Emu palladium coin is one of the most rare and sought-after palladium coins in the world. Limited mintage makes this coin a favorite of numismatists and precious-metal investors alike. The series features the emu with her young at a variety of life stages. The Perth Mint in Australia began producing the one-ounce palladium coins in 1995. For three years, the coins were minted, selling for 10% above palladium prices. In 1998, just three years into minting the coins, palladium prices doubled. As a result, the Perth Mint decided to make 1998 the last year of the palladium Australian Emu coin’s production.
4. Maple Leaf (Canada)
Like the gold, silver and platinum Maple Leaf before it, the palladium Maple Leaf is an attractive coin. The one-ounce coin bears the same design as its precious-metal counterparts. A single, detailed maple leaf appears on the obverse side, while a rendering of Queen Elizabeth II graces the reverse. The Palladium Maple Leaf was minted from 2005 to 2007, and then again in 2009.
3. Ballerina (Russia)
The Soviet Union was one of the first countries to issue a palladium coin. Since the collapse of the USSR, Russia has followed suit by minting some palladium coins. Of the palladium coins minted in Russia, the Russian Ballerina is by far the most fetching. The one-ounce coin features different views of a ballerina throughout the series. Created in honor of the Bolshoi Ballet, the coin was issued from 1989–1994.
2. Little and Big Bear Constellation (Canada)
This gorgeous set of limited-edition palladium coins is exceedingly rare. There were only a total of 1,200 coins minted, making these coins the lowest mintage ever from the Royal Canadian Mint. The series features Ursa Major and Ursa Minor as they appear over Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, in each season. Each season’s mintage was incredibly limited, with only 300 total sets issued.
1. Panda (China)
With a variety of designs honoring a beloved creature, who can resist Chinese Panda coins? The palladium Panda is incredibly rare compared to its silver, gold, and even platinum counterparts. The silver and gold Chinese Pandas have been released each year since 1982. The platinum Panda was released from 1987–2005, and then discontinued due to the rising cost of platinum. The palladium Panda is even more rare than the platinum, having only ever been released twice, in 1989 and in 2004. This rare and beautiful coin is almost as elusive as the giant panda itself!
Bellevue Rare Coins specializes in gold buying and dealing in rare coins. We are a family-owned business located in Bellevue and Lynnwood. We also buy and sell silver, diamonds, currency and jewelry. Visit us for a free evaluation.
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