Investing

Platinum serves as a diversifier within a diversifier.  The fundamental differences between platinum and gold make platinum an excellent complement to gold in investor portfolios.

Platinum is primarily an industrial commodity, while gold is a financial asset.

Platinum prices tend to rise sooner in the economic cycle than gold prices.  Platinum prices are more responsive to changes in industrial demand for platinum, which tends to rise as economies expand.

Platinum is used in a wide variety of industrial products and applications.

Platinum prices are more volatile than those of gold, given the smaller size of the platinum market.

There are no large above ground inventories of platinum.  Above ground gold stocks total approximately 2 billion ounces in bullion and coinage vs. 6.5 million ounces worldwide for platinum.

Facts

Gold content guaranteed -- Krugerrands are guaranteed as to weight and gold content by the South African government.  Each coin contains 1 troy ounce of pure gold.

Minted in 22-karat gold -- Using the durable gold standard established for gold circulating coinage more than 300 years ago, each Krugerrand is minted in 91.67% fine gold alloyed with a small amount of silver and copper added to harden and protect it against damage. Pure, 24-karat gold is actually quite soft. Adding alloy to pure gold makes it many times more durable than gold itself. However, each coin still contains its 1-ounce of pure 24-karat gold. The alloy weight is extra.

Instantly liquid -- Krugerrand gold coins are easy to sell at gold market value almost anywhere in the world and anytime. Since their inception in 1967, Krugerrands were long considered to be the international standard for gold bullion investment coins.

Easy to store and transport -- Gold bullion coins are compact, convenient, and easy to store or transport. They can be packed securely in 3-inch tall, break-proof plastic tubes that are perfect for home safes and bank safety deposit boxes.

Better than bars and ingots -- We recommend gold bullion coins like Krugerrands over gold bars and ingots because they're far easier to sell, store, and transport, and do not incur the additional costs of assaying when it is time for you to sell. With the advent of government-issue bullion coins in the last 20 years, most gold bar manufacturers have been put out of business.

History

The discovery of the main gold reef in 1886 in the Johannesburg area changed the history of South Africa. Few other events have had such an impact on the political and economical history of South Africa. The shimmering beauty of pure gold captivated the people of this country.

This idea culminated in 1967 when the South African Mint introduced the handsome new coin of 1 troy ounce fine gold and the first Krugerrand was struck at the South African Mint on 3 July 1967. In 1980 the fractional Krugerrands (½ oz, ¼ oz and 1/10 oz) were added to the 1 oz Krugerrand to assist the smaller buyer to obtain gold at an affordable price. The Krugerrand is still minted in the traditional 22 carat gold. Proof quality Krugerrands are available as limited editions only. Each individual coin and set is packed with care and is issued with a numbered certificate of authenticity. A 21st century Krugerrand symbolises South Africa’s rich gold heritage.

The name Krugerrand was derived from KRUGER (President Paul Kruger) and RAND the monetary unit of South Africa. The Rand is associated with the area called Witwatersrand, “the ridge of white water” which was and still is, an important gold producing area.  When Intergold was established as a subsidiary of the Chamber of Mines in South Africa, they took over the distribution of the uncirculated (bullion) Krugerrand (with 180 serrations) while the proof Krugerrand (with 220 serrations) was sold by the South African Mint. The bullion Krugerrand is linked to the daily gold price while the proof Krugerrand is available in limited quantities with a fixed price. As a numismatic coin, the proof Krugerrand has been eagerly sought after by coin collectors.

Design

The design of the Krugerrand was based on the historical coins of South Africa. The obverse depicts the bust of former President Paul Kruger who was president of one of the previous provinces in South Africa in the late 1800’s. The design on the reverse portrays a prancing springbok, a well known South African antelope.

Specs

Specs

Market Trends

I recommend Kitco.com to collectors & investors for market trends, pricing analysis and extensive live and historical charts.  As most of you know, gold has been on the "up swing" for the last several months.  The charts below are viewable via kitco.com/charts/livegoldnewyork.html

Kitco Spot Price Tickers with current market prices.  Please be sure to click refresh on your browers for latest updates. New York Market ticker updates every 1 minute; London Market ticker every 30 minutes.   New York :
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