Where to Buy Physical Platinum
You can buy physical platinum from reputable online dealers, major mints, local coin shops, banks and bullion exchanges, or through storage/IRA custodians that sell physical metal for custody or delivery.[2][4]
Essential options and what to expect
– Online bullion dealers: Large, specialized online dealers sell platinum coins and bars with visible inventory, shipping, and return policies; examples include JM Bullion and SD Bullion, which list platinum products and ship insured orders to buyers.[2][5]
– Major precious-metals firms and exchanges: Established firms such as Kitco and legacy precious-metals dealers offer platinum bars and coins plus optional insured storage or delivery options.[4]
– Authorized mints and national sovereign mints: Some national mints issue platinum legal-tender coins (for example, the Canadian Mint has issued platinum Maple Leaf series in the past); buying from an official mint or its authorized distributors ensures government-backed purity and authentication.[9][4]
– Local coin shops and dealers: Local precious-metals retailers and coin shops let you inspect physical platinum before you buy; they are convenient for immediate cash purchases but check price spreads and verify dealer reputation through reviews or industry associations.[9][5]
– Banks and financial institutions (select markets): In some countries, banks or bank-affiliated precious-metals desks sell bullion products or provide custody services for physical platinum.[3][7]
– Online marketplaces and secondary dealers: Reputable secondary-market platforms and coin-dealer networks sell branded platinum bars (for example Credit Suisse bars) and minted coins; when using marketplaces confirm seller ratings and request assay/certificate information.[9]
How to choose a seller
– Reputation and longevity: Prefer dealers with long track records, clear contact information, and positive third-party reviews or accreditation.[3][8]
– Price transparency and premiums: Compare the dealer’s spot-based pricing, premiums over spot for coins or bars, and shipping or insurance fees before buying.[4][2]
– Product authentication and assay: Choose products with recognized fineness (.9995 or .999 for many platinum bars and coins) and, for bars, an assay or serial number from a reputable refiner.[9][2]
– Shipping, insurance and return policy: Confirm how orders are shipped, whether delivery is insured, and the dealer’s return window and restocking terms.[2][5]
– Buyback or sell-to-us policies: If you may resell later, check whether the dealer offers buyback and at what pricing or conditions.[8]
– Storage options: Decide whether you will take physical delivery or use insured professional storage (allocated storage) offered by many dealers and vault providers.[4][3]
Common platinum products to look for
– Platinum bullion coins: Government or sovereign coins (when available) carry legal-tender status and are often recognized globally; availability varies by mint and year.[4][9]
– Branded platinum bars: Reputable refiners like Credit Suisse and others produce 1 oz and larger bars with high fineness and assayers’ marks; these are commonly traded.[9]
– Rounds and smaller bars: Private-mint rounds and small bars can be cost-effective ways to own platinum in smaller denominations but verify purity and brand reputation.[2][5]
Practical buying tips
– Compare multiple dealers: Shop prices, premiums, and total landed cost (price plus shipping and insurance) across several reputable dealers before buying.[2][4][5]
– Start small to learn: If you are new to platinum, buy a small, recognized product (for example a 1 oz branded bar or widely known coin) to learn authentication and storage preferences.[9][2]
– Keep documentation: Retain receipts, assay cards, certificates, and serial numbers; these support future sale and authentication.[9][2]
– Check tax and reporting rules: Understand local sales tax, VAT, or reporting requirements for precious-metals purchases in your jurisdiction; rules differ by country.[3][7]
– Beware of unusually low offers: Deeply discounted listings or unfamiliar private sellers can be fraudulent or contain impure metal; verify with assays or professional graders where possible.[5][9]
Sources
https://www.jmbullion.com
https://online.kitco.com/buy/gold-silver.html
https://www.goldline.com
https://sdbullion.com
https://www.coinsonline.com/shop/platinum-bullion/platinum-bars/1-oz-platinum-bar-credit-suisse-with-assay/