How to Invest in Precious Metals


Published December 09, 2011


Looking for havens other than gold and silver?

Lesser-known precious metals, such as palladium and platinum, may be just the ticket. They are rare metals that have soared in value the past few years. They are also the new metals on the block compared to ancient gold and silver. They began being refined in the 1800s.

Platinum and palladium get an extra pop when gold soars, though. All precious metals move together, says David Morgan, founder of Platinum, which follows the price of gold, can even sell at a premium to its fellow precious metal.




Hold them for at least three years, says Paul Mladjenovic, author of "Precious Metals Investing for Dummies." Platinum and palladium should represent no more than 5% of your investment portfolio compared to 10% for gold and silver. That's because markets for these metals are smaller, and trading is more limited than for gold and silver.

Don't let swan-diving metal prices drive your investment strategy. "Speak to a financial adviser about setting a target price when selling," he says.

Platinum Regains its Luster


The metal hasn't again reached that all-time high.


U.S. Mint-issued American Eagle platinum coins are one possibility. They're easily bought at banks, brokerage firms or directly from the U.S. Mint. They also can be purchased at major coin dealers such as Monex Precious Metals in Newport Beach, Calif. Go to the U.S. Mint website,, for a list of authorized dealers.


This shiny metal, which mimics silver, sold for almost the same price as gold in late September -- about $1,571 per ounce for platinum and about $1,649 per ounce for gold.