New bullion coins for 2018 in gold, silver and platinum expand collector choices further

While bullion coin numbers have dropped through 2017, the sheer number of different options shows little sign of slowing down. There’s been a few new releases lately, so we thought we’d compile them together. Platinum is making a welcome appearance on a new coin and there’s gold and silver to choose from as well.

Most of these coins make attractive alternatives to the usual Maples, Eagles and Philharmonics that are sold in huge volumes, but they do generally come with a higher cost. In many cases that will be easily recouped come selling time, but like all things in the bullion market, there is risk. Of note more to the stacker market, the straight up collector will likely love them.

2018 WOLVERINE CANADIAN BULLION COIN

The latest in the Royal Ccanadian Mint’s extensive bullion coin selection, this is the second in the Animal Portraits series and depicts the infamous Wolverine. Available as a quarter-ounce gold, or an unusual three-quarter ounce silver, it’s a good design by Denis Mayer Jr. with a reverse-proof finish.

The obverse is the typical Canadian only effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Sussana Blunt. Premiums over the spot price are significantly more than a comparitive Maple Leaf, so if you want one be prepared to stump up more for it.

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION WEIGHT DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE BOX / COA
$2 CANADIAN 0.9999 SILVER 23.3 g 38.0 mm REVERSE PROOF TBC NO / NO
$10 CANADIAN 0.9999 GOLD 7.78 g 20.0 mm REVERSE PROOF TBC NO / NO

2017 DEATHSTALKER SCORPION GOLD COIN

Scottsdale Mint has launched the gold version of its Deathstalker Scorpion silver bullion coin. Available in the one-ounce format and supplied in the secure Certi-Lock packaging, just 10,000 of them will be struck. Issued for Chad, the obverse carries the African state’s coat of arms.

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION WEIGHT DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE BOX / COA
3,000 FRANCS CFA 0.9999 GOLD 31.1 g 32.0 mm PROOF-LIKE 10,000 NO / NO

2018 EMPEROR PENGUIN PLATINUM COIN

There isn’t a great selection of platinum bullion coins on the market these days, no doubt because the former top-end metal has dropped heavily in price against both gold and palladium, so it’s always good to see a new one. The Perth Mint has launched an all-new design depicting an Emperor Penguin. At a third of an ounce it’s an unusual weight and hopefully this will boost popularity. The mintage is set at 25,000 units, so Perth is clearly expecting it to do well.

Issued for Australian Antarctic Territory, we like the design of this one a lot. Price could be an issue, however. Currently selling for around $500 USD, that’s a hefty premium for $322 worth given platinum is currently at $965 an ounce.

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION WEIGHT DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE BOX / COA
$30 CANADIAN 0.9995 PLATINUM 10.4 g 38.0 mm B / UNCIRCULATED 25,000 NO / NO

2018 BLACK PANTHER MARVEL BULLION COIN

Not released yet, so we only have the one image, the third in the popular Marvel Comics bullion series will depict the Black Panther. A nice piece of timing given next month will see a Black Panther movie. Available only as a one-ounce silver coin, we’ll take a closer look on release.