Some things happen so subtly that we just don't notice until it's too late. That's the case with a metal called palladium. A bland-looking metal with a finish something akin to polished nickel, palladium is most closely aligned with platinum. Platinum is the precious metal that's used in the most expensive jewelry and bullion coins. Platinum prices have soared due to its scarcity and the fact that it's a key ingredient in catalytic converters. Canada and China have both produced bullion coins containing pure palladium. Now it appears that the U.S. Mint will play catch-up by issuing its own palladium U.S. eagle coin as soon as 2012. It hasn't been confirmed, but reports say the U.S. palladium 1-ounce coin will bear the same front image as the vintage Mercury dime that circulated between 1916 and 1945. Might it be a good investment? I wish I could remember where I put my crystal ball. Those who produce and promote the metal contend it will be the next big thing in jewelry. Right now, it's much cheaper than gold or platinum, but it's massively higher than silver. Wedding silver A few weeks ago, I mentioned the first coin struck in commemoration of the pending wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. With the nuptials now just 6 weeks away, the onslaught of other issues from the British Commonwealth is growing rapidly. The latest out of the chute is a 1-crown silver coin from the Falkland Islands. Like others before it, the coin features a portrait of the couple, which replicates them as well as contemporary engraving and tooling methods might allow – good but not great. The buzz surrounding the ceremony continues to grow, as do the number of coins and stamps issued to celebrate the occasion. In fact, if anywhere near the "collectible" items are produced for this as were done for Prince Charles and Diana, it will be borderline overwhelming. Just remember that the value for most of the Charles and Diana coins and stamps dropped noticeably in the years following their wedding. In a nutshell, buy what you like and enjoy. Just don't bank on them for future profits. Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/03/19/3486761/new-coinage-coming-in-silver-and.html#ixzz1H5AbBlwu
Always interesting to see new metals used in new types of coins. I just don't like them changing the content of current coins.
Great article to share. I was very interested in the wedding silver. I am getting married and could not imagine having a coin for us. Not that we are famous or anything but could you imagine.
