Platinum is a precious and rare form of metal. It possesses some very unique physical properties that make it suitable for use in a wide variety of industrial applications. This demand increases the value of platinum and makes it a smart investment vehicle.

Industrial uses of Platinum:

1. Automotive: catalytic converters – an important component of the vehicle's exhaust system.
   
   
2. Petroleum: used in the refining process, the catalyst helps to break down crude oil into consumer products such as gasoline and jet fuel.
   
   
3. Plastics: utilized to speed up the process of polymerization.
   
   
4. Electronics: utilized for circuitry, electrical contacts, and the making of hard disk drives, to protect the surface of the disk from corrosion and wear.
   
   
5. Chemical: works as a catalyst in the creation of fertilizers, converting ammonia to nitric acid.
   
   
6. Aerospace: utilized as a catalyst for rocket fuel and helps improve effectiveness of the combustion process. Is also effective as a coating material on turbines and other components as it contains protections against high temperatures and corrosion.
   
   
7. Pharmaceuticals: works as a catalytic agent in the synthesis of drugs.
   
   
8. Medical industry: used in many medical devices: dental implants, pacemakers, chemotherapy drugs and manufacture of PET scanners and other medical diagnostic tools that help to detect and evaluate the movement of cancer cells.
   
   

The above is just a sampling of the industrial uses of platinum and demonstrates why it is always in high demand.

Buying Platinum Bullion

Investment in precious metals is a diversification strategy used by many investors. There are a number of ways to invest in platinum that carry different risks and advantages you should consider:

1. You can purchase actual platinum bullion, bars, or coins. This is typically done through a precious metals dealer such as VaultUS Gold that sells these precious metals. The platinum will be shipped directly to you, and you can store it in a safe in your home or in a bank safety deposit box. The advantages to this type of investment is the fact that you own the metal outright, it’s a physical, tangible asset that is not impacted or reliant on the performance of a third party like stocks.
   
   
2. You may also purchase platinum to add as an asset to your IRA investment portfolio. You can transfer all or some of your IRA or 401K to a Precious Metals IRA. Buying platinum bullion this way offers the same advantages, portfolio diversification, a tangible, physical asset and a hedge against inflation and recession. Precious metals included in an IRA must be stored with an approved depository such as IDS or the Delaware Depository.
   
   

As with any investment, there are some downsides that should be considered:

1. Your platinum requires secure storage. Depending on the type of storage you select, it may come with additional costs.
   
   
2. Buying platinum may also include some transaction costs, such as premiums over spot prices, shipping, or sales taxes. You should always be clear with your metals dealer what exactly is included and what are the costs of any additional fees.
   
   
3. Platinum may be somewhat less liquid than other types of investments which may make it harder to sell when you want to liquidate your investment.
   
   

What form of Platinum should I buy?

Platinum is usually bought in the form of bars or coins. The choice you make between platinum coins and bars is an individual preference that may be related to your investment goals or may be based on appearance. Some investors may find the intricate designs and artwork on platinum coins to be visually appealing, while others may prefer the sleek, simple design of platinum bars. Bars are typically a more cost-effective choice, but if you want to become a collector, then coins may be the better option. Coins are typically more liquid also.

Platinum coins are minted with beautiful and intricate designs, engravings, and other unique features that make them more attractive. TheCanadian Platinum Maple Leaf coin features a detailed maple leaf on the reverse and an image of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side.

Platinum bars usually are much simpler with minimal design that identifies the weight, purity, and mint mark of the bar. This is a typical bar and is from South Africa’s Bushveld complex and minted by Johnson Matthey. Some individuals like the minimal design of bars, and others prefer the aesthetic beauty of the coin’s designs.

What your platinum looks like may not be an important factor for you in deciding whether platinum coins or bars are a better investment for you - your choice may depend on your overall investment goals, tolerance for risk and your budget. The following are other factors you may want to weigh when making the decision:

1. Platinum coins typically sell at a higher premium over the spot price than bars because of their value as a collectible and increased production costs. Bars usually sell at a lower premium over spot price, so they are considered a more cost-effective buying option for some investors.
   
   
2. Platinum bars come in a variety of weights and sizes, from 1 gram to 1 kilogram. Coins are generally smaller in size and lighter in weight. If you want to invest a larger sum of money, bars would be a more practical choice.
   
   
3. Platinum coins and bars are made from high-purity (.9995%) platinum. Coins may contain some additional alloys to increase durability and for design purposes. Make sure to check the purity prior to your purchase. In order for a platinum bar or coin to eligible for inclusion in an IRA, it must be .9995% pure.
   
   
4. Platinum coins are usually more liquid than platinum bars due to their size and attractiveness as a collectible. These factors make coins easier to sell if you want to liquidate your investment.
   
   
5. Some platinum coins have an added value due to their historical significance to collectors or their rarity. If you have an interest in collecting coins, this is an important factor to consider.
   
   

Whether you choose platinum coins and bars is your individual preferences and investment goals. The bottom line is bars are typically a more cost-effective investment and coins a more attractive collectible or liquid investment.

How do I buy platinum?

You can buy platinum from a precious metals dealer such as VaultUS Gold. The process is fairly simple and involves just a few steps:

1. Decide on the type of platinum you want to buy – coins or bars.
   
   
2. Evaluate the pricing from different dealers to make sure you are getting a good deal for your investment. Make sure to look at shipping costs, wire fees, and delivery times as part of the full costs.
   
   
3. Once you have chosen a dealer and decided on the type of platinum you want to purchase, place your order. Always read the terms and conditions of your contract carefully, paying close attention to the return policies and insurance options.
   
   
4. Payment options may vary from dealer to dealer. Typically, you can pay be bank wire, ACH or check or credit cards. Choose a payment option that is secure protects your purchase.
   
   
5. Once you have received delivery of your platinum, you need to make sure you have a safe secure storage for it. You may store it in a home safe, a bank deposit box, or with a third-party storage provider.
   
   
6. If you are buying platinum to add to your IRA, there are some additional forms that are required to set up and fund your IRA or transfer your funds from an existing IRA or 401K.
   
   

It’s as simple as that and any reputable precious metals dealer will be happy to walk you through the steps to ensure your complete transparency, understanding and satisfaction.

Remember: before you make any financial decisions, consider all of the advantages and disadvantages and consult with a financial advisor or attorney to determine if buying platinum is the right investment for your goals and risk tolerance.