Palladium Coin
Also: Palladium bullion coin
A palladium coin is a minted coin made of palladium with a defined fineness, acquired as an investment vehicle or a collector item.
A palladium coin is a minted investment coin struck from pure palladium — a silvery-white platinum group metal — with a standardised fineness that is usually 999.5/1000 (99.95 %). It is aimed at investors and collectors who want targeted exposure to the rarest of the four common precious metals. Buyers should always keep an eye on the live palladium price, since palladium is the most volatile of the classic investment precious metals.
The leading mint series
The best-known palladium coins in the 1 oz size (31.103 g):
| Coin | Issuer | Fineness | First minted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Leaf Palladium | Royal Canadian Mint | 999.5 per mille | 2005 |
| Palladium Ballerina | Mint of Russia | 999.5 per mille | 1989 |
| Vienna Philharmonic Palladium | Austrian Mint | 999.5 per mille | 2022 |
| American Palladium Eagle | United States Mint | 999.5 per mille | 2017 |
Alongside the 1 oz standard size, rarer denominations (1/2 oz, 1/4 oz) appear in limited runs. Proof editions with a mirror-finish field and a frosted relief surface trade at clear premiums.
Calculating the melt value
The melt value of a palladium coin is derived from fine weight times spot price:
Melt value = gross weight (g) x fineness x palladium spot price (EUR/g)
The melt value calculator can work this out automatically. Coin weight and dimensions can be checked against target values with the coin weight checker — an important first step in verifying authenticity.
Tax note for Ireland (not tax advice)
Unlike investment gold, which is VAT-exempt in Ireland (VAT Consolidation Act 2010, Schedule 1; EU Directive 2006/112/EC art. 344-356), palladium coins carry the standard Irish VAT rate of 23 %. Platinum and silver coins are likewise not VAT-exempt, which is one reason physical gold often remains the first choice for tax-sensitive investors. On disposal at a gain, a private individual is liable to Capital Gains Tax at 33 % after the annual personal exemption of EUR 1,270; unlike Germany's one-year rule under Paragraph 23 EStG, Ireland grants no holding-period relief. This is not tax advice — please consult a tax adviser for your individual case.
Checking authenticity
Palladium is close to nickel and stainless steel in both density (12.02 g/cm3) and magnetic behaviour, which makes forgery easier. Reliable test methods:
- Weight and diameter — a deviation from the target value greater than 0.1 g is suspicious.
- X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) — non-destructive elemental determination.
- Acid test — palladium dissolves only in aqua regia.
- Ultrasound — reveals tungsten cores or cavities.
The coin authenticity check guides you through a structured testing sequence.
In brief
Palladium coins offer direct physical access to an industrially indispensable platinum group metal that is in demand above all in automotive catalysis. The 23 % VAT charge and the high price volatility are the central calculation factors for any purchase.