Palladium Coin
Also: Palladium bullion coin, Palladium coin
A palladium coin is a minted coin made of palladium with a defined fineness, acquired as an investment vehicle or a collector's item.
A palladium coin is a minted investment coin made of pure palladium – a silvery-white platinum group metal – with a standardised fineness of usually 999.5/1000 (99.95%). It is aimed at investors and collectors who want to invest specifically in the rarest of the four common precious metals. Buyers should always keep an eye on the current palladium price, because palladium is the most volatile of the classic investment precious metals.
Most important mint series
The best-known palladium coins in 1 oz size (31.103 g):
| Coin | Issuer | Fineness | First minted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Leaf Palladium | Royal Canadian Mint | 999.5 ‰ | 2005 |
| Palladium Ballerina | Mint of Russia | 999.5 ‰ | 1989 |
| Vienna Philharmonic Palladium | Austrian Mint | 999.5 ‰ | 2022 |
| American Palladium Eagle | United States Mint | 999.5 ‰ | 2017 |
Alongside the 1 oz standard size, rarer denominations (½ oz, ¼ oz) appear in limited editions. Proof versions with a mirror-finish field and a matte relief surface are traded at significant premiums.
Calculating melt value
The melt value of a palladium coin is derived from fine weight times spot price:
Melt value = gross weight (g) × fineness × palladium spot price (€/g)
The melt value calculator can determine the value automatically. Coin weight and dimensions can be checked against target values with the coin weight checker – an important first step towards authenticity testing.
Tax treatment in Malta
Unlike investment gold (VAT-exempt under Directive 2006/112/EC; bars of at least 995‰, coins of at least 900‰), palladium coins are subject to Malta's standard VAT of 18%. Silver and platinum coins are likewise not VAT-exempt, which is why physical gold often remains the first choice for tax-sensitive investors. On the income side, Malta levies no capital gains tax on the private disposal of movable assets such as precious metals; Maltese capital gains tax applies only to specific assets (immovable property, securities and business interests). There is no German-style speculation period. This is not tax or investment advice – please consult a tax adviser in individual cases. Sources: cfr.gov.mt, legislation.mt, eur-lex.europa.eu.
Checking authenticity
Palladium is close to nickel and stainless steel in density (12.02 g/cm³) and magnetic behaviour, which makes counterfeiting easier. Reliable testing methods:
- Weight & diameter – a deviation from the target value of more than 0.1 g is suspicious.
- X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) – non-destructive element 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 procedure.
In brief
Palladium coins offer direct physical access to an industrially indispensable platinum group metal, which is in demand above all in automotive catalysis. The 18% VAT and the high price volatility are the central calculation factors for any purchase.