Platinum has recently been added to the established Truth Series of coins, with the introduction of two 1 oz reverse-proof coins featuring the Roaring Lion and Tree of Life designs, industry body the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) notes in a statement.

Both coins are struck in 99.95% pure platinum and authorised as legal tender with a face value of NZ$250, backed by Niue through its partnership arrangement with the New Zealand Mint.

Niue is a self-governing state and part of the Realm of New Zealand.

The total mintage for the 1 oz platinum Roaring Lion and the Tree of Life coins is limited to 333 per design, representing some of the world’s smallest and most exclusive platinum coin mintages.

The WPIC says the designs are inspired by Biblical teachings with the coins’ reverse-proof finish designed to offset the intricate designs, using frosted fields and a mirrored finish. The coins’ reverse carries an effigy of UK royal Queen Elizabeth II.

The platinum Roaring Lion 1 oz reverse-proof coin was launched at the beginning of August this year and is available worldwide; over 50% of the mintage sold during its first week.

The platinum Tree of Life 1 oz reverse-proof coin is being launched towards the end of the month.

The premium on both these reverse-proof coins is the same introductory price of $199 over spot.

SD Bullion, an e-retailer of gold, silver, platinum and palladium for investors and collectors, is the sole distributor for the Truth Series.

The intention is to focus on the 1 oz platinum coins for the time being, although SD Bullion will keep the possibility of adding other coin sizes in platinum under review.

Investors looking to add physical platinum to a portfolio also have the option of including platinum bullion coins, which can be bought and sold easily, with value derived from their purity or ‘fineness’ and the prevailing spot market price for platinum, adjusted slightly to include manufacturing costs and supplier margin.

Typically, there are no mintage limits with platinum bullion coins, which also carry lower premiums.