How to Value Your Platinum: A Guide for Sellers

If you're looking to sell your platinum coins or platinum jewelry, understanding how to determine their value is crucial. Buyers rely on specific information to make fair offers. Here's a quick guide to valuing your platinum and providing buyers with the details they need.

Platinum Coins

Platinum coins are bullion, which means their value is based solely on their platinum content, not rarity or collector value. To accurately assess their worth, you'll need to provide buyers with the following key details:

Country of Origin For example, Canada or the United States.

Denomination For instance, $100 or $50.

Weight If known, such as 1 troy ounce.

Purity For example, "999 fine" or "999.5 fine."

By supplying these details, buyers can quickly calculate the market value of your platinum coins.

Platinum Rings and Jewelry

When it comes to platinum jewelry, bullion buyers are interested in the metal itself rather than any gemstones. If you have platinum jewelry with gemstones such as diamonds or emeralds, you should not sell these for only their bullion value.

To get the best offer for your platinum, focus on these factors:

Check the Stamping
The purity of platinum jewelry is typically stamped on the piece. This stamp provides valuable information to buyers. Common markings include:
95% Platinum Stamped as "Platinum," "950 Plat," or "950 Pt."

90% Platinum Stamped as "900 Plat" or "900 Pt."

85% Pure Platinum Stamped as "850 Plat" or "850 Pt."

If the jewelry contains at least 50% pure platinum and 95% platinum group metals (e.g., palladium, iridium), it may be stamped with both the platinum and alloy content, such as "600 Plat 350 Irid." Jewelry with less than 50% platinum cannot legally use the word "platinum" in its marking.

Weigh the Piece
Weight is a critical factor in determining value. If possible, weigh your jewelry using a kitchen scales grams setting. An affordable digital gram scale (available at Walmart or online retailers) can help. Be sure to choose a scale that can handle weights up to at least 50 grams.

Provide Photos
While optional, clear photos of your platinum pieces can assist buyers in evaluating their condition and making a more accurate offer.

Why This Information Matters

Providing accurate and detailed information about your platinum coins or jewelry helps buyers make fair and competitive offers. Without essential details like weight, purity, or markings, buyers may hesitate to make a bid or offer less than your piece is worth.

Whether you're selling bullion coins or platinum rings, preparation is key. Answer buyers’ questions thoroughly and provide the generally accepted details they need to assess the value. This approach ensures you receive the best possible offers for your platinum items.

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