On July 24, 2008, the United States Mint began offering 2008 Platinum Proof coins at much higher prices compared to the spot price of platinum. The Mint will once again continue its 12-year trend of offering the one ounce, half ounce, quarter ounce and tenth ounce version platinum coins. The Mint will also offer the four different coin sizes as a four-piece set.

Prices for the one ounce coins are set at $2,509.95; half ounce coins at $1,279.95; quarter ounce coins at $664.95; and tenth ounce coins at $279.95. Finally, the four-coin set containing the four different denominations will be offered for $4,589.95 – a savings of $144.85 compared to purchasing the four coins individually.

It seems the U.S. Mint is either anticipating prices of the platinum metal to increase dramatically, or they are just playing it safe since the price of the platinum metal is extremely volatile. However, the Mint has changed prices in the past in response to the market increases or decreases in spot metal prices. So there is no guarantee that the Mint's prices will change, but it is certainly possible. The only bright side to the price increases is, if the prices remain high compared to platinum spot prices, the coins may turn out to have very small mintages.

Collectors wishing to order the 2008 Proof Platinum coins can visit the United States Mint web site at www.USMint.com, or contact the Mint by phone at 1-800-USA-MINT. PCGS Collectors Club Members wishing to preserve their coins in PCGS holders with a money back guarantee of grade and authenticity can submit coins directly to PCGS for grading and authentication. Collectors who are not PCGS Collectors Club Members can contact a PCGS Authorized Dealer to submit coins through the dealer. Feel free to contact PCGS Customer Service at 1-800-447-8848. They will be happy to assist you in becoming a PCGS Collectors Club Member.