Description
Struck first in 1983, the
Platinum Isle of Man Noble coin became the world's first platinum
investment coin. Production of the Noble has since been discontinued,
but its place in history as a pioneer is secure. These coins are often
offered in sets containing the five smallest sizes (see picture above).
Design
The obverse features a portrait of
Queen Elizabeth II (the Isle of Man is a British protectorate),
although a slightly different portrait is used for many of the
different sizes of Nobles. The Queen is surrounded by the date of
issue, her name, and the words 'ISLE OF MAN'.
The reverse depicts a Viking longship floating on the sea as gulls
fly by. Underneath the waters sit the amount of platinum and the
fineness. Below that information are words signifying the size
("QUARTER NOBLE", "FIVE NOBLE", etc.)
Minting Information
The private Pobjoy Mint of England produces Isle of Man Nobles. These coins are not legal tender of any nation.
Platinum Coin History
Platinum was
actually used for minting coins before the Pobjoy Mint began its Noble
line in 1983. Russia minted platinum roubles (in denominations of
three, five, and twelve) in the first half of the 19th Century. Israel
and Panama released platinum medallions beginning in 1973 and 1976,
respectively. However, the Isle of Man's Noble is the first one-ounce
platinum investment coin. The platinum coins of the United States,
Canada, and Australia all followed this remarkable coin.
| Detailed Coin Information |
| Coin Size |
Purity |
Gross Weight |
Platinum Content |
Diameter |
| 10-oz. |
99.95% |
311.0280g |
10.0000 troy oz.
|
63.0mm |
| 5-oz. |
99.95% |
155.5140g |
5.0000 troy oz.
|
~49mm |
| 1-oz. |
99.95% |
31.1030g |
0.9991 troy oz.
|
32.7mm |
| 1/2-oz. |
99.95% |
15.5514g |
0.5000 troy oz.
|
27.0mm |
| 1/4-oz. |
99.95% |
7.7757g |
0.2500 troy oz.
|
22.0mm |
| 1/10-oz. |
99.95% |
3.1100g |
0.1000 troy oz.
|
16.5mm |
| 1/20-oz. |
99.95% |
1.5551g |
0.0500 troy oz.
|
13.9mm | |
| Dates (Proof Issues Only): 1/20-oz.
(1989); 1/10-oz. (1984-87); '-oz. (1986-1990; 1996); '-oz. (1986-89);
1-oz. (1983-88); 5- and 10-oz. (1986-88) |
| Mint: Pobjoy Mint |
