So how much are these metals worth?

Most of us are quite aware of the price of gold and silver. But there are many more coin metals so I would like to share these values as well. Of course this is the spot market, actual physical metal prices can differ locally (VAT, import duties) but it gives some sort of idea.

1 oz (31.1g):
Gold $1200
Platinum $900
Palladium $800
Silver $16.50

1 kg (32 oz):
Cobalt: $52
Tin: $20
Molybdenum: $15
Nickel: $9
Copper: $5.50
Zinc: $2.57
Lead: $2.18
Aluminium: $1.91
Steel: $0.28

So now you might be able to calculate the intrinsic value of the bulk of your collection. I got 32 kg of base metal in my collection, which is mostly copper and nickel, but also worthless steel. For $6 per kg that's $192, quite a lot less than the silver and minimal gold I own. Anyway, I spent some good money and quality time into it, so what do I care? :-)

On a side note, I read that aluminium was more expensive than gold in the 19th century, because it was so hard to purify. Apparently Emperor Napoleon III had aluminium cutlery for his most important guests, and the lesser ones had to settle with gold. What did he know that it would once become the metal of choice for cans and cheap ass countries' coins.

Thanks for these values.

Side note Napoleon historical joke.

After one of his victorious battles, every village Napoleon rode through rang bells in his honor. But one did not, and horrified village officials came to greet him saying:

Dear Emperor! We are so sorry, but there aree nine reasons for no bell ringing!

First is that we do not have any bells! Sec..
Napoleon abruptly ended his speech and said: That's enough.

Right now, I think the most valuable material are moon rocks.

Quote: "Cerulean"​Right now, I think the most valuable material are moon rocks.

​Antimatter would probably beg to differ.

what coin is made of cobalt?

Shouldn't this one fit better in Coin identifications and valuations?

Quote: "ngdawa"​Shouldn't this one fit better in Coin identifications and valuations?

​Nahh, this was more chitchat about any subject :)

Quote: "redsmithstudios"​what coin is made of cobalt?

​There is cobalt in the USA war nickels I think

Quote: "neilithic"​

Quote: "redsmithstudios"​what coin is made of cobalt?

​​There is cobalt in the USA war nickels I think

​Manganese (along with copper and silver). Don't think I know of a cobalt coin.

Quote: "redsmithstudios"​what coin is made of cobalt?

​The only "coin" with cobalt in it (cobalt plated steel) seems to be the Cameroon 750 CFA 2005:


In earlier editions it was in the Krause SCWC with KM# 25. Afterwards it disappeared to the Krause Unusual Coins with reference number X#25.

Coins made of pure-nickel are 99,9% nickel 0,1% cobalt

"1 kg (32 oz):" a kilogram is just over 35 oz (avoirdupois); although, I tend to use 2.2 pounds.

Good source of spot metal prices: http://www.kitco.com/


I would add to the list:

Rhodium $895/oz

Quote: "Steve27"​"1 kg (32 oz):" a kilogram is just over 35 oz (avoirdupois); although, I tend to use 2.2 pounds.

​You are right, but I used Troy Ounce which is slightly heavier. It's the standard non-metric weight unit for precious metals.

For non-precious metals pounds or short tons (1000 lbs) are used most frequently, besides metric tons (1000 kg).