Gold is real money; platinum is an industrial commodity. It's scarcer than gold but not as recognizable or as marketable. Platinum was over $2000 a few months ago; now it's about $800. Fewer catalytic converters on new cars and fewer Japanese buying Pt jewelry.

I recommend bullion coin for investment and capital preservation. Any of the US or Canadian 1 T.O. coins are fine, except no dealer that I know of will sell you any. Maybe a few from a local coin dealer, but expect to pay more than the usual 4% markup for them. The bigger dealers probably have some inventory that they paid over $900 an ounce for them and are not interested in selling at a loss. Blanchard will take your order at today's price with an estimated delivery of 30 days. Kitco has nothing for sale but gold and silver bullion bars... no coins at all!

The US mint has ceased production saying the mint cannot supply them. My guess is they would just as soon US citizens not have any more gold at this crucial point in the financial fiasco. My prediction is lower gold over the next few months due to forced sales. Look for skyrocketing gold after the new party takes over the government and finds that they have to find dollars to replace all those they have just given away. Extreme inflation, continued printing of the unbacked US $, or default on sovereign debt are the only solutions.

I'll be at the Gold Conference in New Orleans next month. There are always hard-money companies at this conference, including some bullion coin suppliers. I can try to purchase a few coins for you if you still need them in a couple of weeks.