Rhodium Coins Exist? Meet the Tuvalu Dragon — A Collector’s Dream

If you’ve ever asked, “Do rhodium coins exist?” — you’re not alone. Rhodium is the rarest, most expensive metal on earth — so rare that most investors assume it’s only available as bars or industrial powder. But yes — rhodium coins do exist. And the most famous (and beautiful) of them all is the 1 oz Rhodium Tuvalu Dragon Coin. Minted for the tiny Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, this legal tender coin features a majestic dragon design, .999 fine rhodium, and a mintage so low it’s become a holy grail for collectors. In 2025, with rhodium prices volatile and physical supply tightening, the Tuvalu Dragon is more than a coin — it’s a speculative masterpiece. At Metal Bullion, we’ve helped hundreds of collectors and investors secure this rare asset. In this guide, you’ll learn the truth about rhodium coins — and why the Tuvalu Dragon deserves a place in your collection.

You’ll discover:

• Why rhodium coins are so rare — and why the Tuvalu Dragon is the only major issue
• How the Tuvalu Dragon was created — history, design, and mintage
• Why collectors and investors chase it — scarcity, beauty, and explosive upside
• How to buy, store, and resell the Tuvalu Dragon for maximum value
• How it compares to rhodium bars — 1 oz PAMP Suisse Bars, 5 oz Bars

Let’s uncover the world’s most exclusive coin — so you can own a piece of numismatic history.

Do Rhodium Coins Exist? The Short Answer

Yes — but barely. Rhodium coins are so rare that you can count major issues on one hand. Why?

• Extreme Rarity: Only 30 tons of rhodium mined annually — 1/10th of platinum, 1/20th of gold. Not enough for mass minting.
• Brittleness: Rhodium is hard and brittle — difficult to strike into detailed coin designs without cracking.
• No Monetary History: Unlike gold or silver, rhodium has no history as money — only industrial use.
• High Cost: At $5,000+/oz, minting coins is prohibitively expensive for most governments.

The Exception: The 1 oz Rhodium Tuvalu Dragon Coin — minted by the New York Mint for the government of Tuvalu. It’s the only widely available rhodium coin in the world.

The Tuvalu Dragon: History, Design, and Mintage

The Tuvalu Dragon isn’t just a coin — it’s a work of art and a geopolitical curiosity.

✅ Origin

Minted by the New York Mint under license from the government of Tuvalu — a tiny island nation in the South Pacific with a population of 11,000. Tuvalu issues collectible coins (often themed) to generate revenue — like the Silver Kangaroo or Lunar Series from Australia.

✅ Design

Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (legal tender status) + “TUVALU” + “1 OZ .999 RHODIUM”

Reverse: A fierce, high-relief dragon coiled around a pearl — symbolizing power, wisdom, and hidden treasure. The design is laser-engraved for maximum detail.

✅ Mintage

Exact mintage is undisclosed — but estimated at 1,000–5,000 coins total. Extremely low for a 1 oz bullion coin.

✅ Purity & Weight

.999 fine rhodium, 1 troy oz (31.103g). Each coin comes in a protective capsule with certificate of authenticity.

Why Collectors & Investors Chase the Tuvalu Dragon in 2025

This isn’t just a coin — it’s a triple-threat asset:

✅ 1. Extreme Scarcity

With mintage under 5,000 and rhodium’s rarity, the Tuvalu Dragon is a finite asset. No more will ever be minted — and many have been melted or lost.

✅ 2. Artistic Beauty

The dragon design is stunning — high relief, intricate scales, and a pearl that seems to glow. It’s a display piece as much as an investment.

✅ 3. Explosive Upside Potential

When rhodium hit $30,000/oz in 2021, Tuvalu Dragons sold for $50,000–$100,000. In the next supply shock, they could soar again — but with a collectible premium on top of metal value.

✅ 4. Legal Tender Status

Technically legal tender in Tuvalu (face value: 1 Dollar) — which adds legitimacy and may offer tax or IRA advantages (consult your custodian).

How to Buy the Tuvalu Dragon — And Avoid Fakes

With rarity comes risk. Follow these rules:

1. Buy Only from Reputable Dealers: Like Metal Bullion — A+ BBB rated, 30-day returns. Avoid eBay or unknown sellers.
2. Verify Authenticity: Look for sharp dragon details, weight (31.103g), and .999 stamp. Real coins come in hard plastic capsules with CoA.
3. Check for Damage: Rhodium is brittle — avoid coins with cracks, scratches, or edge dings.
4. Compare Premiums: Expect to pay 20–50% over spot rhodium price — justified by scarcity and artistry.

Pro Tip: Buy the coin sealed in its original capsule. Never remove it — exposure to air can cause micro-tarnish (rare, but possible).

Tuvalu Dragon vs Rhodium Bars — Which Is Right for You?

Key Insight: The Tuvalu Dragon is a “call option” on rhodium — if prices surge, the coin’s premium multiplies. Bars are pure metal plays.

How to Store & Display Your Tuvalu Dragon

This coin deserves museum-grade care:

• Never Remove from Capsule: Exposure to air or skin oils can cause micro-tarnish.
• Use a Shadow Box or Display Case: UV-protected glass, velvet backing. Ideal for offices or homes.
• Store in a Safe: UL TL-30 rating, bolted to floor. Hide in closet or basement — not master bedroom.
• Insure It: Add to homeowner’s policy or use specialized bullion insurance (Chubb, Bullion Insurance).

Pro Tip: Photograph the coin and capsule serial number. Store receipts and CoA digitally.

How to Resell the Tuvalu Dragon for Top Dollar

Selling requires patience — target collectors, not metal dealers.

• Auction Houses: Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers — collectors pay premiums for rare modern coins.
• Collector Forums: Reddit (r/coins, r/Gold), PCGS/NGC forums — use escrow for safety.
• Specialized Dealers: Metal Bullion offers buyback — but auctions often yield higher prices.
• Avoid Local Pawn Shops: They’ll melt it for metal value — destroying 50–80% of its worth.

Resale Premiums (2025):

• In Capsule, No Damage: Spot + 20–50%
• Graded by PCGS/NGC: Spot + 50–100% (if slabbed)
• Removed from Capsule: Spot + 0–10% (melt value only)

What Experts Say About Rhodium Coins in 2025

• PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service): “The Tuvalu Dragon is the only modern rhodium coin with true collector demand. Slabbed examples are gaining value fast.”
• Kitco: “Rhodium coins are the ultimate ‘lottery ticket’ — low liquidity, but 10x upside if rhodium spikes.” (kitco.com)
• World Platinum Investment Council: “Rhodium’s scarcity makes coins like the Tuvalu Dragon irreplaceable. Physical demand will outstrip supply by 2026.” (platinumgroupmetals.org)

Rhodium Coins Exist: Your 2025 Action Plan

Don’t miss this generational opportunity. Here’s your checklist:

• ✅ Do I understand the volatility? (Can I hold through 50% dips?)
• ✅ Do I have secure storage and insurance? (Non-negotiable)
• ✅ Am I buying for collection (keep forever) or speculation (sell at $30,000 rhodium)?
• ✅ Do I have a 5–10 year horizon? (Rhodium is not a short-term trade)
• ✅ Am I allocating less than 5% of my portfolio? (Rhodium is a satellite holding)

Top 3 Rhodium Starter Bundles for 2025

1. The Collector’s Dream:
   1 oz Rhodium Tuvalu Dragon Coin
   Why: Pure collectible. Display it, insure it, hold it. Potential for 5–10x returns if rhodium spikes.
2. The Speculative Hedge:
   1 oz Tuvalu Dragon + 1 oz Rhodium Bar (PAMP Suisse)
   Why: Art + metal. Collectible upside + industrial liquidity.
3. The Legacy Gift:
   1 oz Tuvalu Dragon + Petit Papillon Bracelet
   Why: Teach the next generation about rare metals. Beautiful, tangible, unforgettable.

Ready to Own the World’s Rarest Rhodium Coin? Start Here

Don’t wait for the next rhodium shortage or auction headline. Secure your Tuvalu Dragon today.

👉 Shop Tuvalu Dragon Coins
→ Start with: 1 oz Rhodium Tuvalu Dragon Coin

👉 Explore Rhodium Bars
→ Start with: 1 oz Rhodium Bar (PAMP Suisse)

👉 Browse Fractional Rhodium
→ Start with: 1/10 oz Rhodium Bar

Have questions? Our rhodium specialists are standing by at support@metalbullion.store or 1-800-DRAGON-RH.