Description
The namesake of the Platinum Group Metals, platinum is a dense, malleable precious metal that is actually named for another of the major precious metals. The Spanish term PLATINO was used in providing platinum with its English-language name and the Spanish root word actually translates into English as little silver.
Platinum is one of the worlds least reactive metals. Even at extremely high temperatures, platinum has shown an incredible resistance to corrosion. This is part of the reason it has become so popular as a commodity in the automotive industry. Car manufacturers have used platinum for years in the production of catalytic converters that help reduce the harmful emissions from internal combustion engines.
Valcambi Suisse was founded in Balerna, Switzerland, in 1961 as the refinery Valori & Cambi. Over the course of time, mergers with companies such as Credit Suisse resulted in the new name and formation of the mint.
