Any investment carries with it the risk of loss. The price of platinum could go lower just as easily as it could go higher. When one buys an American Platinum Eagle, for example, the value of the coin may go up based on rising platinum prices, but it can also go up on rising coin premiums. That being said, coin premiums can also fall. The bottom line is, if one is looking to acquire platinum or precious metals, then paying dealer premiums is part of the equation that must be considered.