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Collectible Gold Coins

Robert Blossom — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:26:23 +0000

Investing is not in the nature of some people. These folks prefer to collect things and they find some very interesting items to amass. Salt and pepper shakers, merchandise featuring a certain character, and even branded food containers become the objects of affection for collectors. While some of these items will never be valuable, the same cannot be said for gold coins.

Collecting gold coins allows a person to become an investor without realizing it. Due to their gold content alone, these coins have value. If the collector one day decided to discontinue the hobby, the coins could be sold for cash. The extra money will come in handy for the next collection the person has in mind.

Many collectors have a wish list of gold coins. There are a few coins included on the lists of many people, making them some of the most collectible on the market. For those who buy gold coins, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle has a high rank. Many consider this the greatest coin issued in this country. Introduced over 100 years ago, the Double Eagle contains nearly one ounce of gold and can be purchased for about $2,000.

The $10 Indian Head Eagle was also created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The simple design is considered even more attractive by some. Indian Head gold coins dated between 1908 and 1933 with a $10 denomination start at about $965 and for people with smaller wallets, the $2.50 version starts at under $300.

Capped Bust Eagles were the first gold coins issued in the U.S. Only about 65,000 were minted in the entire series. Each one of these is considered unique and prices start at about $11,000. This is a coin affordable to only the most serious collectors, as prices for these extraordinary coins can be over one million dollars, depending on grade.

New Gold Coins On The Market

Robert Blossom — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:24:05 +0000

Older is not necessarily better, even when it comes to gold coins. If you buy gold coins that are new and keep them in excellent condition, they may be very valuable in the future. Parents and grandparents sometimes buy their children gold proof coins to commemorate a birthday or another special event. When the child becomes an adult, these proofs may be sold at a nice profit.

Each, year, the U.S. Mint releases new coins, including proof and uncirculated versions. In 2011, the focus is on the U.S. Army, with commemorative $5 gold “Service in War” coins in uncirculated and proof qualities. The obverse depicts the Army’s war service starting with the Revolutionary War. On the reverse is a design based on the Army emblem.

The First Spouse gold coins are $10 one-half ounce gold coins that feature images of the first spouses. These are released in the order the women occupied the role and in 2011, that included the spouses of former Presidents Johnson, Grant, Hayes, and Garfield. Four coins are scheduled for release in 2012: Alice Paul, Frances Cleveland (two terms), and Caroline Harrison.
The 2009 American Buffalo bullion coins are popular with individuals who buy gold coins for investment purposes, due to their 24-karat gold content. Both the obverse and reverse contain images from sculptor James Earle Fraser. These are the first 24-karat 0.9999 fine gold coins the U.S. Mint ever produced and they have a $50 face value.

American Eagle gold coins are available in bullion, proof, and uncirculated versions. The 2011 uncirculated coin contains 91.67 percent gold. The proof version has the same gold composition and is available in one-tenth, one-quarter, one-half, and one once weights. The bullion coin is offered in the same weights, features 22-karat gold, and is the only bullion coin backed by a U.S. government guarantee.

The History Of Gold

Robert Blossom — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:23:05 +0000

Sit down and relax because gold has a long and winding story to tell. It has been the subject of wars, a declaration of love, a representation of the sun, and used to view the heavens. Our minds boggle to think that by as early as 325 BC, gold had already been mined from Gibraltar all the way to Asia Minor.

Gold was first smelted in approximately 3,600 BC. Goldsmiths in Egypt melted and fused ores to separate containing metals. Smelting furnaces were heated by blowpipes crafted from fire-resistant clay. One of the earliest known pieces of gold jewelry was crafted by Mesopotamian goldsmiths in 2,600 BC. It was a burial headdress that featured carnelian and lapis beads and gold pendants shaped like willow leaves.

Many are familiar with the golden funeral mask made for Tutankhamen, which was created in 1,223 BC. King Solomon of Israel took things further by having gold overlay placed on his temple in 950 BC. Etruscan dentists used gold wire to secure substitute teeth beginning in 600 BC, opening the door for the use of gold in dentistry, still a practice today.

In 564 BC, you could buy gold coins of the day, called Croesids. These were the first gold currency to be standardized on the planet. Many years later, gold mining and production declined due to major European mines becoming depleted. Just two years after The Great Bullion Famine ended in 1420, the Venice Mint struck a record-breaking 1.2 million gold ducats.

By 1511, explorers were heading to the Americas to find gold, at the request of King Ferdinand of Spain. About two hundred years later, Britain moved to a gold standard and between 1870 and 1900 all major countries but China followed. When John Marshall discovered gold near Sacramento, California in 1848, the greatest gold rush began. Even last year has a place in history, as gold prices reached record highs.

Ancient Gold Coins

Robert Blossom — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:00:53 +0000

There is something about seeing and touching an item that is ancient. We immediately connect with its history, experiencing something much bigger than ourselves. Ancient coins remind us of how far civilization has come in a relatively short period of time. The oldest coins have as much emotional value as they do monetary worth.

Though many of us will never have an opportunity to buy gold coins that are considered ancient, we still appreciate their existence. The oldest coin in the world was discovered in the ancient Hellenic city of Efesos, which is located on the Asia Minor coast. One of the earliest coins is the 1/6 stater, which is over 2,700 years old. It is made from the naturally occurring silver and gold alloy called electrum.

Due to manufacturing methods of the day, it contains a design on only one side and the coin was hand struck. A die containing the design was put into an anvil. A blank piece of metal was then placed atop the die and a punch was hammered on the reverse side of the metal. What resulted was a coin containing an image on one side and punch marks on the other side.

The earliest issues of starters are thought to date from about 610 to 560 BC, during the reign of Alyattes or perhaps even Sadyattes, his predecessor. The emblem on these coins is the roaring lion of the Lydian kings, featuring a unique forehead knob. The Department of Coins and Medals at the British Museum contains an impressive stater exhibit.

Some numismatists consider the Aegina Chelone coins to be the oldest. These were minted circa 700 to 550 BC, either by Pheidon, the king of Argos, or by the local residents of Aegina. The Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris contains an electrum starter from Aegina that is thought to date no later than 700 BC.

How About A Gold Coin Pendant?

Robert Blossom — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:23:27 +0000

Gold coins are not just for investing or collecting. They also make great jewelry and when rare coins are used, they command a high price. If you know someone who likes to buy gold coins, consider getting them a coin pendant as a gift. They will appreciate the thought and years from now, that present may be worth quite a bit more money.

While it is unlikely that the pendant value will ever rival the price of a 1933 Gold Double Eagle coin, it can increase from its present market price. In the past, people drilled holes through coins that were used as jewelry. This reduced the metal content, thereby decreasing the coin value. Old holed coins often serve as keepsakes or are used as decoration rather than being sold.

These pendants were once thought to bring power to the wearer. The type of power depended on the symbols contained on the pendant. When coins began circulating, people saw them as a way to capture wealth around their necks. The popularity of gold pendants has not waned since civilizations like the ancient Roman Empire.

These days, people buy pendants featuring mounted gold coins that remain as intact as possible. Though the coin may not have a hole in it, the numismatic value is usually lost. For some people, this is not a concern, as they purchase these pendants purely for their aesthetic appeal. Especially popular are American Eagle gold pendants and these are even worn by celebrities.

While it is not recommended that investors buy gold coins as a way to enhance their portfolios, they can use them to accentuate their wardrobe. Gold pendants are attractive and unique and when paired with gold coin rings and bracelets, they create quite a statement. In some cases, they may become valuable due to their rarity or metal content.

The US Mint Gold Coins

Robert Blossom — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:26:24 +0000

Americans interested in purchasing gold coins do not need to look outside the borders of the country. The U.S. Mint produces several gold coins that are both attractive and valuable. Recent headlines illustrate the popularity of these coins. By the first week in May, the Mint sold 62,000 ounces of gold coins. Whether people buy gold coins for collection purposes or as economic protection, they are acting now.

Gold First Spouse coins feature a portrait of a first spouse on the obverse and a unique reverse design containing an image that symbolizes the woman’s life and work. These half-ounce $10 coins are made from 0.999 fine gold. The coins are released in the order that the female served as first spouse, with Eliza Johnson, Julia Grant, Lucy Hayes, and Lucretia Garfield coins issued in 2011.

The American Buffalo 24-karat bullion coin features images created by James Earle Fraser, a well-known American sculptor. This is the first 24-karat 0.9999 fine gold coin struck by the U.S. Mint. The $50 coin offers an investment in 24-karat gold in legal tender coin form. American Buffalo gold proof coins were also issued from 2006 through 2009.

Perhaps most well-known are the American Eagle gold coins. Launched in 1986, these bullion coins have become extremely popular investments. Uncirculated and proof versions of American Eagles are available for collectors. Each proof coin is sealed in a protective plastic capsule, is packaged in a presentation case, and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

Congress authorizes the Mint to produce commemorative coins as warranted. These are considered legal tender but are not minted for general circulation. The 2011 gold commemorative coins pertain to the Medal of Honor and the U.S. Army. The $5 gold Medal of Honor coin and the $5 gold Service in War U.S. Army coin each feature 90 percent gold composition.

St Gaudens Gold Coins

Robert Blossom — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:36:53 +0000

From 1907 to 1933, The U.S. Mint produced the Double Eagle Saint-Gaudens gold coin. This $20 coin is named for its designer, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Many people who buy gold coins for collection purposes consider this to be the most attractive U.S. coin. President Theodore Roosevelt had just this goal in mind when he suggested that Saint-Gaudens be the coin designer.

Unfortunately, Saint-Gaudens died before his creation was finalized for production. Chief U.S. Mint engraver Charles E. Barber had to modify the relief on the design. This enabled the coin to be struck with just one blow. Upon release, controversy arose because the wording “In God We Trust” were missing from the coin. Congress got involved, requiring that the motto be included.

Until 1933, this coin was minted mainly for international trade use. It features Liberty holding a torch and olive branch on the obverse and an eagle in flight on the reverse. Coins bearing the 1933 production date are some of the most valuable U.S. coins in existence. The only one known to be held privately sold for almost $7.6 million dollars in 2002.

Saint-Gaudens also designed a $10 Indian Head gold Eagle coin for the U.S. Mint. Prior to 1933, the gold Eagle was the largest base-unit of denomination used in circulating U.S. coinage. Eagles were issued from the year 1795 to 1933 and the Saint-Gaudens Indian Head version was minted from 1907 until 1933.

Gold Eagles and Double Eagles featured 0.900 fine gold, with a gold content of 0.48375 troy ounces for the Eagle and 0.9675 troy ounces for the Double Eagle. This standard was established in 1837 and endured until U.S. circulation of gold coins ceased in 1933. Those who buy gold coins are always looking for a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle kept unknowingly by a private consumer.

Napoleon Gold Coins

Robert Blossom — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:37:51 +0000

The Napoleon is one Former French gold coin minted in denominations of five, ten, 20, 40, 50, and 100 francs. These coins were issued when Napoleon Bonaparte reigned during the French Revolution. Napoleon is best known for the wars that bore his name but coin collectors often make an association mainly with the 20 franc coin. This contained 5.801 grams of 90 percent pure gold.

This denomination of coin ceased being used after the 19th century. However, later 20 franc gold coins from France were often called “Napoleons.” The original Napoleon 20 franc had a diameter of 21 millimeters and weighed 6.45 grams. The original minting also featured the 40 franc, which was 26 millimeters in diameter, had a weight of 12.90 grams, and contained 90 percent pure gold.

A portrait of Napoleon I was featured on the coins, sometimes with a bare head and other times adorned by a laurel wreath. Based on the political status of France at the time of issue, the words Bonaparte- Premier Consul or Napoleon Empereur were included on the front. The back legend was Republique Francaise until 1809, “Empire Francais” thereafter.

When they buy gold coins featuring Napoleon, some people wonder how the French republic could have had emperor rule. Napoleon took his understanding of being an emperor from Roman history. This resulted in an administrative body that was the most efficient and least democratic in history, barring possibly ancient Rome.

Napoleon coins were minted both within and outside of France. Mints in the Netherlands and Swiss and Italian territories were particularly well-known for producing these coins. The 20 franc Napoleon was first authorized in 1803 and became the model for Latin Union coins circulating within Europe until 1914. Those issued in 1807 feature a design determined during the absence of the leader and are considered a transitional issue.

French Gold Coins

Robert Blossom — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:51:10 +0000

France is a country rich in history and gold coins represent a large part of it. The first French franc was struck in 1360 as a gold coin. It was issued after King John was freed and depicted the King in armor seated on a horse. By 1643, francs stopped being used but they found a revival during the revolution in 1795, upon the introduction of the decimal system of currency.

Luxury, or specimen, coins are made in France and feature a high-quality finish that is better than the proof issue coins of other countries. Certain French coins are dated on the French Revolutionary Calendar system rather than the Gregorian system. The Revolutionary calendar is calculated from September 22, 1792, which was the date the first French Republic was established. On January 1, 1806, this calendar was abolished.

Denominations of French francs are: 5, 10, 20, 40, 50, 100, 100 luxury coins, and Napoleon Bonaparte coins. Those who buy gold coins will find different designs on each of these, based on the date of issue. Napoleon Bonaparte versions come in 20 and 40-franc denominations and are made from 0.900 fine gold. They were issued from 1803 to 1804 and then from 1810 through 1815, excluding 1814.

Collectors and investors interested in a higher fineness should consider the 0.920 fine Monnaise de Luxe, which are the luxury coins described above. With a denomination of 100 francs, these have a 30 millimeter diameter, 17 gram weight, and 0.5028 gold content. The French franc with the highest gold content is the 100 denomination, which has a 0.900 fine gold content of 0.9355.

The most expensive face value coin of modern times was recently issued by France. The 1,000 euro gold coin features the Greek hero Hercules and two female figures symbolizing liberty and equality. Before their release, all 10,000 coins planned for production were sold, reflecting the high demand for gold in the current market.

Swiss Gold Coins

Robert Blossom — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:51:57 +0000

Switzerland is known for more than just its delicious chocolate. A variety of gold coins are stored in banks within this country. The 20 franc is the most popular but ten francs and gold coins featuring other denominations have also been minted for collection purposes. Mintage was low for these denominations, making some quite valuable.

Prior to 1848, most of the 23 Swiss cantons, or states, issued their own coins. These came in denominations like duplone, ducats, pistolet, ecus, franken, goldgulden, and their fractions and multiples. The 20 franc was issued from 1886 to 1949 and is currently the most popular. It weighs 6.4516 grams, has a 21 millimeter diameter, and contains 0.900 fine gold. The actual fine gold weight in troy ounces is 0.1867.

The Swiss 20 franc is the only Swiss gold coin issued in large quantities and available as a bullion coin. The Helvetia Liberty type was issued from 1883 to 1896 and the Vreneli type was produced from 1897 to 1935 and again between 1947 and 1949. Those who buy gold coins can purchase these for about a 15 percent premium.

From 1911 to 1916 and in 1922, the ten franc gold coin was produced, which is rarer than the 20 franc. it features an 18.5 millimeter diameter and weighs 3.2258 grams. Like the 20 franc, it contains 0.900 fine gold. Each ten franc has an actual fine gold weight of 0.0933 troy ounce. The design features the Vreneli head and a Swiss cross.

Shooting Thalers are cantonal coins provided as prizes at Swiss shooting festivals. Though these are near a denomination, most are not legal tender. They are all rare, with a mintage ranging from under 100 to a few thousand. In 1991, a commemorative gold 250 franc was produced to honor the 700th anniversary of the Confederation. The face value of the coin is greater than the intrinsic value of the gold content, a rare occurrence.