Archive for the ‘Investing’ Category

Why American Gold Eagle Coins Are Good Investments

During economic chaos and disorder, the value of currencies becomes unstable. Oftentimes, they even depreciate. As such, most investors depend on gold coins rather than currencies. More so, many investors indulge in gold investment rather than stocks, real estate properties, businesses, and the conventional forms of assets.

Many of those who fancy American numismatists go for American Eagle Gold Coins. These coins were first introduced in the gold market in 1986, following its authorization and recognition as an official gold bullion coin of the United States under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. Such coins are sold by almost every coin and precious metal dealer in the country.

Why American Gold Eagle Coins are a prime choice

Basically, American Gold Eagle Coins are highly priced in the gold market because of its purity and content. As bullion coins are priced according to their values in terms of their content of a particular precious metal, American Gold Eagle Coins are not purchased or sold according to their face values. Instead, their content and weight is taken into consideration.

American Gold Eagle coins come in 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz. These have face values of $5, $10, $25, and $50 respectively. Note that the gold content of the bullion gold coins of America comes only from gold that were mined in the United States. Basically, the process of coin making entails the minting of the coins using 24-karat gold, small amounts of alloy and other metals. Such precious metal mixture ensures that the coins are highly durable and protected from scratching and marring.

As such, the tedious bullion gold coin-making process produces a high quality 22-karat overall gold composition. Therefore, an ounce of American Gold Eagle coin actually contains a 91.67% purity of gold.

Because of its notable quality, the value of American Gold Eagle Coins are considered to be far more stable than the price of currencies, stocks, and other forms of volatile investments. In addition to such, these gold coins are far much easier to trade than other investments.

In times when the investors may need liquid cash, they can easily sell their American Gold Eagle Coins regardless of wherever they are around the globe. In addition to the fact that these coins are of premium quality, any investor will consider a gold coin purchase as a secure and safe investment since the U.S. government provides proofs and guarantees for the actual weight, content and purity of the coins. It is also for the very same reason why such coins are considered to be among the most sought for bullion coins in the gold market.

By: Azman Abdul Aziz

About the Author:
Find out more about bullion coins at BullionCoinsCollector.com and learn about American Eagle Coins as well.


Silver Investing – Morgan Silver Dollars

The Morgan Silver Dollar - A Brief History
No other U. S. silver coin can compare with the rich history enjoyed by the Morgan silver dollar (also known as the Liberty Head silver dollar). Designed by George T. Morgan, the Morgan dollar remains a favorite of both casual and serious coin collectors.

A total of five U. S. Mints were involved in the production of Morgan silver dollars from 1878 thru 1921: Carson City; Denver (1921 only); New Orleans; Philadelphia; and San Francisco.

Minting of the Morgan dollar was suspended in 1904 due a government shortage of silver bullion. Only about 8,812,000 (a relatively small mintage) were produced that year. It was another 17 years before another Morgan silver dollar was minted. In 1921, production resumed but later that year the Morgan dollar was replaced by the Peace silver dollar.

The world would be awash in Morgan silver dollars except for two events: 1) the Pittman Act of 1918 permitted the melting of 270,232,722 Morgans for their silver content; and, 2) unknown millions more were turned in and melted when silver reached an all time high of $50.50 per ounce in 1980. So the number of Morgan dollars in existence are far less than the number minted.

The Morgan Silver Dollar - Facts and Details
The Morgan silver dollar features the head of Lady Liberty on the obverse side and a spread-winged eagle on the reverse. Several small variations were made to this coin over its mint life. The mint mark is toward the bottom on the reverse side (just below the ribbon loops). Mint marks are "CC" for Carson City, "D" for Denver, "O" for New Orleans and "S" for the San Francisco Mints. If no mint mark appears, it was minted in Philadelphia.

Morgan silver dollars are 90% silver and 10% copper. Uncirculated Morgans contain .7734 Troy ounces of pure silver (24.0566 grams) with a gross weight of .859 Troy ounces (26.728 grams). Circulated Morgans are considered to contain .7650 Troy ounces of pure silver due to the "wear factor" in handling these coins (sometimes referred to as trade content). Circulated silver coins (including Morgan silver dollars) have been given the unworthy name "junk" silver.

If you are looking for the least expensive way of owning Morgan silver dollars and still get good coins, stay with the circulated grades of Extremely Fine (EF or XF) or About Uncirculated (AU). Uncirculated coins begin with Mint State 60 (MS60) and go to top-of-the-line MS65s. Use caution when investing in MS63 and higher grades - they should be graded and "slabbed" by either NGC or PCGS.

Stay with reputable dealers. And be sure to shop around - don't buy from the first dealer you find that sells Morgan dollars. Prices can vary widely and you will want to compare prices from several dealers to get the maximum amount of silver for your money.

Disclaimer: I have made every reasonable effort to produce an informative and helpful article on Morgan silver dollars based on my research and experiences. However, I make no representation or warranties of any kind with regard to its completeness, accuracy or suitability for any specific situation or purpose.

Copyright © 2008 Silver Investing Simplified - Morgan Silver Dollars

By: John Ausiman

About the Author:
John Ausiman was a salesman of gold and silver for one of the oldest, most reputable precious metals dealers in the U.S. He no longer is actively selling precious metals but wants to share his expertise with would-be gold and silver investors. You will find this complete article (with pictures) and other useful articles on silver at his web site http://www.silverinvestingsimplified.com


Buying Gold Bullion Coins as a Hedge Against the Economy

For serious investors looking to purchase gold bullion, coins often yield higher returns than gold bars. The main reason is that gold bullion coins carry intrinsic value beyond their carat weight and gold content. Gold bullion coins are also valued for their age, mintage, condition, design and country of origin.

Current gold bullion coins on the market today include the:

* American Buffalo

* American Eagle

* Canadian Maple Leaf and

* Austrian Philharmonic

American Buffalo

The U.S. Mint first introduced the American Buffalo gold bullion coin to the investment market back in 2006. These collectible coins, based on the original 1913 Type I Buffalo nickel, marked the beginning of .9999 fine gold bullion coins as issued by our nation's government.

The front side of the coin depicts a Native American from his profile, while the back features an American Buffalo shown grazing. The gold bullion coins weigh one troy ounce and mintage by year is as follows:

* 2006 - 300,000+

* 2007 - 200,000

* 2008 - Limit based on demand

American Eagle

The United States Mint first introduced the American Eagle gold bullion coins in 1986. These magnificent gold coins symbolize the liberty and freedom we have shared as a country for over two centuries.

Each American Eagle gold coin exhibits the time-honored patriotic symbols of Lady Liberty holding her freedom torch and an olive branch denoting peace. While the coins reverse side presents a male bald eagle carrying an olive branch to his female companion and her nest of babies.

All American Eagle gold bullion coins are backed by the United States Mint and come in the following sizes and values:

1. One-Ounce in $50.00 USD

2. Half-Ounce in $25.00 USD

3. Quarter-Ounce in $10.00 USD

4. Tenth-Ounce in $5.00 USD

Unlike the American Buffalo, the American Eagle gold bullion coins are 22KT (or .9167 fine) gold with a silver and copper alloy to help improve their endurance under typical handling. Every coin is guaranteed by the United States Mint to contain this precise measurement in gold.

Canadian Maple Leaf

The Canadian Maple Leaf gold bullion coins are world-recognized and esteemed for their purity and ornate design. Struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, the Maple Leaf has been in production for more consecutive years than any other gold bullion coin to date.

The Royal Canadian Mint is highly regarded for its flawless measures, and the Maple Leaf gold bullion coin is certainly no exception to their quality upheld. The Mint's requirements for impeccable planchets, from which the coins are struck, has spawned high interest and demand among investors and collectors alike.

The front side of the coin depicts Great Britain's beloved Queen Elizabeth II, while the backside features the Canadian national symbol of the maple leaf from which the coin derives its name.

The Canadian Maple Leaf gold bullion coin is produced in four sizes and denominations including:

1. One-Ounce in $50 Canadian

2. Half-Ounce in $20 Canadian

3. Quarter-Ounce in $10 Canadian and

4. Tenth-Ounce in $5 Canadian

Vienna Philharmonics

The Vienna Philharmonics gold bullion coin is internationally-recognized for its magnificence and solid gold content. Produced by the Austrian Mint in Vienna, Austria, the Philharmonic gold coin is minted by one of the oldest and most prestigious minting manufacturers in existence.

In 1989, the Philharmonic gold coin was first struck and denominated in Australian Shillings. That is, until 2002, when the coins were changed over to Euros, making it one of the few gold coins to have been minted and circulated in alternate currencies.

On the front side of the coin, one denotes the "Great Organ," as from the Vienna Philharmonic performance hall. While, the backside exhibits a plethora of instruments and the ochrestra's name inscribed in German.

The Vienna Philharmonics gold bullion coin is struck in four incremental sizes and values including:

1. One-Ounce in 100 Euros

2. Half-Ounce in 50 Euros

3. Quarter-Ounce in 25 Euros and

4. Tenth-Ounce in 10 Euros

In troubling times with weak economies, buying gold bullion is an optimal method for preserving your wealth and purchasing power. Gold bullion can be easily bought and sold around the World, so it is a highly liquid asset. This can provide an investor with the flexibility to trade gold bullion for various currencies in times of need.

As with any traded commodity, demand is the driving factor for increasing prices. Over the last four years, gold bullion has risen by more than 300%! Imagine if you had only purchased a few ounces back in 2004. However, gold has made a continuing rise due to a ever-weakening World economy. Thus, its upward trend may only persist in the years to come.

It is true that we currently live in times of uncertainty. Thus, wise investors are buying gold bullion to hedge against unforeseen disasters. Though no one investment is safe without diversity, adding gold bullion to your portfolio can help stave off bankruptcy.



By: Theodore Sisul

About the Author:

Ted Sisul has been writing online since 2001. He is well-versed in buying gold bullion bars and coins as an avid investor.

Visit Gold Bullion for Sale for more information.


How much is an abigail adams Gold coin worth?

Don't Know said:

It is a 2007-W Agigail Adams 24k Gold cold PCGS $10.00 coin which sold in the U.S. mint and I am wodering how much they really are. I do not want pay more then it is worth. Thanks

In numismatics, what is meant by ‘fido’?

Beejee said:

I think it either includes or is exclusive to paper money but I don't know what the word means.

Should I sell my five 1oz American EAgle gold coins?

Mr Stupid said:

With the price of gold over $900 should I sell my American Eagle gold coins? I have 5 ounces. Bought them when they were selling them for $700.

i have 1909 PCGS MS64RD LINCOLN COIN GRADED. I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT THE VALUE OF IT?

jeremy said:

certification number is 2431.64/3654961

How much is a quarter american eagle bullion gold coin worth right now?

blackjadedmoon said:

I don't want to get ripped off
wise_irish_owl...i'm not that stupid, i know it is not that cheap...if it were everybody would be stocking up on it. I know a quarter ounce is at least $100 - $200. I want someone who knows the real answer to tell me...like a gold collector.

PCGS 70 2004 $10 GF Star note?

karma said:

how many of these exist? and want would you estimate the value at knowing there is only 9600 of them and maybe 2 graded 70

Too good to be true? Silver American Eagle – $10 each, Gold Eagle (1/10 oz) – $63 each?

dude, where's my avatar said:

I recently found an ad in a finanaical magazine advertising the 2006 Gem BU (MS65) NGC-cert Silver American Eagle for $10 each (without NGC casing) and similar Gold Eagle (1/10 oz) selling for $63 each. Even the spots for silver and gold are more than those prices - too good to be true? What do you think?


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