Posts Tagged ‘coins’

Identifying Counterfeit Coins

Coin collecters must always keep an eye out for counterfeit coins. Most coins for sale are genuine and sold at fair market value by honest dealers. That said, when a collecter does buy an altered or counterfeit coin the financial hit can be tremendus. Three basic types of fake coins exist: cast counterfeit, struck counterfeit and altered. Some fakes are of such high quality that even experts can be fooled occationally. Most of the time though a knowledgeable collector can weed out the suspicious looking coins.

Struck Counterfeit Coins

A struck counterfeit coins is often hard to detect. Struck counterfeit coins are made using the same process that the mint makes real coins with. Two dies, with the coin's design stamped into them, are placed in a press. Then a sheet of metal is placed between the dies. The dies are then squezed together to form the "coin."

A real coin is used as a model for a struck counterfeit coin's dies. Due the amount of time involved, counterfeiters take a lot of time to ensure accuracy. Most struck counterfeit coins contain die markers, or marks not normally found on a real coin. Struck counterfeits are not exact copies. It often takes a jeweler's loop and a great deal of knowledge to spot the differences between a real coin and a fake. For this reason coin collecters should know the die markers that are common to a real rare date coin.
 

Cast Counterfeit Coins

A cast counterfeit, an actually copy of a real coin, is made from a mold is made of both sides of a coin. Molten metal is poured into each half and then the halves are pressed together. This type of counterfeit coin was most often made to fool store clerks prior to the 20th century and were most often copies of silver coinage. Usually the metal used was not silver but a cheap base metal. Many times the dates were common.

Many times cast counterfeit coins are easy for an experienced collectors to spot. Cast copies will have a seam along the edge, as long as reeding was not added after the cast copy was made. If there is reeding, then inspect it closely for completeness and make sure that the reeds are even. Cast counterfeit coins often have a grainy look with lots of small pits in the fields around the design elements. The detail of the design elements will not be clear for the condition. When held in your hand, cast counterfeits have a different feel. Often they feel slimy or like they are coated with oil. The cheap metal used gets warm quickly and if dropped does not sound right.

Altered Counterfeit Coins

An altered counterfeit coin is made from a real common coin that has been altered to look like a valuable coin. This is the easiest way to make a fake coin. Many times tiny scratches will remain on the surface of the fake coin. The surface of the coin will not match the surface on different areas of the coin.

There are many examples of altered coins. 1937-D nickels sometimes have a leg removed to look like the famous 3-legged variety. This would change a coin that is worth a dollar or two into one that could sell for 0 or more. By knowing the diagnostics of the real 3-legged buffalo, you would know to look for the buffalo urinating.

Altering the date is another common way to cheat a collector. A famous example is the 1856 Flying Eagle penny. Only about 1000 real 1856 Flying Eagles were made as presentation pieces. They are extremely valuable. Some counterfeiters alter the 8 on an 1858 penny so that it looks like a 6. This only fools collectors that do not know what the real date looks like on the 1856. The shape and spacing of the real 56 cannot be duplicated with the 58. Anouther example of an altered date would be 1944-D pennies that have been changed to look like the 1914-D. Always check the date area carefully.

Mint-marks are sometimes added or removed to increase the value of a coin. Always look extremely close at the mint-mark area. Coins like the 1922-D penny can have the mint-mark removed easily. This can turn a coin into a 0 fake. Mint-marks are sometimes added to a coins surface. Many 1909-S VDB pennies are really nothing more than a 1909 VDB with the S added.

Most of the time a counterfeit coin can be detected with a good jeweler's loop and a basic knowledge of a particular coin's diagnostics. Beware of coins that have tiny marks that are not consistent with the rest of the coin. One of the best defenses against buying fake coins is a collectors instincts. If it does not feel right or the price is to good to be true, do not buy it.

Why You Should Acquire American Silver Eagle Coins

Article by David Mahler

Like Gold Silver is Real Money Silver is true money. Most people don't think of it as that but it truly is. What most of the people consider real money has no innate value. In fact, toilet papers are more valuable than these items. It only has value because our government says it does and requires us to use it via legal tender laws.

The Federal Reserve Can't Print Silver The US Treasury can't do it anywhere near the rate that they can create new dollars although the Treasury does mint silver coins. Now that we live in a digital age the monetary supply can be grown with a computer entry instead of having to start up the printing press which allows the monetary supply to expand just that much faster.

The money you have in your savings bank looses value when the Federal Reserve creates more money. This occurs because when the monetary supply increases the amount of goods and services don't increase. When more dollars are chasing the same amount of goods and services then the price of those goods and services has to go up. This is why it is a good idea to acquire silver because the Federal Reserve can't create silver like it does paper money and so they can't devalue silver like they do the US Dollar.

Silver is Less expensive Than Gold I have read that gold is eight times more hard to find than silver contrary to what others say that silver is more scarce than gold. Either way the price ratio between silver and gold is about 60 to 1 right now. Put simply, the cost of 60 ounces of silver is equal to one ounce of gold. Some may conclude that silver is undervalued at the moment. Investing is more easier for the average Joe because of the lower nominal price.

You Have Something of Real Value Just in Case What I mean by this is if and when hyperinflation ever happens you will have a real store of value. This is not to scare you so you will not buy silver. However, that can occur at any time. I personally don't concur with his evaluation but internationally famous investor Marc Faber thinks it is a 100% certainty that the US will encounter hyperinflation.

Even if you don't believe hyperinflation will ever occur I suggest you consider getting silver bullion as a prudent addition to your portfolio. By far, the best price online is American Precious Metals Exchange.

More reasons to buy American Silver Eagle Coins

What Is The Difference Between Gold Bullion Coins And Bars?

Article by Geoff Lilienfeld

The major difference between gold bullion coins and gold bullion bars is that the coins are minted in coin form. These can be extremely beautiful and the designs change depending on the nation that mints them. The variation in the design or stamping of the coins can make them more interesting to people who enjoy collecting them. Gold bullion bars on the other hand can be a more economical way of collecting gold because they can be purchased in smaller quantities.

The most popular gold coins are the one ounce coins. These can be expensive because while they are stamped as being a coin, they are actually valued by the weight and purity of the gold used to make them. A one ounce coin could actually be valued at 63 or higher depending on the spot price on the day you purchase it. One difference between gold bullion coins and bars is that bars can be purchased in 1 gram weights on up, while most gold bullion coins come in a 1 ounce weight. The gold bullion bars may be a better choice for the smaller investor who wants to build up their investment gradually. There is no arguing with the fact that the gold bullion coins are much more attractive.

Some of the favorite gold coins on the market today are the American Gold Eagle, the Canadian Maple Leaf and the South African Krugerrand. Of the three the American Eagle is the most popular coin on the market. This coin outsells all other coins and is the popular choice for many precious metal investors. The Canadian Maple Leaf is one of the only 24 carat coins and offers a good option for the investor in precious metals that want a higher quality. The South African Krugerrand is one of the least expensive gold coins because the cost of minting them is lower.

Whether you chose the coins or bars for your investment choice you will be making a wise investment choice. Adding precious metals to your investment portfolio is an excellent plan. Precious metals have something that most other investments just can't offer you and that is an intrinsic value. Historically when the economy is shaky precious metals have continued to increase in value.

About the Author

http://www.gold-bullion.org/gold-bullion-coins is one source of more in depth information about the benefits of adding gold bullion coins to your investment portfolio. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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How To Buy Gold Eagle Coins

Gold Eagle Coins also known as the American Gold Eagle is a collectible. A lot of people are on a look-out to buy gold eagle coins and this is on top of their list. It is easy for them to determine what designs they want and what designs to look for because a lot of information is available online.

This is proof that so many people are willing to buy gold eagle coins and either collect these or invest in these.

When you buy gold eagle coins, each coin shows the denomination on one side and the official weight on the other side. The American Gold Eagles are authorized by the United States Congress.

Those who buy gold eagle coins know that the best designs for them to collect are those that have the back up of the government. If the coins, bars, or palladium all have back up from the government, then it means that these are safe investments.

The popularity of gold eagle coins started in 1986. More and more people were interested to buy gold eagle coins. This generated more circulation for the collectible.

American Gold Eagle coins then started to come in different sizes and different values. This is the way for gold manufacturers to indulge the high demand of the market that is very interested to buy gold eagle coins.

You cannot buy gold eagle coins of rare sources from the United States Government Mint. Instead, you would have to go to an Authorized dealer. However, you can buy uncirculated coins as long as you make sure that they give you with the proof of purchase.

The proof coins are considered really valuable when you buy gold eagle coins. This is because the proof coins are not in circulation yet, therefore the avid collector is really on a lookout for these designs.

Whichever you prefer, Gold Eagles are wonderful coins to collect and can provide you with many hours of enjoyment.

Just by looking at these and paying close to their details, you will understand why there are so many coin investors and collectors out there. It is as if every coin has a story to tell.

When you buy Gold Eagle coins, it’s as if you are buying a book and you are open to the idea of knowing more about the coin.

Since 1986, the series the Gold Eagle coins are the most popular product in the United States. This is recognized in most accounts.

If you buy these and go to another county, chances are you can re-sell these since this is backed up by the US government anyway. You can surely make an investment with these coins.

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www.RegalGoldCoins.com American Gold Coins - Call 1-(888)-700-9887 US Gold coins have become one of the more popular forms of gold investment over the last decade. US gold coins by law have to be minted to keep up with the public demand. In doing so Good proof coins and fractional gold has been susspended as the demand for the American Gold Eagle Coins have reached unoresendented intrest due to an unstable US currency. Gold is recognized by all countries and has been a form of trade for over 6000 years. China and India both have long term buying programs for their banks and encourage individuals to buy gold. As fiat currencies not backed by gold come under scutiny the demand for gold increases. American gold eagle coins and other US gold coins can be purchased and delivered to your home for physical possession by calling 1-888-700-9887 or visiting http

A Beginner's Guide to Rare Coins

Coin collecting is one hobby that is both fun and challenging. To help those who are looking for those rare coins, here is a list of hard to find ones that are worth moving "heaven and earth" for.

Gold coins are something of a rare commodity. They were circulated only until 1933, which makes them expensive when they are auctioned. The nice thing about gold is that its value probably will never go down - making it a good investment.

Another rare coin sought by collectors is the Liberty Seated Dollar. These were last produced some time in the 19th century and are considered to be a rare find.

From 1875 to 1878, twenty cent coins were minted. This coin looks very much like a quarter and since its value is very low today, it is a coin worth looking for.

The Barber half dollars are rare coins that were minted from 1892 until 1915 and are collected by people depending on date or type. One of the challenges that occurs when searching for this coin is finding one in good condition.

The 1917 type One Standing Liberty Quarter is another coin worth owning. It was only minted for 2 years and shows the exposed breast of Ms. Liberty. This design created such an uproar that it had to be replaced and was only circulated for a year.

Mercury dimes were produced periodically during the 20th century. The market value of them is a piece.

The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a beautiful coin for collectors. They were only circulated for 4 years and are considered to be one of the all time rare coins to ever exist.

The Texas Commemorative Half Dollar is another rare coin. Only 150,000 of these were minted over a 4 year period and just 60% to 80% of these are still available today making it one of the hardest coins to find today...

The most expensive coin is the Saint Gaudens. This was sold in an auction for nearly million. The design is truly superb and the value of it has never dropped even during the 1980-82 bear market.

Rare coins are truly a challenge for anyone who seeks to make this a mission in life. Not only are they hard to find but it they are expensive to acquire. Should a person have the funds available to purchase them then this adventure is truly something worth finishing.

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Major types of US dollars Coins

Dollars appear in nine major types, which we discuss in this article.

Flowing Hair (1794–1795)

The first U.S. silver dollars bore Robert Scot's Flowing Hair design. Because the U.S. Mint relied on depositors for its silver (see the "Flowing Hair half dollars (1794–1795)" section, earlier in this chapter), mintages are spotty. In fact, less than 2,000 1794 silver dollars were struck. As expected, the 1794 is rare, but the 1795 is affordable.

Draped Bust (1795–1804)

The Draped Bust silver dollar comes in two subtypes: one with the plain eagle design of 1795 and a later version with an eagle with a shield. The rarest date in this series is the 1804, one of the greatest rarities in all of U.S. numismatics (holder of a record price of .14 million — see Chapter 24). Funny thing, though: The 1804 dollar wasn't struck until at least 1834, when some were made as special presentation pieces for overseas VIPs. Several collectors are working on die-variety sets from this type, but the high cost of the coins keeps most collectors out.

Seated Liberty (1836–1873)

No silver dollars were struck for circulation between 1804 and 1836, which was an awfully long time to go without one of the bedrocks of the U.S. money system. In 1836, an employee of the U.S. Mint named Christian Gobrecht designed a new silver dollar featuring a Seated Liberty design that was to become a standard on all silver coins just a few years later. The reverse of the coin shows an eagle in flight amidst a field of stars (this beautiful Flying Eagle reverse was never adopted for use on silver dollars, but it did eventually appear on the new small cents of 1856–1858). By the time Gobrecht's silver dollar made it into general circulation in 1840, the reverse design of the coin was changed to a plain eagle with arrows and an olive branch in its talons.

Trade (1873–1885)

In 1873, the U.S. Mint began producing a special silver dollar to circulate in the Orient and compete with similar coins from other nations (see Figure 11-30). The new trade dollar bore a modified version of the Seated Liberty design — this time, Liberty is seated on a bale of cotton, and she offers an olive branch to an unknown recipient on the other side of the ocean. The trade dollar enjoyed some popularity in Asia, where merchants would punch their special marks into the coin to give it their stamp of approval. Even though the trade dollar was heavier than the regular U.S. silver dollars, it was good only for purchases up to in the United States. After that, the trade dollar was worth only its bullion value, which was less than its face value. As a result, many of the coins found their way back into the United States, where they could be spent at a profit.

Morgan (1878–1921)

George T. Morgan never could have guessed that his new silver dollar of 1878 would become the most important silver coin in the United States and the most widely collected coin in all of numismatics. Morgan's design is simple yet elegant, with a classic head of Liberty and an eagle with outstretched wings. Thanks to large hoards of silver dollars uncovered over the years, sufficient quantities of Uncirculated coins exist to support the active collector market. Key dates in this series include the 1889-CC, 1892-S, 1893-S, and the proof-only 1895. Certain Uncirculated silver dollars have mirrored surfaces ranging from partially mirrored to deeply mirrored. A deep mirror proof-like is the collector's dream, and some dates are extremely rare in this format.

Peace (1921–1935)

Following World War I, everybody wanted peace. Some Americans wanted it so badly that they petitioned for a peace dollar and got it. Unfortunately, by the time the design was finished, peace turned out to be nothing more than a small word on the back of the coin. In a nod to classical ancient styling, the designer used a Roman spelling for the motto In God We Trust, using a V instead of a U. This simple change accounts for a large portion of the phone calls received by dealers every day: New owners of peace dollars think they have a rare error. Peace dollars were made from 1921 to 1935. The first year had an unusually high relief that was lowered in subsequent years. All dates are available and affordable, although the 1928 and 1934-S can be a challenge in nice condition.

Eisenhower head (1971–1978)

The Eisenhower dollar was originally meant to honor the astronauts of Apollo 11 for their historic landing on the moon. However, a portrait of Ike was placed on the front of the coin because he died a few months before the lunar landing took place. The reverse of the coin shows an eagle landing on the moon with an olive branch in its talons. The Ike dollars made for general circulation were made of the same copper-nickel-clad metal used on other U.S. coins beginning in 1965, but collectors were allowed to purchase specially packaged Uncirculated and proof example in 40 percent silver. In 1975 and 1976, a special design was used to celebrate the U.S. bicentennial.

Anthony head (1979–1999)

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar replaced the Eisenhower dollar in 1979. Susan B. Anthony fought for women's rights, especially the right to vote, in the 1800s. When a new, smaller coin was being considered, Suzie turned out to be one of the more popular subjects. Mint officials thought a smaller dollar would circulate better than the old 38-millimeter version, but the public absolutely hated the new coin because it was too easily confused with a quarter dollar (shades of the old 20-cent piece all over again). Millions of the Anthony dollars remained unissued in the government's vaults.

Sacagawea (2000 to present)

Despite the failures of the 20-cent piece and the Susan B. Anthony dollars, and despite resistance from the general public, the U.S. government persists in developing small-size dollar coins. Its latest experiment, the Sacagawea dollar, has met with some success.

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American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins

The American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins are one of the worlds most purchased coins – The reason for this is that they are accepted in nearly all major investment markets around the world. And are a fantastic hedge against rising inflation in the economy.

These American Eagle's are also the most widely traded coins in the whole of the U.S.A.

Introduced and authorized by the Bullion Coin Act in 1985, the American eagle gold bullion coins are the only bullion coin to have their weight, purity and metal content guaranteed by the U.S government which makes investors extra secure when purchasing these much sought after coins.

This makes the American eagle gold bullion coins one of the worlds most secure gold investments and therefore one of the worlds leading coins for that very purpose.

The American eagle gold bullion coins are made using the standard metal for coins which was established 350 years ago – 22 Karat gold.

Of course the value of these coins depends entirely on the market price of the metals contained in the coin.

As for the way this coin appears, on the reverse of the coin is where you will find the image imprinted of an American eagle carrying an olive branch over it's nest to feed the hatchlings – You can also make out unhatched eggs in the nest. A very pretty coin indeed!

Of course, you'll want to know where you can pick up these coins and you do have a few options – The first option you have is to visit certain banks or major dealers who deal in precious metals. It's pretty much pot-luck with this option and it involves a lot of travel to ensure you're getting a good deal.

While this is certainly a valid option, a better one I've found is to stay online – You can find many gold bullion dealers right in the comfort of your own home but be sure to research so that you may find the best deal for your purchase.

My favourite place is bullion411.com – Here you'll find information on a huge variety of gold bullion coins and you have the option to bid in an auction style format for the coin that you want. This means you could be saving tons of money on the coin of your choice.

I'd highly recommend it if you wanted to get your hands on American eagle gold bullion coins – You will very likely bag yourself a bargain as they really are the 411 on bullion!

VIDEO OF MY COLLECTION OF LARGE (ONE OUNCE) GOLD BULLION COINS AND BARS OF THE WORLD. IT INCLUDES KRUGERRANDS, AMERICAN EAGLES, LIBERTY 20 DOLLARS, CANADA MAPLE LEAF, ISLE OF MAN ANGEL, CROWN, AMERICAN BUFFALO, MEXICO 50 PESOS, SOVIET OLYMPIC 100 ROUBLES, 500 DOLLAR NOTE and many more. MUSIC: COME TOGETHER /COVER / MICHAEL JACKSON.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

American Gold Eagle Bullion Coins

Investing in American Gold Eagle Coins

The market for gold bullion coins has increased since the original mint in 1986. Coins bearing the artistic design by Augustus Sain-Gaurdens of Lady Liberty carrying an olive branch and torch have circulated in the market since 1907.  Collectors often purchase the coins, realizing the face value of the coins will increase due to the bullion the coin is created from. Investors seeking to purchase coins in the recent market also realize the prices for many items such as coins or stocks has decreased.  The current price for a 2010 American Eagle Gold coin is twelve hundred dollars. There is a variety of sources that purchase the coins based on the market value. Finding the right buyer is often as much of a battle as ensuring the coins are being priced at appraisal value if listed online.

American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins for sale

The purchase price of a certified, uncalculated 2010 American eagle gold coin may shock many consumers. The price of the coin often increases in value over time. The consumer must ensure the gold coin is authentic, unblemished and insured. The ability to insure an item such as a gold coin may require the proper documentation to prove the authenticity of the coin. The insurance value will never exceed the total value of the coin. A 2009 American eagle gold coin is currently valued at twelve hundred dollars while the 2008 American eagle gold coin is valued at a median value of twenty seven hundred dollars with proof of authenticity.

Consumers, collectors and investors interested in purchasing an American eagle gold coin have many resource available online. The resources available online may offer letter of authenticity and special shipping options due to the value of the item being shipped Consumers interested in purchasing an authentic coin are encouraged to seek information on the company they are interested in purchasing the item from before completing the transaction. Ensuring the funds are going towards the purchase of such an investment requires investigation into the company that is offering the item. Many American eagle gold coin retailers on the Internet offer extensive contact information and the ability to track the package containing the product purchased.

Investing in an item such as an American eagle gold coin may seem like an unstable investment. Consumers are encouraged by the increase in value of the coin due to the precious materials used to create the coin. Consumers are able to view the value of the coin in the market by checking on the information listed with the stock market. The value fluctuates based on the state of the current world trade market. Recent market changes have reflected the 32 percent increase in the value of the current gold coin in the market. Monitoring the value may require the consumer to monitor the world trade market daily. Consumers have received more than twice the purchase price of the coin. An appraiser can evaluate the value information based on the year.

American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins for sale

There is a plethora of investing options available, yet purchasing an American eagle gold coin assures the consumer will receive a definite return in their investment. The price of gold often rises with the plummet in the economy, leaving many investors or collectors avidly searching for gold coins for safekeeping. Before purchasing a coin, ensure the coin has the proper documentation of authenticity, the coin is undamaged, the retailer or seller is reputable, and the coin has been taken to an appraiser to provide the final check to ensure the coin is genuine.