Buying gold coins for beginners

Gold coins have been a valuable and sought-after commodity for centuries. Not only do they offer good value, but they are also a beautiful and timeless collectible. For beginners, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start collecting gold coins. This article is intended to provide a detailed overview of the different types of gold coins available to beginners.

Bullion coins:

Bullion coins are the most commonly traded form of gold coins. They are produced by government mints and usually have a high gold content, making them a popular choice for investors. The value of bullion coins is determined by their weight and purity, not by their rarity or historical significance. Some popular examples of bullion coins are the American Gold Eagle, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, the South African Krugerrand and the Chinese Panda. These coins are very liquid and easy to buy and sell, which makes them a good choice for beginners.

Numismatic coins:

Numismatic coins are collector coins valued for their rarity, historical significance and aesthetic appeal. They may be produced by government or private mints and may have a lower gold content than bullion coins. The value of numismatic coins is determined not only by their gold content, but also by factors such as their rarity, condition, historical significance and popularity among gold coin collectors.

Some popular examples of numismatic coins include the Natura Series, the Big Five Series, and the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Numismatic coins can be more difficult to buy and sell quickly when needed than bullion coins, but they offer the potential for greater appreciation over time.

Commemorative coins:

Commemorative coins are a type of numismatic coin minted to mark a specific event or anniversary. They can be produced by government or private mints and often have a limited mintage, making them highly collectible. Commemorative coins can have a higher gold content than numismatic coins, making them a popular choice for collectors and investors.

Some popular examples of commemorative coins are:

Rugby – 1995 – Commemorative coin series – South Africa

Presidential Inauguration – 1994 – South Africa

Namibia – 100 years Windhoek – 1990

Series of coins “Save our world” – Russia

Buying and selling commemorative coins can be more difficult than bullion coins, but they offer a unique and meaningful addition to a collection.

Proof coins:

Proof coins are a type of coins that are minted with a specially polished die and a blank coin die. They have a mirror-smooth finish and are often produced in limited quantities, making them highly sought-after collectibles. Proof coins may be produced by government or private mints and may have a higher gold content than bullion coins.

Popular examples of proof coins worldwide include the Krugerrand Proof, the American Gold Eagle Proof, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Proof, and the Australian Gold Kangaroo Proof. Proof coins tend to be more expensive than other types of coins and can be more difficult to buy and sell if you need to sell them quickly, but they offer a beautiful and unique addition to a collection.

Collecting gold coins – what should you focus on in your collection?

Here are just a few ideas for collection types you can consider, but of course it depends on your personal preferences.

Year/Date: You can collect coins minted in a specific year for a specific country, or a gold coin of a specific type for each year it was minted – for example the 1967 South African Krugerrand from its first year 1967 to today.

Continent or Country: You can collect gold coins by the continent or country you live in, by countries or continents you have visited, or you can try to collect a variety of coins from around the world – one coin from each country in the world. Africa, for example:

100 Francs Niger 1968 Diori Hamani

Namibia – 100 years Windhoek – 1990

Rwanda – 1965 – 100 Francs President Gregoire Kayibanda – 4th Independence Anniversary

Uganda – 100 Shillings – 1969 – Apostolic Visit of Pope Paul VI to Uganda

Swaziland – 5 Emalangeni – 1978 – Sobhuza II – 25th anniversary Queen Elizabeth II.

Ethiopia – 600 Birr – Walia Ibex – 1970/1978

Sudan – 100 pound – condition – scmitarhorn oryx – 1396/1976

Bophuthatswana – 1977 – The birth of a nation

Burundi – 100 Francs – 1967 – First Anniversary of the Republic

Time Period: Find coins minted during a specific time period. This can be the First or Second World War. For example Krugerrand 1 oz 2020 VE-Day Proof Gold Coin SA Mint South Africa

Weight: You can collect gold coins that contain exactly 1 ounce of gold.

For example: Kazakhstan – 10000 Tenge – 1995 – Silk Road (weight 1 oz. = 31,10 g)

Design: You can collect by design themes, such as animals, plants and flowers, sports, ships, war, famous people. The possibilities are endless, just follow your interests. For example, protea flower:

South Africa – Protea GRC – 1993

Protea 1 oz 1994 Big Five

Summary:

In summary, collectors have several types of gold coins at their disposal, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. Bullion coins are a good choice for beginners because they are easy to buy and sell and provide a straightforward investment opportunity. Numismatic coins offer the potential for greater appreciation over time, while commemorative coins are a unique and useful addition to a collection. Finally, proof coins are a beautiful and unique addition to a collection, although they can be more difficult to buy and sell quickly. When creating your collection, you can focus on a theme, weight, year, time period, or any other topic of interest to you. Whatever your preference, gold coin collecting can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby for beginners and experienced collectors alike.