Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Investing in Twenty Dollar Gold Coin

Twenty dollar gold coins, commonly known as Double Eagles, are the largest-denomination regular-issue gold coins minted in the US. "Twenties" are commonly traded in the market and, with a composition of 0.9675 gold per ounce, they trade slightly below the gold bullion. Twenty dollar gold coins are commonly traded in the range of $760 and $800.

Twenty Dollar Gold Coin: A Brief History
The $20 Liberty Double Eagle is one of the most recognized gold coins in the world. The coin had been a building block of the US economy and the financial market during the 19th and 20th centuries. They were used by the average individual as well as international traders. Around the time of issue of the $20 Liberty, gold was officially trading at $20.67 an ounce. Consequently, the coin’s weight was fixed at 0.9675 oz. Prior to the issue of the twenty dollar Liberty in 1849, the highest-denomination of coins issued by the US Government was $10, known as the ‘Eagle.’

Twenty Dollar Gold Coin: Types and Specifications

Twenty dollar gold coins in circulation are available in two broad variants:

• The Liberty ‘Coronet Head’: Minted between 1849 and 1907, this features the bust of Lady Liberty facing the left on one side and an eagle with stars and sun-rays on the other.

• The Saint Gauden coins: Minted between 1907 and 1933, these coins are named after its designer, bear a standing Liberty on one side and a flying eagle on its reverse.

Twenty Dollar Gold Coin: A Great Investment Option?
Twenty dollar liberties have a return value at the time of purchase itself, due to their high composition of gold (around 91.67%). Besides, these coins have the dual advantage of gaining in value when gold prices rise and when their value as collectors’ items rise.

The market of Saint Gaudens is just as strong, since it is stocked by government treasuries as well as several royal families. Besides their market value, the stunning design of Saint Gaudens makes them popular collectors’ items.

Twenty dollar gold coins are classified as a rarity by the US National Government. Besides, these coins accompany more flexible reporting requirements than regular gold bullion.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

What are My Gold coins Worth

This is a question asked very frequently by coin owners, sometimes for selling the coins or just out of plain curiosity. It actually gives immense satisfaction to a person to know how valuable his collection is. Whatever the reason may be, here is how you can determine the value of your gold coins:

Intrinsic Value

Intrinsic value of the gold coins would be the price of the gold when it is melted and valued. The gold bullion coins of today are actually valued close to their intrinsic value since buying gold coins is likened to investing in gold. These kinds of coins do not have any premium attached to them. Modern bullion coins are the American Eagles, South African Krugerrands, Canadian Maple Leafs.

Collector Coins

There are gold coins that are rare or old and are collector’s item. These are more valuable than ordinary gold coins. They are priced for their value as a rare coin along with the price of the gold.

Of course for the person who is knowledgeable about rare gold coins either as a collector or a numismatic, such numismatic coins are a much better option as an investment. They know the trade and they know the value of the coin. A medieval gold coin like an Angel can sell for $3 million too. Clearly the history of the coin increases its value.
The four important things that make the value of the collector coins are:

1. The condition of the coin, it should not be defaced or damaged
2. How rare it is
3. If it is linked to history – like a commemorative coin or belonging to a particular significant era
4. Quality of the coin

Your bullion coins are valued close to the gold spot price, and it is easy to check that as it is declared in the newspapers and gold markets daily.