Acquiring US Gold Coins

The US Mint sales report for the second week of November 2010 suggests an increase in the sales of numismatic US gold coins. The 2010 Proof Gold Buffalo sales, for instance, touched the 40,000 level, and the 2010 Proof Gold Eagle 4 Coin Set registered the largest unit sales for any gold product.

US Gold Coins: History

The history of the US coinage consists of gold coins of several denominations and types. The standard denomination for these coins in the US is “eagles.” So, $2.5 gold coins are called quarter eagles and $5 coins called half eagles. The smallest minted coin in the country’s history, the Liberty Head Type I $1 coin(1849-1854) was 1/20oz. This was followed by Types 2 and 3 coins. In 1796, the quarter eagles were produced in different varieties, including Capped Bust to Right Quarter Eagle, Classic Head Quarter Eagle an Indian Head Quarter Eagle. Subsequently, $3, $4, $5, $10 and $20 gold coins were also launched with different designs, variants and face values.

While the best designs in the US coinage history were created during the 19th to the early 20th century, only a few specimens from the pre-1933 era exist today. Hence, they are considered rare and valuable pieces.

Investing in US Gold Coins

As numismatic gold coins are extremely rare and valuable when compared to bullion coins, some people prefer modern American gold coins. These coins are valued purely on their gold content, and are not meant for circulation. Prominent examples of gold bullion coins include the First Spouse Gold Coin, American Gold Eagle Coin and American Buffalo Gold Coin.

• First Spouse Gold Coins: The US Mint’s First Spouse Gold coins are dedicated to the spouses of former US presidents. The obverse side of the coin contains the portrait of the first spouse, their term and name, and the reverse side depicts the symbolic images of these personalities. Launched in 2007, these 24-k coins also have the coin’s face value, gold content and purity inscribed on them. In case the serving US president was without a spouse, the picture of Lady Liberty is struck on the obverse. The reverse depicts the emblematic themes of the said President’s life.
• American Gold Eagle Coins: The official gold bullion coin of the US, it is also among the world’s most popular gold coins. The American Gold Eagle’s one side depicts a full-length figure of Lady Liberty, and the reverse side has an airborne American eagle holding an olive branch. This side also has the coin’s gold content, face value and purity inscribed on it. The gold content, weight and purity of these coins are guaranteed by the US government; and these can be traded in the coin market. The market value of these coins depends on their gold content, rather than its face value. So, investors must check the current gold market rate before selling gold bullion coins. These coins are also produced as proof coins in limited numbers every year.
• American Buffalo gold coin: The first 24-k gold bullion coin released by the US Mint, the American Buffalo was launched on June 22, 2006. Also called the gold buffalo, it opened to great demand from collectors and investors alike. With an introductory price of US$800, the gold buffalo price has witnessed tremendous and continuous rise through the years. The coin is named after the American bison, and was designed by James Earle Fraser. One of the most beautiful coins created in the US, these coins were available only in 1 0z bullion and as proof coins during 2006 and 2007.

Anyone can buy any of these gold coins from either the US Mint or reputable dealers across the country.