Top 10 Numismatic Gold Coins
Coin collection hobby has been around since the birth of civilization. The earliest accounts of numismatic gold coins go back to Caesar Augustus, the founder of Roman Empire, giving out coins of various origins to his guests at the Saturnalia Roman Festival. The first book on numismatics is believed to appear in 1514 and written by a French scholar Guillaume Bude. In later years French Court was fond of coin collecting as well. The first official coin societies appeared in the 19th century providing support for the study, trade and recognition of all numismatic coins from all time periods and origins.
Today numismatic gold coins are not only an enjoyable hobby but a great way to diversify an investment portfolio. Many gold investing experts, gold coin dealers and professional numismatists tend to disagree what numismatic gold coins are truly defined as. Some believe that these are coins that come with a premium of over 15% over their actual physical gold value; others consider numismatic gold coins to be any non-gold bullion coins. With such “loose definitions”, it might get quite confusing for novice investors or collectors to know which numismatic gold coins are truly worth that extra premium you are paying for them. Additionally, numismatic coins come with an added value of coin’s rarity, grade level, scarcity and overall popularity.
Below we present top 10 numismatic gold coins choices for your consideration. If you are a novice collector and it’s hard for you to assess old coins and their value it’s best to consult a reputable gold coin dealer or purchase online from well-known sources.
1. $20 Saint Gaudens Gold is perhaps the most coveted coin in any numismatic collection. Some collectors believe that due to its unsurpassed beauty and 90% gold purity it’s not only a fine collector’s piece but also a great investment.
2. $20 Liberty (Coronet) Gold coins are highly prized for their historical significance and limited quantities circulating among collectors. These come in several design types and with one ounce 22 karat specifications.
3. $10 Liberty Gold ½ ounce coin is another fine example of popular numismatic choice. Some specimens minted before the Civil War at the New Orleans Mint House are especially valued among collectors.
4. $1 Gold Liberty (0.0484 oz, 22 karats) is the smallest numismatic coin in American coin making history with a diameter of only 13 mm. Designed by James B Longacre, the coin features Lady Liberty design with hair curled around her head and gathered with the coronet. The back of the coin displays mint marks at the border of laurel wreaths.
5. $10 Indian (1/2 oz, 22 karat) is an exquisite example of American pre-1933 coin minting industry. $10 Indian coins were first struck in 1907 and had more a pronounced 3-D effect compared to its later minted counterparts. The obverse side features the Lady Liberty wearing a war Indian feather bonnet and 13 stars representing first American colonies. The reverse bears an image of a Bald Eagle with laurel wreaths.
6. $5 Indian Gold (1/4 oz, 22 karat) is a smaller counterpart of the $10 Gold Indian with the design that was provided by American sculptor Bella Lyon Pratt. It’s also very highly rated among collectors due to its historical significance.
7. Swiss 20 Franc Gold coins are Europe’s most coveted numismatic gold coins minted at the end of the 19th century. Backed by the traditionally neutral government with large quantities of gold, Swiss Gold Franc boasts a beautiful obverse image of Helvetia “Swiss Miss” with the iconic background of Swiss Alps with the back featuring Swiss Cross Coats of Arms. Its 90% gold purity and 0.1867 weight make it a great and solid numismatic coin to own.
8. American Gold Eagle Proof coin (various sizes, 22 karat gold) is highly rated among coin collectors due to its superior mint quality, limited annual strikes and numismatic significance of being the official bullion coin of the American Nation.
9. British Gold Sovereigns are collectible gold coins that have been struck at the Royal Mint on and off since 1817. These 22 karat numismatic gold coins each weigh 7.98 grams and bear images of Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and Saint George and the Dragon on the reverse.
10. $3 Indian Princes is among very rare gold coins that any collector would dream of adding into their possession. This is also the one and only $3 American gold coin that weights approximately 5 grams and comes in 22 karat fineness.