Double Gold Ducat 1765 Empress Maria Theresa

Maria Theresa.  2 Gold Ducats, minted in 1765.

Obverse: Standing crowned figure of Maria Theresia right, holding Imperial orb and sceptre. K-B in fields.
Legend: M. THER . D:G . R . I . G . H . B . R . A . A . D . B . C . T .
Exergue: - 2 - (2 Ducats)

Reverse: Nimbate crowned Madonna, seated in couds, holding nimbate Jesus child, stepping on crescent.
Comment: Crowned Arms of the Kingdom of Hungary flanked by floral ornaments below.
Legend: P[A]TRONA . REGNI . HUNGARIAE . 1765 .

Mintage: 26,000 pcs
Mint Place: Kremnitz (K-B)
Denomination: 2 Ducats (Double Ducat)
Reference: Friedberg 179, KM-379.
 Weight: 6.85 gram of Gold (.990) - 0.2222 oz. AGW.
Diameter: 24 mm

Belgium 20 Francs 20 Frank Gold Coin 1914 King Albert I of Belgium

Belgian Gold Coins - 20 Francs

Belgium Gold 20 Franc

Belgium 20 Francs 20 Frank Gold Coin 1914 King Albert I

Obverse: Uniformed bust of Albert I of Belgium left. Legends in Dutch around.
Legend: . ALBERT . KONING . - . DER . BELGEN .

Reverse: Crowned coat-of-arms of the Kingdom of Belgium, splitting date and denomination.
Legend: 20 - F. / 19 - 14 / G. DEVEREESE
 
Mintage: 125,000 pcs.
Denomination: 20 Francs (20 Frank)
Mint Year: 1914 Type with Flemish legends
Reference: Friedberg 422, KM-79 (Position A). R
Weight: 6.44 gram of Gold (.900) .1867 oz. AGW
Diameter: 21 mm

King Albert I of Belgium
Albert I, (born April 8, 1875, Brussels, Belgium—died 17 February 1934, Marche-les-Dames, near Namur) reigned as King of the Belgians from 1909 to 1934, who led the Belgian army during World War I and guided his country’s postwar recovery.

  The younger son of Philip, count of Flanders (brother of King Leopold II), Albert succeeded to the throne in 1909—Leopold’s son and Albert’s father and older brother having died earlier. Before World War I Albert worked to strengthen the army, gaining passage in 1913 of a military conscription bill. He reaffirmed Belgian neutrality to France and Germany in the summer of 1914 and rejected the German emperor William II’s ultimatum of Aug. 2, 1914, demanding free passage of German troops across Belgian territory. A German invasion followed two days later.
  Albert assumed leadership of the Belgian army at the outset of the war but was forced to retreat beyond the Yser River after the fall of Antwerp in October 1914. German troops then occupied the entire country except for the southwestern districts of Flanders. During the whole of the war Albert remained with his troops, making continual visits to the front-line trenches from his headquarters at De Panne on the Belgian coast. When the general Allied offensive of September 1918 was undertaken, he commanded the Franco-Belgian northern army group, which captured Ostend and Brugge and forced the passage of the Lys River.

Following the Armistice, Albert appealed to the Allies to abolish Belgian neutrality, formalized by European treaties in 1839, and gained passage in Parliament of universal male suffrage. For the next 15 years he guided the nation’s rebuilding effort, which included public-works construction and redevelopment of industries destroyed by the German occupation. In 1926 he helped introduce a new monetary system. Albert was killed by a fall while rock climbing in 1934.

BELGIUM 20 FRANCS GOLD COIN 1869 LEOPOLD II

Belgian Gold Coins - 20 Francs

Gold 20 Belgium Francs

BELGIUM 20 FRANCS GOLD COIN 1869 LEOPOLD II

COIN CONTAINS .1867 OUNCES OF PURE GOLD

Obverse: Bearded head of Leopold II right. Engraver´s intials (L.W.) below.
Lgend: LEOPOLD II ROI DES BELGES / 1869

Reverse: Crowned coat of arms with lion inside order collar.
Legend: L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE / 20 FR
  
Mint Place: Brussels.
Engraver: Leopold Wiener (L.W.)
Reference: Friedberg 412, KM-32.
Weight: 6.43 gram of Gold (.900)
Diameter: 21 mm

NETHERLANDS 10 GULDEN GOLD COIN, MINTED IN 1913

Netherlands 10 Guilder gold coins feature Queen Wilhelmina

Dutch Gold Coins

NETHERLANDS 10 GULDEN GOLD COIN, MINTED IN 1913.
COIN CONTAINS .1947 OUNCES OF PURE GOLD

Netherlands, Holland. Gold Knight Ducat Coin, 1770.

 United Provinces of  Netherlands  Gold Knight Ducat coin, minted in 1770.

Obverse: Knight standing right in armour, holding sword which rests on shoulder and a bundle of arrows, splitting date (1770).

Reverse: Legend in five lines inside ornate square. Fields around decorated with floral ornaments.
Legend: MO ORDI PROVIN FOEDER BELG AD LEG IMP
Expanded: "MOneta ORDinum PROVINciarum FOEDERatorum BELGicarum AD LEGem IMPerii"
Translated: "Coin of government of the provincial federation of Belgium Conforming with the law of the Imperial."
Minted in Holland beginning in the 17th century to fuel its extraordinary tenure as the world's foremost commercial trader, the Netherlands one ducat gold coin offers both strong visual appeal and a scarcity value that could command a healthy premium in the years to come.
The first Netherlands trade ducat was issued in 1487 under Phillip the Fair and a coin very similar to the one depicted above has been minted more or less continuously from the early 1600s on. The net fine weight of 3.5 grams gold never changed to the modern era. The trade ducat is minted as a gold bullion coin even today. Only the Venetian ducat has enjoyed greater longevity.
The obverse of the famed ducat coin depicts a knight holding a bundle of arrows signifying the unity of the six northern provinces under the 1579 Union of Utrecht -- a declaration of independence from Spain. The motto Concordia Res Parvae Crescunt translates to "the union makes small things grow." The legend on the reverse translates to "money of the provinces of the United Netherlands according to the law of the empire."


Legend: CONCORDIA . RES PAR . CRES . HOL .
Expanded: "CONCORDIA RES PARvae CREScunt HOL"
Translated: "Through unity little things grow (Union is strength), Holland"
  State: United Provinces
Mint Place: Dodrecht (Holland)
Denomination: Gold Knight Ducat
Reference: Delmonte 775, Friedberg 250, KM-12.3.
 Weight: 3.43 gram of Pure Gold
Diameter: 22 mm

Gelderland, Charles of Egmond. Gold Rider Gulden, minted in 1538.

Gelderland  (Netherlands), Charles of Egmond. Gold   l Knight Rider Gulden  /  Floriated Cross type, mint period 1492-1538 AD.

Obverse: Knight on war horse, wearing plummed helmet, brandishing sword and charging right. Province name (*GEL*) in exergue.
Legend: KARLVS x DVX GELR IVL' C ZV

Reverse: Shield of Guelders on floriated cross.
Legend: + MON ' NOVA + AVREA + DVCIS : GELRE

Bishop: Karel (Charles) van Egmont (1492-1538)Charles of Egmond (9 November 1467 in Grave, North Brabant – 30 June 1538) was Duke of Guelders, Count of Zutphen between 1492 and his death.
Denomination: Gold Gulden (also known Rider Gulden).
Diameter: 24 mm
Weight: 3.22 gm of gold

Utrecht "Golden Rider" - 14 Gulden Gold coin, 1763

Utrecht "Golden Rider" - 14 Gulden Gold coin, minted in 1763

Obverse: Armored knight riding horse brandishing sword galloping above crowned shield with arms of Utrecht below.
Legend: BELG : TRAIECT . (privy mark: shield) MO : AUR : PRO CONFOED :

Reverse: Crowned shield with dutch arms, date (17+63) split above. Value (14 GL.) in fields.
Legend: CONCORDIA RES PARVAE CRESCUNT
Translated: "Through concord little things grow (Union is strength) "

Weight: 9.92 gram of Gold (.917) .2927 oz. AGW
Diameter: 28 mm
Reference: Friedberg 288, Delmonte 970, KM-104. RR!

German Gold Coins, Nurnberg City 2 Ducats Gold Coin 1700

German States coins Double Ducat

Nuremberg City  Double Lamb Ducat

German Gold Coins, Nurnberg City Double Lamb Ducat  - 2 Ducats Gold Coin, minted in 1700.

Obverse: Lamb of God, standing on globe left, holding inscribed (PAX) banner. Date chronogram (MDCC = 1700) in legend around.
Legend: TEMPORA NOSTRA PATER DONATA PACE CORONA.

Reverse: Dove with laurel branch in beak, stepped on three oval shields within foliage.
Legend: + SECVLVM NOVVM CELEBRAT RESP. NORIBERGENSIS.
Exergue: GF-N (engraver´s initials)

Engraver: Georg Friedrich Nurnberger (GFN)
Weight: 6.88 gram of Gold (.986)
Diameter: 28 mm

German Coins, German coinage, German silver coins, German States Coins, Coins of Germany, German Gold Coins, German commemorative coins, German Imperial Coins, Numismatic Collection, Coins of the German Empire, Coins of Germany best silver coins for investment, silver coins, German East Africa coins, old coins, coin collecting, rare coins, world coins, foreign coins, heritage coins, silver ira investment, silver bullion coins, silver coin collection investors, investment coins, antique coins, Unique Silver Coins, collectible coins, Münzen Deutschland, silbermünzen, Münzen aus Deutschland, Münzen Deutsches Kaiserreich.

Nuremberg (German: Nürnberg) is a city in the German state of Bavaria, in the administrative region of Middle Franconia. Situated on the Pegnitz river and the Rhine–Main–Danube Canal, it is located about 170 kilometres (110 mi) north of Munich. It is the second-largest city in Bavaria (after Munich), and is the largest in Franconia. The population as of December 2011, is 510,602, which makes it Germany's fourteenth largest city. The "European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg" has 3.5 million inhabitants.

Lamb of God (Greek: ἀμνὸς τοῦ θεοῦ, amnos tou theou; Latin: Agnus Dei) is a title for Jesus that appears in the Gospel of John. It appears at John 1:29, where John the Baptist sees Jesus and exclaims, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."
Although "Lamb of God " refers in Christian teachings to Jesus Christ in his role of the perfect sacrificial offering, Christological arguments dissociate the term from the Old Testament concept of a "scapegoat," which is a person or animal subject to punishment for the sins of others without knowing it or willing it. Christian doctrine holds that Jesus chose to suffer at Calvary as a sign of his full obedience to the will of his Father, as an "agent and servant of God". The Lamb of God is thus related to the Paschal Lamb of Passover, which is viewed as foundational and integral to the message of Christianity.
A lion-like lamb that rises to deliver victory after being slain appears several times in the Book of Revelation. It is also referred to in Pauline writings, 1 Corinthians 5:7 suggests that Saint Paul intends to refer to the death of Jesus, who is the Paschal Lamb, using the theme found in Johannine writings.
The Lamb of God title is widely used in Christian prayers, and the Agnus Dei is used as a standard part of the Catholic Mass, as well as the classical Western Liturgies of the Anglican and Lutheran Churches. It also is used in liturgy and as a form of contemplative prayer. The Agnus Dei also forms a part of the musical setting for the Mass.
As a visual motif the lamb has been most often represented since the Middle Ages as a standing haloed lamb with a foreleg cocked "holding" a pennant with a red cross on a white ground, though many other ways of representing it have been used.

USSR 100 Rubles Gold Coin 1979 Krylatskoye Velodrome 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow

Olympic gold coins

 Olympics Gold Coins Moscow 1980

USSR 100 Rubles Gold Coin 1979 Krylatskoye Velodrome 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow

Commemorative issue: Games of the 22nd Olympiad in Moscow.

Obverse Design: The USSR’s emblem, the Red Star surrounding the globe, 15 turns of ribbon representing the 15 republics of the Union, the legend, in Cyrillic script, meaning: “U.S.S.R. 100 Roubles”.
Artist: S. M. Ivanov, modelers.

Reverse: Krylatskoye Sports Complex Velodrome, the Olympic emblem and the legend, meaning: “The XXII Olympiad Moscow 1980” and the year 1979.
Artist: V. A. Ermakov.

Edge: Milled.
Mintage: (Proof) 38,036.
Mintage: (Brilliant Uncirculated) 23,536.
Issue Price - Proof: $235 US, Brilliant Uncirculated: $200 US

Diameter: 30 mm.
Weight: 17.28 grams.
Thickness: 1.8 mm.
Composition: .900 gold and .100 copper.
Mint Mark: Leningrad and Moscow Mint’s Mintmark.
Struck by Leningrad and Moscow Mint.

Krylatskoye Sports Complex Velodrome
The Krylatskoye Sports Complex Velodrome is a velodrome constructed in Moscow, Russia. It hosted the track cycling events for the 1980 Summer Olympics.
The track is 333.33 meters long and 10 meters wide, with 42 degree banked turns and 11 degree straights. It was longest indoor track in the world.

Moscow-1980 Olympic Coins

The Moscow Olympics were the first Olympic games to be held in a socialist country. An Act of the Soviet government authorized the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of the USSR to issue a 28-coin collection of five and ten roubles in proof and uncirculated qualities. There was also six proof and six uncirculated gold 100 roubles, five proof and five uncirculated platinum 150 roubles, and six proof and six uncirculated 1 rouble coins.

1 Rouble 1977 Emblem of the Games of the XXII Olympiad  

1 Rouble 1980 Olympic torch 1 Rouble 1978 Moscow Kremlin  

1 Rouble 1979 University of Moscow 1 Rouble 1980 Monument of Yuri Dolgorukiy 1 Rouble 1979 Monument to the Conquerors of Space

Geographic Series

Silver 5 Rubles 1977 Tallinn Silver 5 Rubles 1977 Minsk Silver 5 Rubles 1977 Kiev Silver 5 Rubles 1977 Leningrad Silver 10 Rubles 1977 Moscow Kremlin  

Silver 10 Rubles 1977 Emblem of the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games

The Olympic motto is the hendiatris Citius, Altius, Fortius, which is Latin for "Faster, Higher, Stronger." The motto was proposed by Pierre de Coubertin on the creation of the International Olympic Committee in 1894.

Series – "Citius" Faster

Silver 5 Rubles 1978 Swimming   Silver 5 Rubles 1978 Running    

Silver 10 Rubles 1978 Rowing   Silver 10 Rubles 1978 Cycling

Series – "Altius" Higher

Silver 5 Rubles 1978 Equestrian show jumping   Silver 5 Rubles 1978 High jump  

 Silver 10 Rubles 1978 Pole vault      Silver 10 Rubles 1979 Basketball  

 Silver 10 Rubles 1979 Volleyball

Series – "Fortius" Stronger

Silver 5 Rubles 1979 Hammer throw     Silver 10 Rubles 1979 Weightlifting  

 Silver 10 Rubles 1979 Boxing Silver 10 Rubles 1979 Judo  
Silver 5 Rubles 1979 Weightlifting

Series – Sports and grace

Silver 5 Rubles 1980 Gymnastics Silver 5 Rubles 1980 Archery  

Silver 10 Rubles 1980 Dance of an eagle and khuresh

Series – Folk sports

Silver 5 Rubles 1980 Gorodki Silver 5 Rubles 1980 Folk Game Isindi  

Silver 10 Rubles 1980 Tug of War Silver 10 Rubles 1980 Reindeer Racing

Olympic Gold Coins

Gold 100 Rubles 1977 Sport and Peace symbol   Gold 100 Rubles 1980 Olympic Flame Gold 100 Rubles 1978 Central Lenin Stadium Gold 100 Rubles 1978 Krylatskoye Rowing Canal Gold 100 Rubles 1979 Druzhba Multipurpose Arena

Olympic Platinum Coins

Platinum 150 Rubles 1979 Chariot racing     Platinum 150 Rubles 1978 Discobolus   Platinum 150 Rubles 1979 Ancient Greek wrestlers  

 Platinum 150 Rubles 1980 Ancient runners  

 Platinum 150 Rubles 1980 Emblem of the Moscow Olympic Games

Knights of Malta. Proof Gold 5 Scudi Coin, minted in 2005.

Coins of the Knight of Malta 5 Scudi 

Gold Coins of the grand masters of the Order of Malta

Knights of Malta. Proof Gold 5 Scudi Coin, minted in 2005.

Obverse: Bust of Andrew Bertie as Grand Master of the Order of Malta left.
Legend: FR. ANDREAS M.M.H.H. BERTIE

Reverse: The Grand Master kneelend, receiving banner frim nimbate standing Saint John the Baptist. Date (2005) in right field.
Legend: * SUB . HOC . SIGNO . MILITAMUS
Exergue: 5 . SCVDI

References: Friedberg 32.
Weight: 4 gram of Gold (.900)
Diameter: 20 mm

Buying bullion or gold coins is the most direct exposure to the physical asset an investor can get. In anything but very small quantities, the need to store and insure physical gold, and the transaction fees associated with buying and selling it, represent hidden costs than can really add up, particularly for high net worth investors trying to put a portion of their portfolio in the metal.

Knights of Malta. Proof Gold 10 Scudi Coin, minted in 2005.

Coins of the Knight of Malta - 10 Scudi

Gold Coins of the grand masters of the Order of Malta

Knights of Malta - Proof Gold 10 Scudi Coin, minted in 2005.

Obverse: Bust of Andrew Bertie as Grand Master of the Order of Malta left.
Legend: FR. ANDREAS M.M.H.H. BERTIE

Obverse: Saint John the Baptist standing facing, holding banner in right hand and pointing upwards. Value and date in fields.
Legend: NON . SVRREXIT . MAIOR (Maltese Motto: "Non Greater has Arisen!") / 2005 - 10 SCVDI

References: Friedberg 40.
 Weight: 8 gram of Gold (.900)
Diameter: 20 mm

John the Baptist (c. 6 BCE – c. 36 CE) was an itinerant preacher and a major religious figure who led a movement of baptism at the Jordan River. Some scholars maintain that he was influenced by the Essenes, who were semi-ascetic, expected an apocalypse, and practiced rituals corresponding strongly with baptism, although there is no direct evidence to substantiate this. John is regarded as a prophet in Christianity, Islam, the Bahá'í Faith, and Mandaeism.

MALTA 50 POUNDS GOLD COIN, MINTED IN 1975.

Gold coins of Malta

Maltese £50 Gold Coin

MALTA 50 POUNDS GOLD COIN
COIN WEIGHS .4422 OUNCES OF PURE GOLD.



Should I Invest in Gold Bars or Gold Coins?

Whether you’re new to bullion investment or not, deciding whether to invest in bullion bars or bullion coins should take some consideration. Before making this decision it would be advisable that you conduct your research as there is no definitive right or wrong answer, it will vary depending on the needs and circumstances of the individual investor. However, as when making any other investment there are a several factors to consider including the value of your investment and the product premiums, how long you plan on keeping it, where to store it, capital gains tax (CGT) and how you plan on realising the value of your investment.

Premiums

The premium is the additional cost charged above the gold spot price attributed to manufacturing costs, handling, packaging, insurance and delivery. Reputable bullion dealers charge investors very small percentage premiums in a bid to be competitive, however they are unavoidable as even bullion dealers have to buy gold above the spot price. The most effective way to keep premiums at an absolute minimum is to buy gold bars, or silver bars if you are looking for to invest in silver bullion. Gold bars attract a smaller premium as opposed to bullion coins due to their larger unit size resulting in lower manufacturing costs. For example, it is more cost effective to buy a 1 kilo gold bar than to buy ten 100g gold bars for the very same reason. Despite them both containing exactly the same amount of gold, you would expect to make a saving of around 1% which is a fairly substantial saving of approximately £350. If you plan on keeping your gold for a long time and have no intention of wanting to or needing to sell part of your investment, then larger gold bars are ideal for you. However, be mindful that this relatively small savings would result in a lack of flexibility.

Flexibility

Most investors buy gold bullion with the intention of preserving wealth and making a return on their investment. Where the larger unit size gold bars or silver bars offer the best value when buying, they do not necessarily represent the best value when it comes to selling your gold or silver at a later date. Smaller unit gold bars such as the 1oz, 50g and 100g bars, and in particular gold coins and silver coins offer greater flexibility at resale. There are many reasons where this flexibility would come in use, for example releasing part of your investment for quick access to cash, or perhaps part-selling which is often an effective way of getting a maximum return on investment.

Over time individuals often want to change the balance of their portfolios, for example an investor may have 20% of their liquid wealth held in a 1 kilo gold bar, but want to release half of this to reinvest in stocks. At this point the investor would either have to sell their entire gold bar, or leave it and miss out on the other potentially lucrative investment opportunity. However if they had originally invested in ten 100g gold bars, they could have easily sold half the bars to gain instant access to half of the money. Better still, bullion coins represent even greater flexibility and are a very popular option for new and experienced investors alike who are mindful of this and anticipate selling part of their bullion in the near or distance future. Gold coins are available in a variety of sizes such as 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz and 1/10oz making them highly versatile, easy to store and ideal for trading if the banking system did ever collapse.

Popular gold coins include the famous South African Krugerrand coins which tend to attract the lowest premiums making them perfect for smaller and first time investors. Alternatively, British bullion coins like the gold sovereign, half sovereign and gold Britannia coins are perfect for investors who hold a large amount of money in gold bullion due to their CGT free status. For the ultimate flexibility, perhaps consider silver coins which are substantially lower in value then gold coins and come in a 1oz size. Popular silver coins include silver Maples, the silver Britannia coin and the silver Philharmonic coin which tends to be the very cheapest coin to buy. Despite the slightly higher premium, it is recommended for the ultimate flexibility investors should look no further than buying and holding gold coins or silver coins.

Small Investors and First Time Investors

It is advised that small investors and first time investors look into both coins and bars, despite coins being the obvious choice for lower value investments. A 100g gold bar costing around £3,600 or a 1 ounce gold bar costing around £1,100 are popular starting points for some investors. Popular gold coins include the famous South African Krugerrand coins costing around £1,100, which tend to attract the very lowest premiums making them perfect for smaller and first time investors. Gold British coins, in particular gold sovereigns and half sovereigns offer a much cheaper way to buy gold in smaller units costing around £270 and £140 respectively.

For silver investment, there are a whole host of 1oz silver coins available which are an ideal starter point. It is advisable to look for the coin with the very lowest unit cost which tends to be the silver Maples and the Philharmonic coins. We advise this as when selling your bullion, you only get the intrinsic value of the metal, so the cheaper you brought them for originally, the higher return on investment you make.

Large Investors

With individuals looking to invest large amounts of money in gold bullion, the decision is less complicated as it’s important to get the very best value for your money to maximum return on investment. It would be best to buy the largest unit sizes you can so 500g gold bars, 1 kilo gold bars and 5 kilo silver bars will represent the best value. Also, buying gold in volume can also offer further savings as the unit price is reduced when you buy more than one due to the lower costs incurred by the bullion dealer.

It is also advised wealthy investors hold a selection of gold coins in addition to bars, with particular reference to British coins. Gold Britannia coins and in particular sovereigns do not attract any Capital Gain Tax (CGT) due to their status as British Legal Tender. Buying sovereigns will demand a slightly higher premium than buying larger gold bars, however for wealthy individuals looking to realise large profits from their investment, sovereigns represent the best value. For the very best value sovereigns, it is advised investors buy the cheaper mixed year gold sovereigns as opposed to specific year sovereigns which command a slight premium.

Changing Premiums

Bullion coins, with particular reference to gold bullion coins have in the past demanded additional premiums depending on market factors at the time. A fine example of this was in the 1960’s there was a premium of up to 40% associated with buying and selling gold sovereigns. This is another factor worth taking into consideration when buying bullion, where coins could potentially provide you with greater return on investment, bullion bars will only ever be worth the intrinsic value of the metal content.

Storing Bullion Bars and Coins

Whether you were investing in one 1 kilo gold bar or approximately thirty 1oz gold coins, the gold size and mass would be near identical, however one would be easier and more convenient to store than the other. The 1 kilo gold bar is a single unit therefore you would be confined to storing it in a single location or deposit box or part of your home. However, with the thirty 1oz coins you have the ability to split your investment, for example ten in a deposit box within your bank, ten in a family members safe and ten hidden around your home, therefore physically having them to hand. If you have a small investment then you may not have access to a deposit box, therefore simply storing your bullion creatively within your home may be the best option. However, it is worth noting silver bullion, due to its value being substantially lower than that of gold, is much more difficult to store than gold. Read more about storing gold bullion.

Recommendation

Here at Bullion by Post we encourage our customers to opt for the bullion products which offer the very best value for money your investment, therefore obtaining the highest intrinsic value of gold and silver for your budget. However, this is all about personal preference and circumstances with all factors mentioned above being considered with particular reference to premium, flexibility and also for individuals investing large amounts of money, Capital Gains Tax. Read more about paying Capital Gains Tax on gold.

AUSTRIA 50 EURO ST. BENEDICT AND SCHOLASTICA GOLD COIN, 2002

AUSTRIA 50 EURO 2002 SAINTS BENEDICT AND SCHOLASTICA GOLD COIN, MINTED IN  2002.
COIN CONTAINS .3215 OUNCES OF PURE GOLD.

Austria, Franz Josef I. Scarce 10 Corona Gold Coin, minted in 1908.

Austrian Gold 10 Coronas

10 Corona Gold Coin

Austria, Franz Josef I. 10 Corona Gold Coin, minted in 1908.
Commemorative  issue  "60th Anniversary of Reign".

Obverse: Bare head of the mature Francis Joseph as Austrian Emperor right.
Legend: FRANC.IOS.I.D.G.IMP.AVSTR.REX BOH.GAL.ILL.ETC.ET AP REX HVNG.
Reverse: Austrian imperial double headed eagle with coat of arms at chest. Anniversary dates (1848 - 1908) in fields.
Legend: DVODECIM LVSTRIS GLORIOSE PERACTIS - 10 CORONAE

Mint place: Vienna
Weight: 3.4 gram of Gold (.900)
Diameter: 19 mm

Austria, Franz Josef. 8 Florin/Gulden Gold Coin, minted in 1881.

 Austrian Gulden 20 Francs 8 Florins Gold coin 

Austrian 20 Francs 8 Florins Gold coin

Austria, Franz Josef. 20 Francs 8 Florins - Gulden Gold Coin, minted in 1881.

Obverse: Wreathed head Franz Josef I right. Mint mark of Kremnitz. Star below.
Legend: FRANCISCVS . IOSEPHVS . I . D . G . IMPERATOR . ET . REX *

Reverse: Crown above double headed imperial eagle, with orb, sword and scepter in claws.
Legend: IMPERIVM AVSTRIACVM / 20 Fl. - 20 Fr. / 1876
 
Mintage: 62,000 pcs
Mint place: Vienna Mint
Denomination: 8 Florin (8 Gulden) / 20 Francs
Reference: Friedberg 502, Herinek 240, KM-2269. R
Weight: 6.43 gram of Gold (.900) .1867 oz AGW.
Diameter: 21 mm

Austrian Netherlands Gold Souverain Coin 1762 Empress Maria Theresa

Austrian Netherlands, Maria Theresa. Gold   Souverain d'or Coin, minted in 1762.

Obverse: Draped bust of Maria Theresia right, wearing small crown.
Legend: MAR . TH . D : G . R . JMP . G . HUNG . BOH . R .
Comment: Engraver´s intial (R) at arm truncation.

Reverse: Crowned oval arms within collar of the Golden Fleece Order. Cross of St. Andrew in background.
Legend: ARCH . AUST . DUX I762 BURG . BRAB . C . FL .
Mintage: 269,000 pcs.
Engraver: Jacques Roettiers (R)
Mint Place: Brussels (cupid´s face)
References: Friedberg 134, Eypeltauer 409, KM-24. R
Weight: 11.05 gram of  Gold (.919) = 0.3268 oz. AGW
Diameter: 28 mm

AUSTRIA GOLD 2 DUCAT COIN, 1642.

AUSTRIA   Very Rare 1642 Double Ducat, 1642.

Obverse: Ferdinand Karl on horseback
Reverse: St. Leopold

Grading: Gem Brilliant Uncirculated coin. Proof like. LUSTROUS.
KM (Krause-Mishler) Catalog: X# M29
Weight: 7 gram. (0.2250 oz., 0.986 GOLD)
Diameter: 27 mm

UNITED STATES $2.50 INDIAN GOLD COIN, 1908

 UNITED STATES $2.50 INDIAN GOLD COIN, 1908
Indian Head Quarter Eagle U.S. Gold Coin - 2.50 Dollar Gold Piece

The obverse design is a bust image of a true representation of a Native American Indian wearing a traditional war bonnet. On the outer periphery is the word “LIBERTY” and 13 stars that represented the original 13 states or colonies of the union. Just below the bust design are the designer's “B.L.P.”.

The reverse design is based on Gaudens $10 Eagle reverse and features a standing eagle on a perch of bundled arrows and an olive branch. To the right of the Eagle's head are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and next to the eagles breast is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”. On the outer periphery are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and denomination “2 ½ DOLLARS”. A mint mark for San Francisco (S) or Denver (D) are located to the right of the arrows. Coins minted at the Philadelphia mint carried no mint marks.

Years Minted: 1908-1929
Mints: Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver
Composition: 0.900 gold, 0.100 copper
Diameter: 18 mm
Weight: 4.18 grams (.1209 gold ounces)
Total Mintage: 7,250,261
Edge: reeded

UNITED STATES $10 LIBERTY GOLD COIN, 1880

  UNITED STATES $10 LIBERTY GOLD COIN, 1880.

Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the $10 Liberty Head was produced continuously from 1838 to 1907 with each coin containing just under a ½ ounce of gold.

The obverse design features an idealized bust image of Lady Liberty facing left wearing a coronet with “LIBERTY” inscribed. Above the bust design are 13 stars to represent the original states or colonies.

The reverse features an eagle holding an olive branch in one claw and arrows in the other. On the outer periphery above the eagle is the legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and just below the eagle design is the denomination "TEN D." A mint mark for New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), or Denver (D) is located at the bottom of the design below the eagle's claws. Coins minted at the Philadelphia Mint carried no mint marks.

Years Minted: 1838-1907
Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, Denver
Composition: 0.900 gold, 0.100 copper
Diameter: 27 mm
Weight: 16.718 grams (.48375 gold ounces)
Total Mintage: 42,684,236
Edge: Reeded

UNITED STATES $2.50 LIBERTY GOLD COIN, 1903

UNITED STATES $2.50 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle GOLD COIN, 1903

Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the $2.50 Liberty Head ¼ Eagle was produced continuously from 1840 to 1907 with each coin containing just under an 1/8th ounce of gold.

The obverse design features an idealized bust image of Lady Liberty facing left wearing a coronet with “LIBERTY” inscribed. Above the bust design are 13 stars to represent the original states or colonies.

The reverse features an eagle holding an olive branch in one claw and arrows in the other. On the outer periphery above the eagle is the legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and just below the eagle design is the denomination "2 ½ D." A mint mark for Charlotte (C), Dahlonega (D), New Orleans (O), and San Francisco (S) is located at the bottom of the design below the eagle's claws. Coins minted at the Philadelphia Mint carried no mint marks.

Years Minted: 1840-1907
Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, San Francisco
Composition: 0.900 gold, 0.100 copper
Diameter: 18 mm
Weight: 4.18 grams (.12094 gold ounces)
Total Mintage: 11,872,378
Edge: Reeded

UNITED STATES $5 LIBERTY GOLD COIN, 1881

 UNITED STATES $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle GOLD COIN, 1881

Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the $5 Liberty Head ½ Eagle was produced continuously from 1839 to 1908 with each coin containing just under a ¼ ounce of gold.

The obverse design features an idealized bust image of Lady Liberty facing left wearing a coronet with “LIBERTY” inscribed. Above the bust design are 13 stars to represent the original states or colonies.

The reverse features an eagle holding an olive branch in one claw and arrows in the other. A banner is above the eagle design with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”. On the outer periphery above the eagle is the legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and just below the eagle design is the denomination "FIVE D." A mint mark for New Orleans (O), Charlotte (C), Dahlongea (D) until 1861, San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), (or from 1906-08) Denver (D) is located at the bottom of the design below the eagle's claws. Coins minted at the Philadelphia Mint carried no mint marks.

Years Minted: 1839-1908
Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, Denver
Composition: 0.900 gold, 0.100 copper
Diameter: 22.5 mm (1839-40) 21.6 mm (1840-1908)
Weight: 8.359 grams (.24187 gold ounces)
Total Mintage: 60,617,703
Edge: Reeded

CAYMAN ISLANDS $100 QUEENS OF ENGLAND PROOF GOLD COIN, 1977

CAYMAN ISLANDS $100 QUEENS OF ENGLAND PROOF GOLD COIN, MINTED IN 1977.
COIN WEIGHS .3646 OUNCES OF PURE GOLD.

CAYMAN ISLANDS $50 QUEEN VICTORIA PROOF GOLD COIN, 1977

CAYMAN ISLANDS $50 QUEEN VICTORIA PROOF GOLD COIN, MINTED IN 1977.
COIN WEIGHS .1823 OUNCES OF PURE GOLD.

CAYMAN ISLANDS $50 QUEEN MARY II PROOF GOLD COIN, 1977

CAYMAN ISLANDS $50 QUEEN MARY II PROOF GOLD COIN, MINTED IN 1977.
COIN WEIGHS .1823 OUNCES OF PURE GOLD.

Cayman Islands 50 Dollars Proof Gold Coin 1977 Queen Elizabeth I of England

Cayman Islands 50 Dollars Proof Gold Coin 1977 Queen Elizabeth I of England

Commemorative issue: Queen Elizabeth I

CAYMAN ISLANDS $50 QUEEN ELIZABETH I PROOF GOLD COIN, MINTED IN 1977.
COIN WEIGHS .1823 OUNCES OF PURE GOLD.

Obverse: Second crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, inscription CAYMAN ISLANDS · ELIZABETH II 1977.
Engraver: Arnold Machin

Reverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I of England, 3/4 to right, value below. The queen is depicted here wearing an elaborate ruff of reticella lace around her head, as was fashionable at the time.
Lettering: ELIZABETH I · 1558 · 1603 · FIFTY DOLLARS ·
Edge: Reeded

Country: Cayman Islands.
Year: 1977.
Value: 50 Dollars.
Metal: Gold (.500).
Weight: 11.34 g.
Diameter: 27 mm.
Shape: Round.
References: KM# 22.


Queen Elizabeth I of England
Elizabeth I (7 September 1533 – 24 March 1603) was Queen of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, Gloriana or Good Queen Bess, the childless Elizabeth was the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty.
  Elizabeth was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, his second wife, who was executed two and a half years after Elizabeth's birth. Anne's marriage to Henry VIII was annulled, and Elizabeth was declared illegitimate. Her half-brother, Edward VI, ruled until his death in 1553, bequeathing the crown to Lady Jane Grey and ignoring the claims of his two half-sisters, Elizabeth and the Roman Catholic Mary, in spite of statute law to the contrary. Edward's will was set aside and Mary became queen, deposing Lady Jane Grey. During Mary's reign, Elizabeth was imprisoned for nearly a year on suspicion of supporting Protestant rebels.
  In 1558, Elizabeth succeeded her half-sister to the throne and set out to rule by good counsel. She depended heavily on a group of trusted advisers, led by William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley. One of her first actions as queen was the establishment of an English Protestant church, of which she became the Supreme Governor. This Elizabethan Religious Settlement was to evolve into the Church of England. It was expected that Elizabeth would marry and produce an heir to continue the Tudor line. She never did, despite numerous courtships. As she grew older, Elizabeth became famous for her virginity. A cult grew around her which was celebrated in the portraits, pageants, and literature of the day.
  In government, Elizabeth was more moderate than her father and half-siblings had been. One of her mottoes was "video et taceo" ("I see but say nothing"). In religion, she was relatively tolerant and avoided systematic persecution. After the pope declared her illegitimate in 1570 and released her subjects from obedience to her, several conspiracies threatened her life, all of which were defeated with the help of her ministers' secret service. Elizabeth was cautious in foreign affairs, manoeuvring between the major powers of France and Spain. She only half-heartedly supported a number of ineffective, poorly resourced military campaigns in the Netherlands, France, and Ireland. By the mid-1580s, England could no longer avoid war with Spain. England's defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 associated Elizabeth with one of the greatest military victories in English history.
  Elizabeth's reign is known as the Elizabethan era. The period is famous for the flourishing of English drama, led by playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, and for the seafaring prowess of English adventurers such as Francis Drake. Some historians depict Elizabeth as a short-tempered, sometimes indecisive ruler, who enjoyed more than her share of luck. Towards the end of her reign, a series of economic and military problems weakened her popularity. Elizabeth is acknowledged as a charismatic performer and a dogged survivor in an era when government was ramshackle and limited, and when monarchs in neighbouring countries faced internal problems that jeopardised their thrones. Such was the case with Elizabeth's rival, Mary, Queen of Scots, whom she imprisoned in 1568 and had executed in 1587. After the short reigns of Elizabeth's half-siblings, her 44 years on the throne provided welcome stability for the kingdom and helped forge a sense of national identity.