Traditionally the main coins for investment are those easy to sell.
These are :
Krugerrands
Krugerrands
Sovereigns
American Eagles
When buying for investment or just to keep your money safe in the long or short term,you must always bear in mind that one day you will need to sell them.
It makes sense to choose coins or other gold items that other people will easily recognise and will want to buy.
Gold Coins come in 2 categories :
Bullion - coins in regular sizes . Note these may not always be in good condition. Bullion is sometimes handled poorly and scratches and dents are common.
Collectibles - Collectibles for investment should be in the best condition you can get - the better they are the easier they are to sell.
The standard system of grading coins is now :
The Sheldon Scale for Grading U.S. Coins
Poor-1 or P-1 (Poor) - The type is barely discernable, but little else, due to the coin being badly damaged or worn smooth.
Poor-1 or P-1 (Poor) - The type is barely discernable, but little else, due to the coin being badly damaged or worn smooth.
Fair-2 or FR-2 (Fair) - Type and date are barely discernable, but otherwise the coin is damaged or extremely worn.
AG-3 (About Good) - Type and date are discernable, although some spots may be worn out.
Some lettering should be apparent, if not necessarily readable.
Some lettering should be apparent, if not necessarily readable.
G-4 (Good) - Major devices and features are evident as outlines. although the coin overall is heavily worn.
G-6 (Good-plus) - Coin has a full rim plus major devices and features are clearly outlined. Heavy wear.
VG-8 (Very Good) - Full rim with clearly discernable devices and features. Most legends are readable clearly, but the whole coin is still significantly worn.
F-12 (Fine) - Distinct rim, all legends readable, clear devices showing some detail, but the whole coin is moderately, but evenly worn.
VF-20 (Very Fine) - Clearly readable but lightly worn legends, devices show good detail, rims are clean, but the whole coin shows moderate wear on the high points and a little wear below.
VF-30 (Good Very Fine) - Legends are clear, devices show all detail with little wear; high points are lightly worn.
EF-40 (Extremely Fine) - Legends are sharp, devices are clear with slight but obvious wear on the high points.
XF-45 (Choice Extremely Fine) - Legends and devices are clear and sharp, with slight wear on the high points, and great eye appeal.
AU-50 (About Uncirculated) - Sharp legends and devices show only a trace of wear on the highest points. There must be some remaining mint luster.
AU-55 (Good About Uncirculated) - Sharp legends and devices show only a hint of wear on the high points. Remaining mint luster must be at least half; great eye appeal.
AU-58 (Choice About Uncirculated) - Virtually uncirculated, except for minor wear marks on high points. Nearly all mint luster must be present, and must have outstanding eye appeal.
MS-60 (Mint State Basal) - Coins in this grade are ugly, dinged-up, bag-marked, ill-toned specimens, but they are in mint condition and free of any wear!
The grades from MS-60 to MS-70, as well as the Proof designations, are all based primarily on eye appeal, quality of luster and/or toning, and the presence or absence of contact marks, hairlines, etc. All coins MS-60 and higher are Mint State coins.
The higher the grade the higher the price for collectible coins.
Proof coins are not a Grade, but a type of coin.
In my view only coins in Fair and upwards condition are worth investing in. Otherwise you will just be offered the gold scrap price when you try to sell.
American Eagles are currently the favourite investment for many people.
They are based on a design by Augustus Saint Gaudens and a Nest of American Eagles on the reverse.
They are easily recognised and difiicult to fake.
American Eagles come in different denominations :
These are $5,$10,$20,$25,$50
You can see todays price on this site.
Kruger Rands are the second most popular coin as they contain a full ounce of Fine Gold.
Sovereigns are popular as they can be easily transported in money belts etc when travelling to dangerousplaces.