Dieu et Mon Droit – How did the phrase originate?

The origin of the phrase goes back to the time of Richard I, who was descended from French ancestry. King Richard was the King of England from 1189 till his demise in 1199. King Richard used this phrase to announce that it is the divine right of the King, or Monarch to govern.

The phrase was later adopted by King Henry V, as the Royal motto for the Kingdom of England. The phrase now appears on the coat of arms used by the British monarchy. People often wonder how a French phrase could be adopted by the English Royal Family. However, mediaeval England was not the same place that we know now. Norman-French was the language of the English Royal Court at the time. The rulers and the upper classes also spoke this language during that period.

The meaning of the phrase on the coat of arms

When translated, the phrase simply means “God and my right”. Currently, it is the motto of the British Royal Family. A close inspection of the coat of arms used by the British Monarch, reveals that the inscription can be found on a small banner underneath the shield. In the present day, the coat of arms is used by our reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. On the left of the shield, stands the guardian lion wearing the crown of St. Edward. On the right of the shield is a Scottish Unicom. Underneath the shield, there is greenery, with a thistle, Tudor rose and Shamrock. These are representative of the kingdoms of Scotland, England and Ireland. Right below this display is a banner containing the words “Dieu et Mon Droit”.

Where can this coat of arms be seen?

The coat of arms is the official symbol of the British Queen. Therefore, it is clearly visible in every UK court of law, except for the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and the Magistrate’s Court in the City of London. It is also used on government documents and you might be able to view it on your passport. Globally, this coat of arms is visible on the entrances to UK embassies and consulates.

Appearance on coins

The royal coat of arms has been featured regularly on British coinage, manufactured by the Royal Mint. The most common example of this is the British one pound coin, which has been in circulation since 1983.

By 2008, the Royal Mint had minted a new series of coins with a denomination of 1 pound and below. The full Royal coat of arms appears on the one pound coin with the phrase Dieu et Mon Droit. However, only sections of the coat of arms can be seen on the coins of lower denomination. In 2016, the Royal Mint released a new bimetallic coin called the nations of the crown. Interestingly, an old British coin called the Guinea, which was minted between the years 1663 and 1814 also displayed the royal coat of arms, with the inscription. The coin took its name from the West African nation, Guinea. The gold that was used to mint this coin was sourced from here.

The numismatic experts at Physical Gold can address all your queries related to coins

Collecting coins can be an absorbing hobby, and if the coins are produced from precious metals, they can add tremendous value to your collection. Many collectors and investors have questions related to precious metal coins. Call our coin experts on (020) 7060 9992 or reach out to us via our website and we will be happy to advise you on all your coin purchases.

 

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Investing in gold and silver coins can be an absorbing passion, as well as a lucrative hobby that allows you to reap rich rewards when you make the right investments. However, when you purchase gold and silver coins, it is extremely important to carry out your transactions through a reputed dealer.

Problems you may face when you buy from a high-street dealer

Buying a precious metal coin is all about ascertaining its authenticity. If you are a layperson, or a hobbyist, the chances are that you may be easily taken for a ride by a pawnbroker or high-street gold dealer. There are several factors to consider. Firstly, you need to be sure about the authenticity of the coin. Next, you should also be able to identify the purity of the metal used to manufacture the coin.

To do this, you will require certain testing equipment. In the absence of proper identification and purity assessment of the coin, you run the risk of being cheated. Additionally, a high-street gold dealer would not have a vast inventory of coins to choose from. More importantly, when you leave the premises of the high-street dealer with your valuable purchases, there is a good chance that you can be targeted for robbery.

Identifying a reputed dealer

If you search on Google for “coin dealers near me”, you will come up with a list of coin dealers based on the geographical area, you are located in. Cross-referencing the list with a reputed industry body like the BNTA can be a great start. The BNTA website publishes a list of affiliated, reputed coin dealers. The first thing you can do on shortlisting these dealers is to give them a call.

A reputed dealer will always answer all your questions openly. No information will be kept hidden from you. Also, you will find that most reputed dealers have a large online catalogue that you can browse through when making a purchase. Lastly, they would offer a buyback guarantee. Needless to say, if a dealer refuses to buy back the gold, they are selling to you, there must be something wrong.

Building a relationship

In order to acquire the best deals on coins, you need to build a steady relationship with the dealer. You need to discuss your buying preferences, specific coins that you are looking for, and a ballpark price that you are willing to pay for them. This will give the coin dealer a good idea of what you’re looking for. So, when an opportunity to purchase a good coin comes up, you’ll be the first to know. It is a mistake to think that the term “coin dealers near me”, simply means that you are limited to small pawnshops, antique vendors, and the like

A reputed online merchant would be able to fulfil your requirements since most of them have a countrywide distribution facility. You would be required to insure your purchases and pay for any shipping logistics. However, this ultimately ensures your safety, and the goods will be securely delivered to your residence.

How a reputed dealer can add additional value

Investing in precious metal coins is also about maintaining divisibility, liquidity, and tax efficiency within your portfolio. Gold coins are free from VAT in the UK and may also be exempt from capital gains tax. A good dealer will be able to advise you on how to create variety in your portfolio while ensuring that liquidity and divisibility are maintained.

Discuss your coin purchases with Physical Gold

At Physical Gold, we take pride in being one of the nation’s most reputed online dealers. Our advisors are always at hand to assist you in your coin purchases. Call us today on (020) 7060 9992 or contact us online via our website.

 

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British coinage is considered to have one of the richest histories, compared to any nation globally. Our long tradition of Kings and Queens has resulted in one of the world’s oldest coinage systems that have witnessed the reigns of several monarchs over centuries. When we study European coinage, Britain’s history is distinctive and different from the coinage of other European kingdoms and monarchies.

During the 19^th century, there were approximately 20 ruling monarchies across Europe. Of course, the currency coins released by many of these monarchs featured a stylised image of the ruler and motif or a coat of arms on the other side of the coin. Now, British coins have had certain peculiarities in the past. These usually consisted of a slogan or a line embossed on the coin. However, who would’ve thought that the German words ‘ich dien’ could appear on a British coin?

What does ‘ich dien’ mean?

Well, the words ‘ich dien’ in the German language literally means ‘I serve’. These words appear on the coat of arms of the Prince of Wales. The words appeared as early as the 14^th century, leading to several speculations regarding the origins of the phrase. Interestingly, these words have also been used by Edward the Black Prince. The phrase may have been adopted following an alliance or a meeting with a German monarch, but history has no record of any such event. Therefore, we may never know the exact reason why the phrase ‘ich dien’ was adopted.

The feathers of the Prince of Wales

It is customary for many royal houses to have an insignia or a coat of arms. This creates an identity that can be instantly recognised, much like a logo on a product. The Prince of Wales uses a heraldic badge as the royal emblem. The words ‘ich dien’ is imprinted on the bottom of this badge. However, the phrase was not used only on the emblem. The words ‘ich dien’ can be found imprinted on certain British coins over the years.

British coins that carry the words ‘ich dien’

The most commonly found ‘ich dien’ coin is the two pence coin. The words appear on the reverse of the coins of this denomination that were issued between the years 1971 and 2008. Of course, this was not so long ago, and so many such coins can be found in circulation even today. You may have one in your pocket right now!

2008 proof coin celebrating the birthday of Prince Charles

In 2008, his Majesty the Prince of Wales celebrated his 60^th birthday. To commemorate this important occasion, a proof coin was minted and released by the Royal Mint. This coin has the words ‘ich dien’ embossed directly on the face of the coin, underneath a stylised image of Prince Charles. This proof coin is of interest to numismatists due to its uniqueness.

Other British coins containing the phrase ‘ich dien’

While the above are examples of recent British coins that contain the German phrase, many other notable coins do so too. The 1811 one penny “Bristol and South Wales” Coin also carries the Prince of Wales’s feathers and the inscription ‘ich dien’. Similarly, there is a British India medal, although officially not a coin in circulation, it carries the words, ‘ich dien’. This medal commemorates the royal visit of King George the fifth to India.

Talk to the coin experts at Physical Gold

Our coin experts are extremely knowledgeable about collectable coins as well as bullion coins. Whether you’re an investor or a collector, you can benefit by giving us a call on (020) 7060 9992. You can also send us an email and we will get in touch with you at the earliest.

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When it comes to coin collecting, every investor will have their own personal set of motivations and reasons for investing. Not every coin collector is a numismatic, (someone who studies coins from a historical, social, or artistic point of view) but they will all have their own set of criteria that determine which coins they wish to invest in.

The motives of a coin collector can vary from being a hobby, for sentimental value or as an investment. The type of coins purchased will differ for each of these types of collectors.

Collector to numismatist

Many numismatists don’t necessarily understand the philosophy of numismatics when they start out. They simply start out by default as a collector. During this period, which often starts at school for many, they come into contact with other collectors and compatriots who are at best interested in the field as a hobby. At this stage, they start trading coins, giving away their duplicate coins in exchange for other coins which they perceive as adding value to their collection. Many understand that their coins may have a certain value at this point in time, as they start to sell off their duplicates and manage to get a fair price for it. Enthused by a monetary angle, in addition to their passion for coins, they start to take numismatics more seriously. For many such numismatists, they start to attend major numismatic events across the country from their late teens to their twenties, gathering knowledge and expertise on the subject of coins.

For those who manage to keep their passion alive through their work lives, they will start formulating their own investment strategies. Through their vast network of contacts, they are able to now source coins of value, as well as identify these gems with a seasoned eye. These numismatists soon start to view precious metal coins as a preferred class of gold investment. Numismatists appear to prefer bullion coins instead of bullion bars, simply due to their passion for coins and banknotes. For some, their passion, in fact, becomes their work, and they align themselves with big-ticket coin dealers and play the dual role of buyer for some and supplier to others.

Evolving your own specialism

Many numismatists start to focus on certain areas of collecting, specialise in these areas and are soon well known for their expertise. For example, many specialise in old coins prior to 1838, often known in numismatic circles as ‘Early Date Gold’. These are typically British and American gold coins which are full of history and are highly sought after by investors and collectors alike. The pre-1838 ones and the pre-1800 ones are difficult to come by and command great value. Of course, apart from the monetary value, there is great joy and satisfaction to be had in the heart of a numismatist when he/she can make a rare ‘find’.

Then there are ‘key date’ coins, based on mintages around certain key historical dates, like the fall of the Berlin Wall, Man on the moon, etc. The key date is represented in the mintmark on the coin. Numismatists often collect key date coins years in advance as part of a set building strategy. Then they play a waiting game for the specific event to gain historic importance. They also capitalise on the scarcity of the coins from these dates as it slowly builds up. A simple example could be the 50p coins that were circulated in the UK to commemorate the London Olympics. At the time, everyone had them, but as the years went by, they have now grown scarcer and are worth a fair bit of money today.

Commemorative coins

Coins that are issued to celebrate a special key date are often known as commemorative coins. A good example from recent times would be the Brexit coin. This commemorative coin is minted in silver as a proof coin by the Royal Mint and marks the date of Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union in 2020. The coin was struck using silver with a purity of 92.5% and had a limited mintage of only 47,000. Since the coin has already been sold out, its value is likely to escalate in the future, as demand for the commemorative coin rises.

Commemorative coins of even greater value can be found within British coinage of the 18^th and 19^th centuries. For example, the Queen Victoria Jubilee head is a commemorative coin issued in 1887 to celebrate the Queens. Golden Jubilee. Its mintage lasted for only six years, and the coin was last struck in 1893. Similarly, the 1871 Queen Victoria young head Sovereign is also a commemorative coin that celebrates the inauguration of the Royal Albert Hall by the Queen in 1871. These older commemorative coins are now becoming scarce and collectors willing to pay hefty premiums for these commemorative coins in an unscathed, mint condition.

Other thematic specialisms developed by numismatists include collecting proof coinage of the American Civil War. These are hard to come by today and is a coveted area of coin study. Many numismatists who are good at sourcing and have great contacts collect ‘pedigree coins’, i.e. coins owned by someone famous, like a Hollywood film star, royalty, business tycoons, etc. The American gold rush is another historic area of interest for many collectors, as these coins are rare to come by. The San Francisco mint opened in 1854, during this period and many of the gold rush era coinage was struck at this mint.

Coins are bought by certain collectors because the commemorative event or the specific year they were produced may bare a nostalgic value to them. It may represent the year of marriage or birth or signify a specific event such as the Olympics or a sovereign’s anniversary. Most of the World’s commemorative coins were produced from the 1960s onward and have a distinct design with reference to the occasion on which they were issued. Collectors are often not concerned with the resale value it is just a coin that may mean something to them and that they just want to own. They tend to be expensive as they require a high cost of production and usually include a presentation box.

Hobby collectors may be interested in specific dates or releases, where a substantial premium will be added for their uniqueness or appeal. They may be purchasing to complete a set or just because they appreciate the coin for its beauty. Often hobby collectors buy proofs or sets of proofs that may come in a display pack of limited issue, these often have an additional premium which they will find difficult to recoup when they come to sell.

For other collectors, coins are very much an investment. These types of collectors look at coins primarily as a way of making money and hope to profit from particularly rare or hard-to-source coins. Often these investors will methodically research particular dates or mintmarks of rare coins in order to find some defining characteristic that makes them of value. Perhaps there weren’t many coins minted one year? Or there may be a coin has a slight defect leftover from the minting process that makes it unique or of higher value.

Some investors also like to focus on a particular sub-category of coins such as Lincoln cents or Victorian sovereigns. This is partly because investors like to collect complete sets of coins and also because by narrowing their focus to concentrate on a particular area of coins, they can research them in far greater depth.

That’s not all

Some investors look at ancient or very rare coins that bare much larger premiums, up to 200% higher than its intrinsic gold value. The term ‘numismatic coin’ is given to those worth a substantial premium over their simple gold value due to rarity and history. These coins can be bought at auction or from specialist numismatic coin dealers.

Investing in rare and ancient coins is a much riskier investment as the coins are less liquid and their perceived value may be very different from their market value. We do not recommend investing in ancient or numismatic coins unless the purchaser has experience of this market and can afford to potentially wait some time for the right buyer. Gold coins minted pre-1800 and those sold at premiums that exceed 180% of the intrinsic gold value may also be subject to VAT, whereas newer coins (which meet certain criteria) are exempt. In the USA pre-1933 gold is extremely popular as it is non-reportable and non-confiscatable.

Talk to the numismatic experts at Physical Gold

At Physical Gold, our team consists of highly experienced and capable numismatic experts who have great knowledge and experience in the field. Whether you are an amateur hobbyist or an intermediate level numismatist, you would surely gain by having a discussion with our team about your goals as an investor and a collector. Call us on 020 7060 9992 or drop us a line through our website. A member of our team will be in touch with you to have a friendly chat.

Investing in silver coins

Silver coins are a great investment choice if you’re seeking potential capital growth and also want a hedge against falling stock markets and banks. The value of coins tends to rise over time, especially when there’s political and economic instability. Silver coins are also exempt from Capital Gains tax. The modest price of the coins enable accessibility to the market for many compared to gold coins (such as Sovereigns and Britannias), and divisibility to sell part of your holding. The silver price can also rise when demand for industrial silver rises, with its predominant use in electronics.

The industrial demand for silver is rising

The white metal is used extensively in the electronics industry, IT, solar panel manufacturing and a host of other industrial processes. On the other hand, the production of silver from mines has greatly reduced over the years. Rising demand and dwindling supplies have fuelled speculations that there may be a huge price in the spot price of silver in the years to come. Many investors have started buying up silver early with an expectation of making profits, once the prices go up.

Silver to gold price ratio looks enticing

Today, silver is almost a hundred times cheaper than gold. Therefore, it provides investors with easy access to the precious metals market. If you are planning to invest in silver, there could be no better time than the present to take a calculated risk and purchase the white metal. Silver bars and coins can provide you with good investment options if you plan to get in early and wait for the long term to generate good returns. While silver bars allow you to acquire more silver at a cheaper price per gram, silver coins have several distinct advantages.

Variety and purity

Firstly, they are available in a wide variety of sizes. 1-ounce coins are quite common, but now there are larger silver coins of 10 ounces and even up to 1KG. These large coins also offer you the same advantages as buying a silver bar. Secondly, purity is an important consideration. Silver coins with a purity of 95.8% are easily available. However, better options can be found like the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, which is a coin with 99.9% purity.

A vibrant secondary market

Liquidity is also an important consideration when building a precious metals portfolio. Always buy silver coins that are popular and enjoy a strong secondary market. Obscure and rare coins can be difficult to sell later on. Well-known coins with a vibrant resale market include 1-ounce silver coins like the Krugerrand and the silver Britannia.

Tax efficiency

Any investment portfolio needs to be tax-friendly. While coins like the Canadian Maple Leaf are a great buy, the profits you make from their sale are taxable. UK silver coins like the silver Britannia, on the other hand, are CGT free, due to their status as legal tender in the country. The silver Britannia, in particular, is a bullion coin and is available in plenty. Therefore, premiums are low, they are CGT exempt and available with good discounts on bulk orders from reputed silver dealers.

Get in touch with Physical Gold to plan your silver portfolio

Physical Gold is one of the most reputed gold and silver dealers in the UK. Our investment experts can help you identify the right silver coins to buy. Give us a call on (020) 7060 9992 or drop us an email and a member of our team will get in touch with you right away.

 

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Proof silver coins as an investment

 

Investing in silver coins

Silver coins are a popular choice for collectors and investors alike. As many silver coins are legal tender in the UK, they provide an opportunity to invest, without having to carry the burden of Capital Gains Tax (CGT). However, when investing in silver coins, one needs to make the right choice. Silver coins are available as proof sets, bullion coins and rare/ collectable coins.

What are silver proof coins?

Proof coins were originally produced before the actual issue of a coin. They were used for securing approvals from the Ministry of Finance and the administration of the mint. Checking the proof coins is also a method used for verification of the dies used during the production process. Finally, they were retained for archival. Proof coins are usually produced by polishing the dies. This results in a high-quality finish, with a polished look and feel and sharp edges and design. The polished areas of the coin take on an almost mirror-like finish, especially in silver coins. Additionally, the dies used for production are often chemically treated to create a frosty appearance in some areas of the coin.

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The rising popularity of proof coins

Due to their high-quality finish and attractiveness, silver proof coins have become extremely popular over the years and enjoys healthy demand from the general public. As a result of this, the Royal Mint has been issuing limited edition sets of proof coins. Of course, these coins can be bought at hefty premiums and are usually purchased by numismatists.

Silver proof coins as an investment

If an investment is a primary focus, then buying bullion coins is a better bet. Bullion coins finished to brilliant uncirculated finish are cheaper per gram than a silver proof coin. Most silver dealers will not pay you the same premium when you come to sell the proof silver coin. Proof coins are better suited to collectors or as presents.

The premiums you would pay for buying a proof coin set is more or less the same as that of a commemorative issue. One needs to bear in mind that the higher price being charged for a proof coin is simply on account of production costs and limited availability. This does not change the price of the silver contained within the coin. Bullion coins, on the other hand, are freely available with low premiums. As an investor, you can secure great deals from dealers on bulk purchases of bullion coins. So, if you are buying silver coins as an investment, steer clear of buying silver proof coin sets. Buy current issues of silver bullion coins like the silver Britannia and you can land yourself a much better deal.

 

Call our silver investment team to discuss your silver coin purchases

Our investment experts offer you free and impartial advice on buying silver coins and bars (such as this 1KG bar). By connecting with the Physical Gold team, you can stay abreast of the latest deals and find out everything you need to know about buying silver coins. Call us today on (020) 7060 9992 or contact us online to speak to a member of the team.

 

 

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Benefits of purchasing Silver Britannias

In 1987, the Royal Mint released the gold Britannia coin. These coins were an instant hit and won popularity among collectors and investors. So, to replicate the success of its gold counterpart, the silver Britannia was launched in 1997. At the time of its original issue, the coin had a fineness of 95.8%. In terms of look and feel, the silver Britannia was very similar to its sister coin – the gold Britannia. It featured the Britannia icon, which made the coin instantly recognisable on its reverse.

The coin depicted Britannia as a warrior goddess carrying her trident and shield. The design for the silver Britannia was conceptualised by the well-known designer – Jody Clark. By 2013, the coin was upgraded to 24 carat silver with a fineness of 99.9%. By this time, silver investment had started gaining popularity and the demand for the coin rose significantly.

Affordability vs value

Silver Britannias are affordable to buy and store, as they can be bought in tubes of 25 and monster boxes of 500 coins. Since the coin had been released as a bullion coin, they were easily available at very low premiums. Buyers can contact reputed dealers and avail of bulk discounts on their purchases. So, availability and affordability are clearly two benefits that contribute to the popularity of this coin. On the other hand, silver has always been cheaper than gold. It was 85 times cheaper than the yellow metal not too long ago and now, with the global financial crisis deepening, the gap has widened further. Currently, silver is 113 times cheaper than gold, with the ratio touching as high as 125:1 in March 2020. So, this allows investors to have easy access to the precious metals market at a cheaper price point than gold. The silver Britannia coin has made huge gains on the back of this sentiment.

Tax efficiency

As a legal tender coin, any value increases are completely free from Capital Gains Tax. So, UK investors can save a substantial amount in taxes by investing in this coin. Tax awareness is an essential consideration for any investor building a portfolio. The silver Britannia is a clear winner in this case, as the coin offers an opportunity to build a highly tax-efficient silver portfolio.

Liquidity

The silver Britannia is an instantly recognisable, popular coin across the world. Being issued by The Royal Mint, the coins are very liquid and easy to sell worldwide. This is a huge advantage for buyers since the coin can be sold instantly at any point in time, without losing out on market value. The liquidity factor enhances the demand for this coin as for investors who are keen to hold liquid investments that can be converted into cash when the need arises.

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Divisibility

The silver Britannia is also available in different weights and sizes. There are special anniversary editions as well. This contributes to variety and divisibility – two more important benefits of owning the silver Britannia. Variety adds to the value of the coin, while divisibility allows investors to plan their sales and sell off small portions of their silver investments at a desirable market price.

Get in touch with us for guidance regarding your silver investments

At Physical Gold, we have a team of silver experts who can assist you in making the right purchasing decisions, when it comes to buying silver coins, as well as gold coins. Call us today on (020) 7060 9992 or get in touch with our team online to get the best deals on silver Britannias.

 

 

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Silver Britannia value

The silver Britannia has been around since 1997. The coin had a fineness of 95.8% during its original issue. It was a 1-ounce silver coin that mirrored the design and elements of the original gold Britannia, which was launched 10 years earlier. Due to the popularity of the gold Britannia, the Royal Mint decided to start minting the same coin in silver. By 2013, the purity of the silver Britannia had been increased to 99.9%. This was basically 24 carats fine silver with a purity of 999.9. Needless to say, the coin became extremely popular. It was easily available and its sales skyrocketed.

Design elements

The silver Britannia features the classic image of the Britannia icon on its reverse. This is a classic British icon, which may have originally been conceived as early as Roman times. Britannia is shown as a goddess warrior carrying a shield and a trident. The image represents the spirit and bravery of the people of Britain. The design of the silver Britannia was created by Jody Clark. The coin features an image of our reigning Queen, Elizabeth II on its obverse.

There have been changes in design across different issues of the coin, in different weights and dimensions. In some issues, we can see the warrior riding a chariot, or sitting with a lion. Some coins feature close-ups and other design elements. The Royal Mint has also minted numerous special editions of the coin, including one which features an oriental border and the 30^th-anniversary edition in 2017. All of these are popular with investors and collectors alike.

The value of the coin

The value of this coin is primarily based on the underlying silver price. Unless the coin is a collector’s edition, the Britannia coins can be sold for around or just under the 1oz silver spot price. The silver spot price can rise and fall daily and is linked to 30th-anniversary variables which affect the supply, demand and ultimately price of silver. Since the coin is mass-produced and available easily, premiums are extremely low. In addition to this, good discounts are available from many dealers on bulk purchases. This allows investors entry into the precious metals market at a low price point.

Moreover, there are predictions that the price of silver may go up in future. The demand for silver is rising due to several industrial applications. At the same time, the production of silver has fallen over the years. These factors lead experts to believe that a price rise is imminent. If this happens, investors who have purchased silver Britannia coins today could make a windfall gain.

A tax-efficient investment

Another factor that adds to the value of silver Britannias is its tax efficiency. As the coin is legal tender in the UK, they are capital gains tax exempt. This means that substantial tax savings can be generated when booking profits during the sale of your investment. Clearly, it increases the value of the coin.

Call our silver experts to receive guidance when buying these coins

The silver Britannia presents an excellent investment opportunity to acquire 1 ounce of pure silver at a great price point. There are many other versions with a variety of that dimensions, including fractional issues that can be purchased. Call our silver experts at Physical Gold Limited today on (020) 7060 9992 or drop us an email if you’re interested in investing in silver Britannia coins.

 

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Collecting silver coins

Silver has become an extremely popular investment vehicle for obvious reasons. The price of silver is expected to rise heavily in the coming years. Thanks to huge industrial demand and short supplies, the price of silver is predicted to rise inevitably. Currently, the gold-silver price ratio also makes silver investments desirable. Silver is currently 85 times cheaper than gold and offers easy access to the precious metals market for investors who are starting out.

How to choose the right silver coins

Coins are preferred by investors due to their liquidity and divisibility. But which coins should one invest in? The best coins to collect will depend on your objectives. If you wish to collect for investment gains, then any coins of a limited issue which you’re able to purchase at a relatively low premium will work out best. Examples may be The Royal Mint’s Queen’s Beast and Lunar series of coins. If you simply wish to collect for variety and rarity sake, then some older coins will have a great deal of history and numismatic value. Expertise is required to buy at the right price, but the upside potential can be great.

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The silver Britannia

A starting point for many investors is frequently the UK silver Britannia. It is considered to be the backbone of any good silver portfolio. The Britannia enjoys a distinct advantage when compared to other silver coins. It is a mass-produced, bullion coin with low premiums and manufacturing costs. The coin is easily available and also enjoys an extremely vibrant secondary market. Since all issues are recent, the coin does not command any numismatic premium. Therefore, in terms of value, it is a great investment.

The silver Krugerrand

The Krugerrand is well-known across the world and is a very liquid coin. Infact, it is one of the most available 1-ounce silver coins. It is an excellent choice for adding to your portfolio. In terms of both value and liquidity. Most reputed UK brokers have these coins and they are available at low premiums and bulk discounts, just like the Britannia. However, in terms of tax efficiency, one must remember that these coins are not considered to be UK legal tender and CGT could be payable on any profits made on sales.

The Royal Mint’s collectable series

The Queen’s Beast

The Royal Mint has issued certain collectable silver coins are available as the Queen’s Beast series and the Lunar series. Variety is an important consideration when building your portfolio and both these coins offer this attribute to your collection. The Queen’s beast series of coins can be purchased in different sizes. There is a 2-ounce version, and a large 10-ounce version, as well. Buying the larger coin can ensure that you avail a lower price per gram, due to reduced manufacturing costs.

The Lunar Series

The Lunar coins, produced by the Royal Mint is a set of 12 coins. Each coin features a different animal from the Chinese calendar. The coins are issued annually and enjoys great demand from collectors due to the variety it brings to the portfolio. Collectors are keen to collect every coin in the series. Therefore, it is worth purchasing for your portfolio. These coins are also in great demand in the Asian markets, and their price can rise quickly due to this.

Call the silver experts at Physical Gold to identify the best coins to buy

The investment team at Physical Gold is always ready to offer you advice on the best silver coins to add to your collection. Call us today on (020) 7060 9992 or get in touch via email. We can help you take the right silver coins in line with your investment objectives (as well as silver bars) and make your portfolio stronger.

 

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Buying Britannia coins

The Britannia is considered by many to be the flagship British coin to include in their portfolio. Originally minted in gold, it was introduced in 1987 by the Royal Mint. The current editions also include a silver version since 1997. The gold coins are a great investment, as they contain one Troy ounce of gold with a face value of hundred pounds. The silver version also contains one Troy ounce of silver with a face value of 2 pounds. Since 2013, the Royal Mint has been minting the gold Britannia with 24 carat gold and purity of 999.9. The Royal Mint also sells gold Sovereign coins, which are another popular range.

The coin features an image of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the iconic Britannia image on the reverse. The coin enjoys immense liquidity and is available in a variety of editions. There are definitive tax advantages to investing in these coins. The coin is legal tender in the UK, and therefore attracts no capital gains tax. But the question is – should we be buying older or newer versions of these coins? What is likely to generate better value?

Buying older Britannia coins

The Britannia does not command a rarity value or historical premium. Most editions of the coin are easily available. Most of the time, the current year of issuance will also be the cheapest due to plentiful supply. Buying particular year Britannia’s from the past may well command a premium due to scarcity. However, you may find that the older coins can also rise in value quicker than the new ones in the context of the time you intend to hold onto the coins.

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Commemorative and special issues

The Britannia has also been released by the Royal Mint as special anniversary editions and commemorative issues. For example, the 30^th-anniversary gold edition was on sale in 2017 for £1048 .68. There was also a limited edition issued as an 8mm coin. Only 1500 of these were released, and it was the smallest Britannia coin. It contained only 1/40 parts of an ounce of 24-carat gold with a purity of 999.9, along with a proof finish.

Needless to say, these types of special issues attract a lot of interest as a collectable coin. Therefore, they command high premiums in the secondary market once supplies run out. But, investing in these special issues would require a higher capital outlay.

Buying newer coins

The current editions are a great buy if you consider their value in gold and silver. As these coins are available in plentiful, premiums are very low. It’s also a great idea to order these coins in bulk from your dealer.

Buying current years of an issue would result in a lower price commitment at the buying stage. This would mean that your profit margins could be a lot higher when you sell off your gold in the years to come.

Contact Physical Gold to buy Britannia coins

A proven and hassle-free way to acquire Britannia coins were your collection is to simply give us a call. Our precious metal experts are best placed to advise you about buying the right gold and silver coins. They can let you know when older versions of the Britannia become available at the price you want. Similarly, you can also benefit from sound advice and assistance in buying newer coins. Call us on (020) 7060 9992 or get in touch online through our website, which has a wealth of information about Britannia coins.

 

Image Credit: Eric Golub