The silver Britannia is an iconic British coin. The coin was released in 1997, due to the popularity of its gold counterpart. The silver Britannia offers investors and easy entry point into the world of precious metals, as the spot price of silver is currently 85 times cheaper than gold.
The coin adds divisibility and stability to any precious metal’s portfolio. Being legal tender in the UK offers investors the added advantage of acquiring the coin CGT free. We will now explore the current and historical limits on the mintage of this iconic piece of British coinage.
Early limits on mintage
In 1997, when the coin was first released into the market, the coin was available with the fineness of .958, indicating 95.8% pure silver. The coin is released in three ways; as proof, uncirculated bullion, and as part of proof sets. Mintage numbers have varied from year to year for each of these categories, but have settled on 2,500 for both proof types, and 100,000 for the bullion coins since 2008.
The initial limit imposed on the 1-ounce proof orders in 1997 was 16,005. In the same year, the limit for proof sets was set at 11,832. By 1998, the uncirculated bullion mintage reached 88,909. The Royal Mint was responding to its increased demand as a silver bullion coin. However, in the same year, the 1-ounce proof edition of the coin was reduced to 3044. Proof sets orders were also limited to 3044, down from 11,832 in the first year of issue.
The silver Britannia coin
Variable mintage quantities over the next seven years
By 1999, uncirculated bullion amounts of reduced to 69,394 and proof coins were discontinued in both the 1-ounce proof and the sets categories. The next few years saw limited numbers of uncirculated bullion coins being released in the market, ranging from 81,301 in 2000 to 100,000 in 2004. During these years, extremely limited quantities of proof sets and the 1-ounce proof coins were released. The Royal Mint was releasing the coins year-on-year, according to expected demand.
Further changes to the silver Britannia
Steady streams of 100,000 uncirculated bullion coins were released from 2004 to 2009. An interesting fact to note is that in 2006, a silhouette collection of proof sets was released, which had five styles where the purity of silver was increased to 99.9%, along with gold gilts around the coin. By 2013, the purity of the coin was raised to 999.9 or 99.9%. The popularity of the coin had been greatly enhanced by this time. Mintage has become unlimited since 2013, in an attempt to meet the rising investment demand. The coin is therefore produced according to the volume of the order book.
An interesting anomaly
In 2014, around 17,000 silver Britannia coins were struck at the Royal Mint with a wrong image on the obverse. There had been a mix-up with the Royal Mint’s lunar series – the year of the horse. These coins are commonly known as the ‘Mule Britannia’ and carry substantial premiums at auctions, due to demand from numismatists.
Get in touch with Physical Gold for silver Britannia investments
The silver Britannia is a flagship silver coin for investors and can generate good returns in the long-term. Call our investment team on (020) 7060 9992 to find out how this iconic British coin can be added to your portfolio.
Investing in silver is the biggest area of growth in the precious metals market, but what is best to invest in, the debate rages on about silver bars versus silver coins. Silver is 85 times cheaper than gold so is accessible to everyone and tempts investors with speculation of huge potential gains.
Today, I’ll take a look at 4 key comparisons between the two to help decide which one suits investment better.
Value
One of the key components of investing is getting the best possible purchase price for your asset in the first place. Certainly, 1oz silver coins are more expensive per gram than larger silver bars like 1kilo and 5 kilo silver bullion. If you’re simply focused on obtaining as much silver for your money as possible, then no doubt, buying big will achieve this. The cost of producing large bars is a far smaller percentage of the overall cost due to its scale and simpler design than coins.
However, coins are fighting back, many of the popular silver bullion coins are now also produced in 10oz and 1 kilo versions too, offering the chance to own silver coins at virtually the same price as silver bars.
Winner: Silver Bars
Divisibility
If you had the choice between buying one silver bar weighing 100 ounces or 100 one-ounce silver coins, then I’d generally recommend the coins for divisibility. Imagine a scenario where you’ve already bought your 100 ounces of silver and the market is moving up quickly.
When you choose to lock in some profit and sell, the large silver bar gives you one chance only. Once you’ve sold, your silver’s gone and you may miss further profits. With the silver coins, you’re able to drip feed the coins away, selling at various points to suit you.
The other scenario is if the financial system really does reach a breaking point. In that case, it would be far more practical to use your 1oz silver coins to barter for bread, milk and petrol than a 100 ounce bar.
Winner: Silver Coins
Storage
Next up is the practicalities of storing your silver investment.
For sure, silver bars are easier to store and take up less space. They’re larger and their rectangular size allows for simple silver stacking.
However, most of the popular 1oz silver investment coins can now be bought in monster boxes. These are specially designed storage boxes, tightly packing 500 coins at a time and permitting easy stacking of these boxes
The Royal Mint do not produce silver bars with a face value at present, so selling bars would be taxable. Now, that may not be an issue if your profits are under the tax threshold of around £12,000. But for many, looking to benefit from silver’s price potential, it’s perhaps not a risk worth taking.
Overall – bars or coins – which is the best investment?
So which type of silver investment wins overall? I’d recommend starting your silver investment with silver coins. Sticking to British coins provides good value, divisibility, tax efficiency and the chance to store in monster boxes.
But as you build your silver portfolio, there’s definitely a place for adding silver bars. This can bring the overall purchase cost per gram down by a few per cent and combine well in all areas with the silver coins.
If you found this video helpful, don’t forget we have loads more videos covering all aspects of gold and silver investing. Check them out here.
Invest in Silver Bars and Coins with Physical Gold
We’re the fastest growing dealer of silver coins and bars in the UK. Not only do we have a huge choice, but we also exclusively deliver the silver to your door! Combine this with live pricing and quantity discounts, it’s easy to see why we’re so popular for silver!
If you need advice or guidance about silver bars versus silver coins, or anything else! Then don’t hesitate to call a member of our expert team on 020 7060 9992. Alternatively, engage on our live chat on the website or leave us a message here.
Best Silver Coins for Investment
With so many different silver coins now on the market, a question we get asked time and time again, is – “Which silver coins are best for investment?”.
So today, I’m going to reveal my top 5 silver coins which you can buy TODAY to achieve the best balance, returns and tax efficiency.
1. Silver Britannia
The starting point and backbone of any silver portfolio should be the UK Britannia.
This coin ticks all of the boxes. As a mass-produced silver bullion coin, premiums are low and it’s easy to buy in large quantities from precious metals dealers. Not only that, but most dealers will offer tiered price savings at regular quantity points to reward you for buying in bulk. If you can afford to buy 500 Britannias, they’ll arrive packed in a monster box, perfect for storing.
But that’s not all.
The Royal Mint produced Britannia is also legal tender in the UK. Why is that important to me? Well, if silver performs the way we expect over the coming years, and its value explodes, then cashing in your profits on silver coins could cause a capital gains tax issue. But any UK legal tender coin is Capital Gains Tax free to UK residents. So you get to keep ALL of your profits!
Possibly the best-known coin in the world, the Krugerrand has been issued in gold for over 50 years and is the most plentiful 1oz coin on the market. For that reason, the coin benefits from a super strong secondary market and can be easily traded around the world. It’s possibly the most common coin in continental Europe.
It’s quite surprising then that despite the success of the gold coin, the Silver Krugerrand only launched in 2018 for the first time. I’d recommend adding this iconic coin to your portfolio to provide value and liquidity.
3. Royal Mint Lunar Series
Balance is key to any investment portfolio, and the same goes for silver. So to provide a different angle to your portfolio, I’d recommend the Royal Mint Lunar Series.
Like the Britannia, the coin qualifies as legal tender, so any profits are CGT-free. But these coins add a whole new dimension to your portfolio. Each of the twelve coins in the series features an animal from the Chinese calendar and is released on its corresponding year. 2019 for instance, witnesses the release of the Year of the Pig coin.
This is clever marketing by the Royal Mint. These silver coins benefit from a collectability factor as buyers seek to own every coin in the set. But the Chinese theme means demand is strong from Asia, a market the Mint is targeting to increase its reach.
With each coin having a restricted mintage, prices tend to increase quickly when supplies run dry – boosting profits.
I know what you’re thinking….That’s a silver bar, not a coin, right? Well, yes and no. Clearly, it appears to be a silver bar, but when you look closer, it has a twist. Each of these huge 5kilo bars has a Fijian face value. This coin is not CGT-exempt for UK investors.
It makes sense to add some of these to your silver portfolio as the huge size, reduces relative production costs, especially when compared to 1oz coins. So by owning some of these ‘coin bars’ as we call them, you can bring the average cost of your holding down, and boost profits!
Last up is the Silver Queens Beast range of coins. These play a similar role to the Lunar coins.
Legal tender and therefore tax free –
Part of a collectable series –
Limited mintage –
But the Queens Beast coins also come in two sizes. 2oz bullion coins and massive 10oz versions. We’ve already seen premiums on these coins increase quicker than regular coins as each year passes.
So there you have it. 5 best silver coins to really boost your investment portfolio. Of course, there are many other silver coins available. So if you feel passionate about any coins I haven’t highlighted today, get in touch. If you found this video useful, be sure to check out all 20 of our video tutorials.
Buy the five best silver coins from a trusted source
When you’re ready to start investing in the best silver coins, there’s no better place than with the Physical Gold. We have a track record stretching back to 2008 and have a huge selection of silver coins and bars which can be ordered online, including our five best silver coins. If you need guidance, don’t hesitate to call our team on 020 7060 9992.
Investing & Collecting Silver Britannias
This video looks at the ever popular Britannia silver coins and assesses its role as a collectable investment.
The original Britannia coin was released as a 1oz gold coin by The Royal Mint in 1987. It attempted to emulate the success of the gold Krugerrand which has cornered the gold investment market for the previous two decades.
The silver Britannia launched ten years later and was originally issued as 958 fineness 1oz silver coin. From 2013, purity was increased to 999.9 fineness, otherwise known as 24 carats.
The coin characterises the best of Britain, with Queen Elizabeth’s portrait on the obverse and various versions of the Britannia icon on the back. The notion of Britannia goes back to Roman times and is depicted as a brave goddess warrior, complete with shield and trident. Her shape supposedly represents the personification of the British Isles.
So why is the silver Britannia such a good collectable investment?
1.Low premiums
The idea behind the Britannia is to offer a bullion coin containing 1oz of silver at a low premium. The coin is mass-produced to reduce costs and buyers are handsomely rewarded with price reductions when ordering large quantities of the coin.
2. Varied designs and options
The main image of Britannia on the coin’s reverse gives the coin its beauty. For those seeking to combine investment with collecting different coins, the Britannia is a great option as the image is updated regularly. The classic Britannia design stands, holding aloft her trident and shield. Previous motifs have included her riding a chariot, sat with a lion, close up and more contemporary designs.
Some designs are only available in proof finishes, but their variety makes the Britannia collectable, enhancing future values.
Special edition Britannias have also been launched, including the Oriental border and 30th-anniversary edition.
3. Tax efficient
Unlike the non-UK silver coins we sell, the Britannia has the added advantage of being legal tender in the UK. With its face value of £2, any profits made when selling silver Britannias is free from Capital Gains Tax. With predictions for the silver price to skyrocket over the coming years, the Britannia silver coins CGT tax free status really helps boost its merits as a collectable investment.
4. Stackable
With its modest 1oz in weight, the Silver Britannia provides a low-cost entry into the world of precious metals. Unlike the larger silver options such as 1kilo bars, the Britannias allow regular purchases for modest investors. Gradually building a silver Britannia collection is a great way of cost averaging the market while developing a nest egg.
If bought in bulk, storage is made simple. The coins come in Royal Mint tubes of 25 coins and monster boxes of 500, great for silver stacking.
If you veer more towards the collector rather than an investor, the Silver Britannia is a versatile option. Each year, the coin is not only minted in bullion finish, but also as a proof coin with strictly limited issue size. While these coins cost a far higher premium, they come in beautiful presentation boxes and make for great gifts. Fractional versions are also available as part of special proof sets which include 6 different coin sizes.
Contact us to buy Britannia silver coins
So there you have it. The sheer versatility of Britannia silver coins makes it a fantastic choice as a long term investment and collectors coin. As our best selling silver coin, we help customers buy and sell Silver Britannias every day. If you need help or guidance, don’t hesitate to call us on 020 7060 9992 or send us a message here.
If you enjoyed this video on Silver Britannias, you may also want to view our others in our video tutorial suite. These cover both gold and silver, coins and bars.
The best 1oz Silver coins
With so much choice now available for silver 1oz coins, it’s important to ensure you pick the absolute best coins to meet your objectives. With that in mind, we run through the top 5 1oz silver coins to buy. Each of our expert selections is based on meeting a particular buyer objective. We recommend the best silver coins for;
Mass Appeal
Highest Purity
Best for Price
Collectability and
Best All-Rounder
1. Mass appeal
The 1oz Silver Krugerrand is our first recommendation. Only launched in 2018 for the first time, the silver bullion Kruger comes a full 51 years after the gold coin first launched. The reputation of the Krugerrand for over half a century as a familiar, simple, trustworthy and great value 1oz coin, creates a great platform for this silver version.
Focussing your portfolio on coins with global appeal will increase your liquidity and selling options, regardless of where your future takes you.
2. Highest purity
Silver coins are minted in a variety of purity levels. Some are 958 parts silver, while most now boast 24 carat purity of 999 parts silver. The Silver Maple Leaf takes that to the next level with 999.9 purity. That’s 99.99% silver to you and me.
While a small selection of other coins also achieves this feat now, the Canadian Mint was the first to produce their gold and silver to such extreme purities. They, therefore, enjoy a reputation for being experts in this field.
3. Best for cost
Prices amongst even mass-produced bullion silver coins can vary greatly from mint to mint. If your objective is to get as many silver 1oz coins as possible for your money, then one of the lowest cost options is the Australian 1oz silver Kangaroo coin.
Produced by the highly regarded Perth Mint, the Kangaroo manages to undercut many of its rivals, particularly when it comes to larger quantity orders.
4. Best for collectability
If you enjoy building your silver coin collection and collecting a set of coins, then the Royal Mint’s Lunar series is an enticing option.
The Year of the Pig 1oz coin, for example, is one of 12 different coins in the range which represents the Chinese Zodiac. Premiums, when each coin is released, are relatively low for collectable coins, adding value as an investment. The coins are likely to benefit from increases in value due to the strong global demand for these coins. The added bonus is their tax free nature for UK buyers.
No surprises here – the 1oz Silver Britannia should provide the backbone to any silver coin portfolio in the UK. These coins offer great value, being mass-produced to a simple bullion finish. Quantity discounts are generous for larger orders, with 500 coins coming in stackable monster boxes.
The design of the Britannia motif on the back of the coins is updated every few years, creating a degree of collectability to the coins.
Possibly their biggest appeal though is their tax-free status. As legal tender in the UK, selling these coins at a profit is completely free from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Five great 1oz silver coins, to suit a variety of objectives. Don’t forget that with the growth of the silver investment market, new 1oz silver coins are being minted all the time, so expect original and exciting additions to join this list in the coming months and years. If you enjoyed this video, you can see 20 of our top video guides here.
If you’re keen to get started with silver, visit our online store at www.physicalgold.com/buy-silver-coins. We provide huge potential savings if you want to order silver coins for delivery to your door. If you’d like to chat with a member of our team, then please call 020 7060 9992.
The Bloomsbury Coin Fair
The Bloomsbury Coin Fair is a hugely popular event that is held 8 times a year in central London. With a highly affordable entry charge of only £2.00, it is a great place to visit and connect with the world of numismatists. It is a veritable treasure trove for those with a passion for collecting. They can not only see great coins first hand at the fair but also connect with experienced collectors.
There is plenty of advice available about coin investments and of course, the opportunity to browse catalogues and participate in auctions during the day. The Bloomsbury fair usually has around 40 dealers present and the owners of the event are John Philpotts and Sophie Dickenson, who are also responsible for running the show.
For 2019, the fair has moved from its previous venue (and namesake – the Bloomsbury Hotel) and will now be staged (still in the Bloomsbury area) at the Royal National Hotel, 38-51 Bedford Way, Bloomsbury, London, WC1H 0DG.
For those driving in, parking is available in over half a dozen car parks in the local area, click this link for further details.
Numismatic fairs are a great place to mingle and network with like-minded collectors
2019 Bloomsbury coin fair dates and times
2019 promises to be a great year for gold and silver coins. The dates for the Bloomsbury Coin Fair in 2019 are as follows:
6th January 2019
2nd March 2019
6thApril 2019
4thMay 2019
6thJuly 2019
5thOctober 2019 and
7th December 2019
“Understanding the gold price per oz”, a YouTube video from Physical Gold Ltd.
Timings of entry are 9:30 AM to 2 PM and the entrance fee is £2 for guests. Exhibitors can also book tables to display their wares and do need to inform the organisers well in advance in order to ensure that a table will be available. Table prices range from £130 for a table 6 ft. long up to £250 for a 12-foot table. The fair covers many interesting periods in coin history. Visitors can find Tudor coins, Norman and Anglo-Saxon coins and even coins that date back to Roman times and the Iron Age. A list of regular exhibitors can be found here.
Call us for helpful advice when you build your collection
There are many exhibitions across the world where collectors congregate to find out more about coins and gain knowledge about numismatics and investing. Of course, the Bloomsbury Coin Fair is one of the most popular ones in the UK to attend.
However, expert knowledge is always helpful before you dash off with your hard-earned money to a coin fair to make investments. You need to have deep knowledge about the subject before you put your money on it and this does not come easy.
For those interested the fair also has a range of other antiquities for sale as well as banknotes and medals. If you enjoy visiting the Bloomsbury Coin Fair then you may also enjoy attending the London Coin Fair too – visit https://www.physicalgold.com/insights/london-coin-fair-dates-2019/ for details.
Contacting Physical Gold for further advice
The good news is that our experts at Physical Gold are always at your service to give you valuable advice, help you build your collection and even procure specific coins that you may want for your collection. Call us on 020 7060 9992 to talk to one of our experts who can help you learn more about numismatics and make the right investment decisions.
Disclaimer: Physical Gold is in no way connected to the Bloomsbury Coin Fair, but we do wholeheartedly recommend the fair as a good place to visit for both coin enthusiasts and investors.
The London Coin Fair is a long-running numismatic event in the British capital. It has been staged for about 30 years now. It is held four times a year and is an important date in the UK numismatic calendar. Of course, one of the highlights of the event is the dealer stalls that are set up. The many UK and European collectors flock to this event to buy coins. However, there are also many books and educational materials available for people who are growing an interest in coin collecting.
The London Coin Fair is currently held at the Holiday Inn hotel on Coram Street in London. The nearest London underground station is Russell Square. Once out of the station, visitors can walk up the road on to Woburn Place and take a right on to Coram Street, before Tavistock Place. The Holiday Inn is on Coram Street. If you’re travelling by car, the nearest car park is the NCP car park on Marchmont Street, very close to the Holiday Inn, off Tavistock Place.
The event is held on the first Saturday of the month in February, June, September and November and is the largest international coin fair in the UK. In 2019 the dates for the fair are as follows:
2nd February 2019,
1st June 2019,
7th September 2019 and
2nd November 2019
The event spans two floors of the hotel and features more than 75 dealers. There are specialist displays and dealer tables for ancient and modern coins, books, medals, lots of antique stuff and medals
Admission timings are 9:30 am – 4:00pm. Entry charges cost £5, concession £3 for one adult. For any additional information, please visit this page and email or call Mike Veissid.
The London Coin Fair is one of the most important numismatic events in the UK
Highlights of the fair
There are some famous auctions held at the fair. For example, the Baldwins Argentum Auction is a long-standing feature at this coin fair that starts at 2 pm. Buyers are allowed to view the auction items in the morning. Many European dealers exhibit at the coin fair. For example, the 4th of February 2017 event saw a number of European participants like Agora Numismatics from Netherlands, Athens Numismatic Gallery from Greece, Collector’s Universe from Paris in France and Volodimir Dalinitchi from Germany.
One of the big differences between the UK and US numismatic events is that the coins are not embedded in a slab. Coins are embedded in the US for safety and security, however, at the London Coin Fair, collectors enjoy a greater ‘touch and feel’ experience before buying a coin.
Anybody interested in coin investment will benefit from viewing our YouTube video “The Gold price today & investing in gold medium to long term”
Bargains and rarities
There are bargain bins at the London Coin Fair, but collectors need to get to the event early in order to catch some good deals. But, for more serious collectors, there are some great treats in store. John Blyth, a boutique dealer who specialises in rarities had an 1859 Ansell Sovereign for sale, priced at 6,500 GBP during the fair held on 4th February 2017.
Call us today to discuss your collection
Numismatics is an absorbing passion for many. It’s a great activity to be involved in. If you’re starting out on your journey as a collector, pick up the phone and speak to our experts today. We have many years of experience in guiding collectors about what to buy and we might even be able to procure many special coins of interest that you badly want for your collection. Call us today on 020 7060 9992 and speak to one of our experts.
Disclaimer: Physical Gold is in no way connected to the Bloomsbury Coin Fair, but we do wholeheartedly recommend the fair as a good place to visit for both coin enthusiasts and investors.
Numismatics. It’s not a word many people will have heard of before. Perhaps you have heard in a quiz “What do you call a coin collector?” Numismatics refers to a steadily growing group of people who are totally fascinated by coins; all sorts of coins, old and new and from all different currencies.A Numismatist is a coin collector. Numismatics involves the appreciation of craftsmanship, finish and features – when you look closely at a coin it’s surprising what you can learn. Learn more in our article about Numismatics – the study or collecting of coins medals and paper money.
Adult and child counting coins
What is numismatics?
Numismatics is actually far more interesting than you’d think. Numismatics is the study of and collection of coins, notes and other forms of currency, it’s a huge and varied topic with plenty to keep you interested.
The word “numismatics” itself comes from the Greek word “nomisma”, which means “coin”, its first known use was back in 1790. The “nom” part you may also recognise from our own word “denomination”. The numismatic art itself refers simply to the study of coins and historic money, but nowadays numismatists are also interested in medals, online currency and paper currency too. Numismatics also concerns items that are similar to coins but don’t necessarily have any economic function: things like tokens, religious items or badges.
Numismatics vs Coin Collecting – How do the Two Compare?
So, do you want to be a Numismatist or coin collector? Well, don’t worry, you can actually be both! You can be an avid coin collector without practising the study of coins (history etc). behind them, or you can learn about the field without actually doing any collecting. We compare the difference between the two below.
What is coin collecting?
Conversely, coin collectors often take enjoyment in gathering together full sets of coins depending on what they are personally interested in. These could be Beatrix Potter or London Olympics 2012 celebration coins for example, or coins marking special times in history for the Royal Family.
What does a Numismatist study or collect?
A “true” numismatist goes well beyond mere collecting, it’s a passion and takes on the form of the study of coins and education. We go on to discuss subcategories of numismatics below, but essentially a Numismatist collects and studies coins, tokens, paper money, and a range of related objects. As a general rule, a numismatist will study currency from a social, artistic or historical viewpoint.
What are the Different Subcategories of Numismatics?
Numismatics is essentially about the value of a currency, the study of currency, how we use it and exchange it, as well as the physical currency itself. It’s about rarity, methods of manufacture and history of the coins. So, what does a Numismatist collect? Numismatics can be broken down into different categories, which we discuss below:
What is Notaphily?
Notaphily – this is the collecting, study and learning of paper money such as banknotes. The word is formed from “Nota” – a Latin word for “paper Money and “Phily” a Greek word for love – so essentially it’s the “love of paper money”. In more recent times Notaphily has also started to include collecting and studying of plastic notes too.
What is Exonumia?
Exonumia – “Exo” is the Greek for “out of” and Nummus is the Latin for “coin”. These include a broad range of items such as the collecting and study of coins as well as badges, key tags, medals, military coins, tokens (e.g. arcade, bank, casino, communion, membership) and toy money. These are just a few examples of aspects of collecting and studying Exonumia.
Here at Physical Gold, we go well beyond the study of coins and make Exonumia, investment-friendly too. Why not make money from your study of coins, by speaking to us?
What is Scripophily?
Scripophily – this is the collecting and study of securities such as bond certificates, stock certificates and other negotiable financial instruments. Scripophilists will often collect based on the antiquity, scarcity and aesthetic appeal of an item. Investment principles are often in the background, but undoubtedly if managed correctly Scripophily in the long-term can make attractive investment properties. Modern Scripophily is becoming trickier as the financial services industry moves away from paper-based to electronic systems.
What coins are worth collecting?
We now analyse some of the coins, which we believe are most worth collecting.
Royal Mail coins
For a lot of British coin collectors, the Royal Mint is where it’s at. Planning for new releases and eagerly awaiting the chance to get their hands on the latest designs, they jostle to be the first to place an order for a new coin and prepare to add it to the other Royal Mint coins in their collection. Infact, did you know that the Royal Mint website ground to a halt when it made available its phenomenally popular 2017 Peter Rabbit 50p coin?
Limited Edition Collectable Coins
When it comes to collecting coins, the ones which are most sought after are ones which were only in circulation for a short time, i.e. are limited edition coins. Historically significant or especially attractive coins are also popular, and excitement is further heightened by mints that are limited in numbers or metal type, for example, a gold coin that’s usually silver. A particularly famous limited edition mint includes the recent Star Wars: The Empire Strike Back silver coin which had a mintage across the globe of just 10,000.
The 1 oz Landmarks of Britain – Trafalgar Square Silver Coin (2018) is a 50,000 mintage limited edition Royal Mail coin
Minting Error Coins
Another category of collectable coins are minting errors, these are coins, which had some sort of error during the minting process. The main categories of minting errors are:
Hub and die errors – these include double printing, die-setting errors, areas missing from the design, die breaks as well as cracks and chips, as well as many other types too
Planchet preparation errors – these include minting blank coins, clipped coins, minting coins with varying thicknesses as well as cladding and lamination flaws
Strike errors – a range of errors in the striking process
Buying minting error coins can make a great investment. This is especially the case if these coins are bought early when premiums are often lower. As the years go by and error coins become scarcer and more sought after, the premiums paid can often rise dramatically.
Coins in a jar
Is Coin Collecting a Good Investment?
When it comes to coin collecting as a way of building an investment or pension fund there are no shortcuts. It’s not a quick way to “flip” some money or make a fast buck – it’s much more long term. Old and rare coins are pretty much always worth far more than their face value.
A lot of financial advisors are even suggesting you keep between 5-10% of your investments in precious metals and rare coins. Not only will this offer a little extra security but it will give a good foundation for building future wealth. Even if the stock market was to totally flop, your collected coins will retain their value and actually likely increase as investors plump more towards commodities. It’s potentially a fascinating yet lucrative hobby.
Is it Worth Seeking Dealer Advice About Which Coins to Buy?
If you’re interested in beginning a personal coin collection or in getting into numismatics, in particular, there are many coins which are very highly regarded, so if there are particular items you have in mind it’s important to get your order in as quickly as possible.
In our opinion, it’s essential to take advice and there’s plenty available from Numismatic publications and websites as well as through talking to dealers such as Physical Gold Limited.
How Can I Invest with Physical Gold today?
So, are you interested in the study or collection of coins and perhaps starting a fantastic new coin collection of your own? In our opinion, Numismatics is more than coins study or the collecting of coins medals and paper money – it should be an investment too!
Let us get you started. Whether you’ve been collecting for years or you’re just starting to dabble, Physical Gold can help with any advice about collecting or investing in gold. Speak to us on 020 7060 9992 or send us an email so we can help.
Coin sets usually consist of proof coins. A proof coin is a coin struck using a special, high-quality minting process. These coins were historically produced for checking the production dies and for archival purposes, however nowadays these higher quality coins are often produced in greater numbers especially for coin collectors / numismatists.
Proof production usually involves polishing of the production dies and often uses chemicals to make certain parts of the design take a matt appearance, with the polished fields displaying a mirror finish. They can often be distinguished from bullion coins by their sharper rims and more defined design. An easy way to understand the different look between proof and bullion is to imagine the enhanced sharpness an HD television offers over standard definition.
Proof coins are sometimes sold in encapsulated tamper-proof plastic casing straight from the mint. The casing maintains their pristine condition, and integrity. Others may simply be presented in a wooden presentation box.
A collector’s gem – here we can see a coin set with US 1924 20 dollar gold coins
These coins are often produced in limited issue, often adding to their collectable appeal. Commonly proof coins will come in a set of several proof coins, perhaps including all fractional denominations of a certain coin. These sets are usually beautifully packaged and can make great presents.
The cost of proof coins is generally 10-25% higher than their bullion version, even though they have the same gold content and are of the same purity. When you come to sell a proof coin it is unlikely you will receive the full premium back, and for this reason these coins are not the best form of gold to purchase for investment purposes.
Coin Sets
Originally, gold proof coins were intended as pre-production samples. Traditionally the mint would produce a small range of proof copies ready to be approved by the monarch- going some way to explain why they are produced to such a superior standard of finish. Several techniques are undertaken in order to achieve an appearance that is close to flawless, with the resulting proof coins then individually inspected and packaged.
As such these types of coins are perfect for the more sentimental collector. Those with a keen interest in the history of their investments often opt for gold proof coins.
Proof coin sets like the one above are popular among numismatists
Proof Coins
Sold individually or in sets, proof coins are purchased
for a variety of purposes. Whilst they are sometimes bought as an investment, those with a keen eye for profit are morely likely to opt for bullion coins. On the other hand, coin sets are ideal as presents, keepsakes or historical artefacts. The exquisite detail of proof coins coupled with their aesthetic appeal
As a keen numismatist, it’s important to know more about proof coins. These coins are usually struck with special dies. Each coin is struck twice at the minimum and finished with special polishes. While they do not enter circulation, their look and feel are quite different from standard coinage that is not circulated. They possess an aura and lustre of their own, that makes it attractive to collectors.
Reason for proof sets
Of course, the purpose of the proof sets is to finalise the production run. The proofs are reviewed and approvals procured by the mint to ensure that the coin is suited for release. 1936 saw the first proof sets being minted and this tradition continues even today. Proof sets are popular amongst collectors, for their look as well as affordability as a type of gold investment. Numismatists prefer investing in collectable coins instead of bullion bars. These coins may be cheaper in certain cases, simply because they never entered circulation. Proof sets often come in their original packaging, which is left undisturbed by the collectors in order to enhance their value. Mints across the world have picked up on the numismatic trend of collecting proof sets and they often release a collection of proof sets aimed at the collectors.
Mint sets
Many people confuse proof sets with mint sets. They are actually two different things altogether. Unlike proof sets, there are no special dies or finishing polishes used to make these coins. Mint sets, however, do mean exactly what the name implies – that the coins are in mint condition, untouched and uncirculated. The principle is the same as mint condition vinyl LPs or collectable books that have never been taken out of their original packaging, untouched by the hands of man. This is the intrinsic value that it commands amongst collectors.
Untouched and uncirculated
Of course, they come with their original packaging intact and un-tampered. For example, the US releases complete mint sets for collectors on a yearly basis. This means that each set contains uncirculated coins struck by every US mint for that year. Currently, the US has four mints that are active. These are San Francisco, Denver Colorado, Philadelphia and West Point. Now, each set will have one mint condition, untouched and uncirculated coin of every denomination released for that particular year. Mint sets may also have old and rare coins, which makes them even more valuable and desirable to collectors. The 1996 Roosevelt Dime is a classic example of a rare coin that was never circulated and its untouched mint set commands considerable value among avid collectors and numismatists alike.
Gold Proof Coins
Experiencing a boom in collector popularity during the 1930s, minting methods have actually improved through the decades, resulting in superior proof finishes. Despite this it is not unusual to notice toning, spotting or discolouration, however they will be free from signs of wear and tear, due to not having been in circulation.
Talk to our gold experts before investing in coin sets
At Physical Gold, our gold experts can advise you on the best deals when it comes to coin sets. Given that there is a wide variety of choice among these collectable sets, its best to have an expert advise you on the best buy for your portfolio. If you are buying a coin set from us, you can rest assured that every item we trade comes with a certificate of authenticity and a complete buyback guarantee.
Physical Gold is proud to be one of the most reputed online gold and precious metals dealers. Our numismatic experts are second to none in the quality of service and knowledge. We love speaking to customers just like you every day and our team of experts can advise you on how to build a robust and lasting gold portfolio that will truly stand the test of time. Call us now on 020 7060 9992 or contact us online by sending us an email through this link. Once a member of our team receives your message, we will be in touch right away.
Coins are a classic heritage investment. They are popular with numismatics as well as investors looking to purchase them for their gold and silver content. British coins are particularly collectible and are highly sought after by investors. The Royal Mint is one of the most respected and prestigious Mints in the world and has been producing coins for centuries.
Sometimes coins are produced in limited numbers, perhaps to commemorate a certain event or to celebrate a very special occasion. Limited edition coins can be worth large sums of money and due to often being produced in smaller numbers their value has the potential to rise over time.
Coins like the 1oz Gold Unicorn Queens Beast are likely to be highly popular in the future
Popular all around the world
British coins are among the most widely collected coins across the globe meaning they are also relatively liquid. As an investor, this can benefit you should you ever need to sell your coins quickly, as there is no shortage of buyers for limited edition British coins.
People who invest in coins for their rarity or collector’s appeal are often attracted to the unique history behind them. When you hold an old coin, you are touching something that has passed through many pairs of hands over a period of generations making them a truly inspiring investment. Britain’s rich and varied history means that its coins are a very attractive proposition for many collectors. The country has been producing coins for thousands of years which means there are hundreds of different sizes, shapes, and designs to collect. Some of the earliest examples found in Britain date back to Ancient Roman times.
Market Value
Due to the enduring popularity of British coins, their value has been known to fluctuate greatly, meaning there is potential to make a great profit. Some limited editions coins can fetch prices reaching thousands of pounds and their performance can top that of many stocks and shares. Recently the value of many commemorative coins has soared in price. Last year, the Stanley Gibbons GB200 Rare Coin Index, which measures the performance of a representative sample of 200 rare British coins, rose more than 6%. Over the last ten years, the index has risen by an average of 195%.
Design
The Royal Mint has some of the best engravers/designers in the world and some of their coins are stunning to behold. Many limited-edition coins feature a particular design or image that sets them apart from standard circulation coins. For example, a commemorative coin might feature an image that has relevance to that particular event.
Coins like the Silver Britannia Privy Mark Snake are likely to be popular in the future due to their limited mintage
Gold and Silver Content
Many individuals invest in British Coins because
of their gold and silver content. Up until 1931, British coins were still minted to the gold standard whilst coins containing genuine silver were still in general circulation right up until 1946. Today the Royal Mint still produces gold and silver coins. These are aimed exclusively at investors and include bullion coins such as the Gold Lunar Series. (See below)
The Royal Mint
Coins produced by the Royal Mint tend to have added investment appeal. They are one of the oldest and most established Mints in the world having been producing coins since AD 886. Coins produced by the Royal Mint (such as the Britannia) which qualify as legal tender are also free of capital gains tax when sold.
Invest in limited edition British coins through Physical Gold
Live Gold Spot Price in Sterling.
Gold is one of the densest of all metals. It is a good conductor of heat and electricity. It is also soft and the most malleable and ductile of the elements; an ounce (31.1 grams; gold is weighed in troy ounces) can be beaten out to 187 square feet (about 17 square metres) in extremely thin sheets called gold leaf.
Silver Information
Live Silver Spot Price in Sterling.
Silver (Ag), chemical element, a white lustrous metal valued for its decorative beauty and electrical conductivity. Silver is located in Group 11 (Ib) and Period 5 of the periodic table, between copper (Period 4) and gold (Period 6), and its physical and chemical properties are intermediate between those two metals.
Coin sets usually consist of proof coins. A proof coin is a coin struck using a special, high-quality minting process. These coins were historically produced for checking the production dies and for archival purposes, however nowadays these higher quality coins are often produced in greater numbers especially for 
