Finding Value In Gold Coins
Experts say the safest way to own gold is to own bullion in the form of bars or gold coins. Of course owning gold bars is pretty cut and dry. The value of the gold is directly related to the weight of the gold, depending on what that day’s current market price for gold is. However, owning gold coins gets a bit trickier because some coins are worth much more than their weight in gold.
Some of the most valuable gold coins you can find are those recovered from a shipwreck. People love stories, and recovering coins from a shipwreck certainly adds a romantic value to them. However, the majority of coins you’ll find on the market today are your standard gold coins.
The first thing to consider when you’re pricing gold coins is the quality of the gold. For example, the only U.S. bullion coin that was minted in 24 karat gold is the American Buffalo coin. All other U.S. bullion coins are 22 karats or less.
Another thing to take into consideration when it comes to gold coins is the premium the coins are worth on top of the spot gold prices for the coins. The American Buffalo coin averages a 10 percent premium in addition to the gold spot value of the coin. This makes owning gold in the form of coins an even better investment than gold bullion in many cases, but as with anything, it’s always a good idea to ask an expert before you purchase any coins.
Stewart Lawson
Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Coin.com
