Numismatics
What are Numismatics?

Numismatics is the study of the history of money in all its varied forms and the collection of money, particularly coins. A numismatic coin is one that typically has a higher value then the face value of the coin, due to the historical, aesthetic and rarity appeal of the coin. Coins that are considered rare or ancient will often have a significantly higher monetary value than the suggested value.Numismatic coins are highly coveted by coin collectors because of their history, rarity and potential value.

How can I be assured the coins I buy are real?

Buying numismatic coins carries the risk of buying a fake coin or something that is not the genuine article. In order to minimise the risk of spending a significant amount of money on a fake coin or coins, numismatic coins are often sent to be graded by professional grading companies. These companies protect coin buyers authenticating the coins and by giving the coins a rating system or “grade” as they call it. Without an independent body to give an unbiased opinion about the condition of coin or coins, there is the risk of spending a great deal of money on a coin that may not be worth the asking price.

Two companies have emerged as the leaders in the coin grading process – Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Their role is to authenticate coins and examine a coin in great detail and report back with a grade that will set it apart from other coins of varying conditions.

How do you buy Numismatic and Semi Numismatic coins?

Numismatics and semi numismatics can be bought from numismatic dealers and bullion dealers with the requisite expertise. One should always work with established and trusted counter parties. Compare prices and make sure you are getting value for money.

GoldCore sells unusual and extremely high-quality European, American and World Gold coins for collectors and investors. We also sell rare U.S. gold and silver coins such as $20 Liberties, St. Gaudens, Peace and Morgan Silver in collectible certified form. These rare coins are carefully hand selected by numismatists for their eye appeal and quality and are certified for grade & authenticity by the PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or the NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corp.)

How can I sell Semi Numismatic and Numismatic coins?

Numismatic coins are liquid with many coin dealers internationally making a market and automatically buying more common and popular numismatic coins. Very rare coins are less liquid and often go to auction at the likes of Sotheby’s. Non rare coins must be received by the dealer at their premises or depository. The dealer will have the coins authenticated and will pay the seller the market price. The entire process can take between 4 or 7 working days.

How do I store Semi Numismatic and Numismatic coins?

Semi numismatic and numismatic coins can be stored in a home or office or in depositories internationally. We advise clientele not to have semi numismatic or numismatic coins with significant value in the home. Smaller amounts can be stored in a home but always have them insured. GoldCore has relationships with some of the safest depositories in the world and can advise and provide secure storage.

Why do Investors Prefer Semi-Numismatic Gold and Silver Coins?

Many investors opt for the universal popularity, liquidity, divisibility, and convenience afforded by pre-1933 European and world gold coins which were used as money in Europe in the 19th century and early 20th century.

Classic European and World Gold Coinage is an often overlooked but extremely important sector in today’s gold market. We recommend pre 1933 European and World gold coins as an intelligent alternative to modern gold bullion coins or bars as there is often more room for appreciation with these coins.

The prices of these beautiful coins are only slightly more expensive than modern gold bullion but offer many advantages. These include increasing scarcity and historical significance. European gold coins are recognised as one of the most advantageous ways to invest in “bulk” gold, by sophisticated investors.

European and world gold coins minted during or before 1933 provide all the economic safety of bullion coins. But they also offer investors a higher risk reward scenario. When one buys these gold coins one is not just gaining exposure to the price of gold rather because of their aesthetic, historic, collector and rarity these coins also have a value above and beyond their precious metal value. Many of these coins have been melted down over the years and thus due to the basic laws of supply and demand they are more rare and thus more valuable.

Thus if the price of gold was to rise 50% in the coming years these coins should, and traditionally have, rise by some 80% to 100%. Conversely, should the price of gold drop in value these coins could fall in value by more.

They are priced at reasonable premiums over similarly-sized contemporary gold bullion coins. Originally minted for use as currency, the size – typically one-fifth to one-quarter ounce — allows these coins to function well as mediums of exchange in the event of a general currency or banking collapse and potential governmental capital controls.

Some gold investors worry about possible government confiscation in the event of a monetary or systemic crisis. Pre-1933 coins offer an additional layer of protection against privacy intrusions including gold confiscation. Numismatic and semi numismatic older gold coins were exempted from the ban on private gold ownership enacted by the U.S. government in 1933 and have been treated as collector items ever since. We generally recommend that some of your gold holdings be in the form of world gold coins like British Gold Sovereigns, Gold French Francs, Gold German Marks, Gold Swiss Francs, Gold American St. Gaudens and Liberty dollars or gold coins from some of the other countries.

Why are British Gold Sovereigns favoured?

Gold Sovereigns are one of the most popular of the pre-1933 gold coins in the U.K., the U.S. and the world. As one of the world’s oldest, most historic, and most recognisable gold coins, the gold sovereign makes an ideal bullion coin. Sovereigns weigh 7.98 grams and are made of 22 carat gold (carat means 1/24) or 91.66% pure, and therefore contains 7.315 grams or 0.2353544 troy ounces of pure gold. The great advantage of sovereigns is that they are an attractive and much loved coin with a rich tradition and history. Single coins command premium prices for use in jewellery, as pendants and rings, or as gifts for special occasions such as christenings, golden weddings, coming of age, and even just as an attractive jewellery item in its own right.

Once one has decided to invest in and or save in gold, it is important to choose the very best means. See our section on “How to Buy Gold” below.