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Portfolio Diversity: Platinum Investment Coins

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Having a diverse investment portfolio helps spread risk while take advantage of the growth potential across different asset classes. A balanced portfolio is typically comprised of a mix of stocks, bond, cash, real estate, commodities and tangible assets.

While stocks like Nvidia are doing well, most have been down in recent months. Companies have been laying off left and right. If that wasn’t enough, we are still dealing with record high inflation and the highest interest rates in decades.

In his testimony before Congress, Fed Chairman Powell said that he believes there will be bank failures caused by the looming commercial real estate crisis.

With recent news that BRICS is creating a blockchain-based payment system along with digital currencies, a growing number of affiliated countries, including China and Russia, have been boosting their Central Bank gold reserves.

Many investors may have some exposure to silver and gold, possibly through investments in mining stocks, ETFs or via direct investment in physical coins such as the American Eagle, Maple Leaf, and Britannia.

Given that the global economy is dedollarizing and speeding like a freight train in the direction of a commodity backed currencies for trade, it may be a good time to consider diversifying into other precious metals.

Why Platinum?

Platinum is a dense, malleable, ductile, highly unreactive, precious, silverish-white transition metal. It is one of the rarest elements in the Earth’s crust and is known for its remarkable resistance to corrosion, even at high temperatures. It is a vital industrial metal as well as a highly valued precious metal for investment and jewelry.

The largest platinum deposits in the world are located in South Africa and Russia. These two resource rich countries combined are responsible for producing over 80% of the world’s platinum.

A diverse precious metals portfolio is constructed to mitigate risk while aiming for growth by investing across various types of metals and investment vehicles within the precious metals category.

During the 2008 Financial Crisis, the price of platinum reached its current all time of $2176.30 per troy ounce. Since 2018, the price has been rising at a stable rate, with some short lived peaks and troughs along the way. In recent months, the price of platinum has been hovering below $1000 per ounce, less than half of the current price per ounce of gold.

Some investors have been looking at this as unique opportunity to diversify further by invest some money in platinum 1 oz coins. Investment-grade platinum coins are issued by a variety of trusted and reputable governments mints, including the US Mint, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Royal Mint and the South African Mint.

Great Britain Platinum Britannia

The Platinum Britannia is a trusted investment option from the Royal Mint that offer a low premium, low risk way to diversify your physical holdings.

The current year 2024 1 oz Platinum Britannia Coin reverse carries the infamous Philip Nathan illustration of Britannia that is shared amongst the other coins in the series.

The design captures a powerful image of the mythical female warrior protecting the southern coast, carrying a trident in her right hand to control the seas. Her left hand rests on a shield bearing the Union Jack, signifying her role in defending the British Isles.

The obverse of 2024 Platinum Britannia Coins feature a new effigy portrait of His Majesty King Charles III. Also available in a fractional 1/10 oz platinum coin.

Additionally, The Royal Mint also issues platinum coins for collecting and investment, including those in the Tudor Beasts series such as the 1 oz Seymour Unicorn Platinum Coin.

American Platinum Eagle

First introduced in 1997, the 1 oz Platinum Eagle is the only investment-grade platinum coin from the U.S. Mint. The obverse of the coin displays the “Portrait of Liberty,” designed by John Mercanti, which symbolizes the American ideals of freedom and democracy.

The reverse features an eagle soaring above America’s landscape, designed by Thomas D. Rogers.

Minted from .9995 pure platinum, the coin is notable for the high-quality minting and legal tender status with a face value of $100 USD.

Maple Leaf Platinum

The Platinum Maple Leaf was first introduced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1988, following the success of the gold and silver versions. These coins are known for their purity, quality, and the iconic Canadian maple leaf design.

For the current year, 2024 Maple Leaf 1 oz Platinum Coin, the obverse features a portrait of His Majesty King Charles III. While previous issues have shown Queen Elizabeth II, with designs varying over the years as the Queen has aged. The reverse displays the signature maple leaf, a national symbol of Canada, along with the coin’s weight and purity. Each coin carries a $50 face value in Canadian dollars, though the market value of the platinum far exceeds this nominal legal tender value.

Issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, known for its high-quality minting processes and innovative security features, the Platinum Maple Leaf benefits from high liquidity and global recognition.

Philharmonic 1 oz Platinum Coin

The Platinum Philharmonic is produced by the Austrian Mint as part of the Vienna Philharmonic coin series. The series celebrates the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Austria’s most prestigious cultural symbols.

Struck in .9995 fine platinum, the design of the 2024 Philharmonic 1 oz Platinum coin mirrors that of its gold and silver counterparts. The obverse features the great organ found in the Musikverein, the concert hall in Vienna where the orchestra performs. The reverse depicts an array of orchestral instruments, including violins, a viola, a cello, a bassoon, a harp, and a Viennese horn.

South Africa Big 5

The Big 5 platinum coin series from the South African Mint is a testament to the country’s rich wildlife heritage and the mint’s dedication to high-quality numismatic products. The “Big 5” refers to five of Africa’s most famous animals: the elephant, lion, buffalo, rhinoceros, and leopard. These animals are each renowned for their majesty, strength, and the challenge they posed to hunters, making them symbols of Africa’s rich wildlife heritage.

The 2023 1 oz Elephant Platinum coin is available with a bullion finish and the obverse displays a single elephant front profile, while the reverse shows two elephant profiles facing each other.

The South African Mint is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, and each coin in the series is struck from .9995 fine platinum with each featuring detailed and lifelike representations of the Big 5 animals.

Vintage Platinum Coins and Bars

The first significant minting of platinum coins began when platinum was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia. The first Russian platinum coin was minted in the region from 1828 until 1845. Due to the similar appearance to the more prevalent silver coins of the era, their use caused confusion and they quickly become unpopular in daily transactions. in Russia.

After World War II, platinum became recognized as a precious metal for trading in the commodities markets. Its rarity, along with its industrial applications have increased its economic importance and investment appeal.

The first platinum investment coin was issued by the Isle of Man, which was introduced in 1983 as The Platinum Noble. The Noble coin is unique since it is not denominated in any traditional currency but rather in “nobles,” a nod to its novelty and the historic nobility associated with platinum.

The Noble was issued and marketed as a bullion coin, appealing to investors for its purity and the intrinsic value of its platinum content.

During the 1980s, the Austrian Mint debuted the Shooting Thaler 1 oz Platinum Coin. Shooting Thaler coins a part of a Swiss tradition of issuing coins to commemorate the Schützenfest (shooting festival) that dates back to the 19th century.

The obverse of these coins features a depiction of William Tell, a folk hero from Switzerland who played a symbolic role in the foundation of modern Swiss identity. He’s known for his marksmanship and defiance against Austrian tyranny rooted in folklore that were written in chronicles in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Vintage Platinum Bars

In response to increasingly stringent environmental regulations during the 1970s such as the Clean Air Act amendments, Engelhard developed the first production catalytic converter and helped to commercialize its us in 1973.

Platinum, along with other PGM metals, proved to be extremely effective at accelerating the chemical reactions that convert exhaust pollutants into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water vapor.

As a result, platinum bars became popular with investors during the 1980s as its industrial use increased due to the mandating of catalytic converters for internal combustion engines.

Today, catalytic converters are considered standard equipment on gasoline and diesel engines in most parts of the world, significantly reducing the environmental impact of automobile emissions. Vintage Engelhard 1 oz Platinum Bars have retained popularity with investors as a store of value and wealth.

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Greatest Generation Coins Available for Preorder from the US Mint

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The United States Mint Commemorative Coin Program issues coins that celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions. These coins are legal tender but are not intended for general circulation; instead, they are crafted to collector-grade quality and are often purchased by collectors and investors.

The program aims to raise public awareness about significant aspects of American heritage and history, with a portion of the proceeds from the sales of these coins typically going towards funding related projects, organizations, or memorials.

The Greatest Generation commemorative coin program honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II, as outlined in the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act. The coins are available in gold, silver and clad.

The available coins include:

  • Proof $5 Gold Coin (24CA)
  • Uncirculated Five-Dollar Gold Coin (24CB)
  • Proof Silver Dollar Coin (24CC)
  • Uncirculated Silver Dollar Coin (24CD)
  • Proof Half Dollar Coin (24CE)
  • Uncirculated Half Dollar Coin (24CF)
  • Three Coin Proof Set (24CG)

The Director of the Mint, the Honorable Ventris C. Gibson, signed 250 Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) for the 2024 Greatest Generation Three-Coin Proof Set (24CG).

These personally signed COAs will be randomly inserted into unmarked sets and will be fulfilled when shipping begins.

“The Greatest Generation Commemorative Coins serve as a heartfelt tribute to our World War II heroes and commemorate the 20th anniversary of the dedication of the remarkable World War II Memorial. We urge all Americans to obtain a coin in memory or honor of a loved one who served in this historic conflict,” said Jane Droppa, Chair, Friends of the National World War II Memorial. “We aspire to see these coins become a meaningful medium for individuals to share the extraordinary stories of those who played a pivotal role in bringing freedom to millions worldwide during the deadliest conflict in human history.”

Initiated in 1982, the modern commemorative coin program has produced coins that honor and celebrate a wide range of subjects, from historical figures like George Washington to significant events like the moon landing and institutions such as the Smithsonian.

Some investors buy commemorative coins for their precious metal content and potential for appreciation. Gold and silver commemoratives make unique gifts for special occasions and can be attractive as tangible assets.

U.S. Mint Commemorative Coins are available directly from the Mint through pre-order. More details can be found at the US Mint website.

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    PAMP Suisse Installs Solar Panels Installs at its Castel San Pietro Refinery to Accelerate Supply of Renewable Energy

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    MKS PAMP, the parent company of PAMP Suisse has announced the completion of a project to supply their Castel San Pietro refinery with renewable solar energy. The solar panel installation covers a total area 2000m² rooftop with an expected annual production of 519.7 MWh of electricity.

    In 2016, MKS PAMP entered into an agreement with the Swiss Confederation to reduce Co₂ emissions. Since then, the company has reduced its CO₂ emissions at its production site by 41%.  Moreover, they continue to source 100% renewable electricity long-term.

    “This renewable energy installation demonstrates our path to continued environmental sustainability – we are proud to achieve such objectives with the support of the Castel San Pietro municipality ”, said Phaedon Stamatopoulos, Managing Director, MKS PAMP Ticino in a press release.  

    Silver is utilized in solar panels as part of the conductive paste that is contained in photovoltaic cells. Silver is well known for its excellent electrical conductivity, which helps in efficiently collecting and transmitting the electricity generated by the solar cells.

    MKS PAMP

    MKS PAMP GROUP has a significant international footprint and is known for its commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.

    The company’s operations span the gamut of the precious metals industry from refining and manufacturing to trading and finance across key markets worldwide while adhering to strict environmental standards.

    PAMP’s refinery is accredited as a Good Delivery provider of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) underscoring its reputation for reliability and the high quality of its products.

    Throughout its more than 60 year history, PAMP has been at the forefront of integrating advanced security features into its products, including Veriscan® technology, which uses microscopic surface topography to register and verify the authenticity of gold bars.

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    BLM Proposes Updates to Western Solar Plan

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    First proposed in 2012, the Western Solar Plan from the Bureau of Land Management aims to facilitate the development of utility-scale solar energy projects on public lands.

    The Biden administration has updated the plan, with several proposed options that would divert anywhere from 8 million to up to 55 million acres of public lands across 11 Western states to be made available for solar energy.

    For utility-scale solar installations, a commonly used estimate is that 1 acre of solar panels can accommodate about 1,000 panels, considering the necessary spacing and infrastructure. This estimate can vary based on the design and layout specifics of the installation but serves as a good baseline for calculation.

    To meet only Los Angeles’s annual electricity consumption of approximately 26 billion kWh, it would require about 42.25 million solar panels.

    A typical 300 watt solar panel uses approximately 0.1 to 0.2 grams of silver per watt of solar cell, with roughly 30 to 60 grams of silver per panel. How much silver would it take to manufacture enough solar panels to power Los Angeles? 81,502,142 troy ounces, roughly 2,535,058 kilos of silver.

    While the efficiency of solar panels has been increasing over the years, this plan from the BLM is pretty absurd.

    From the ZeroHedge Article:

    This plan is part of the Biden administration’s goal of generating 25 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from wind and solar on public lands by 2025—and generating 100 percent “renewable” electricity by 2035—solar panels would need to be sited on 700,000 acres of public land.

    The sheer scope of the BLM plan—designating tens of millions of acres for solar development when the agency says 700,000 acres would suffice to meet Biden administration goals—is a red flag for many communities.

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    Silver buyers reporting issues with sales tax and order cancellations with Walmart

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    When Walmart began selling precious metals through their website marketplace last year, it became a convenient way for stackers to add some silver to their order of other household goods.

    As the popularity of buying precious metals online grows, many buyers have experienced issues with being charged sales tax in states where metals aren’t taxed. Some buyers turn to social media for advice on how to deal with customer service when resolving sales tax issues.

    Sales tax on precious metals is contentious issue, which is a complicated patchwork of outdated state laws that have created issues that online retailers must contend with since South Dakota v. Wayfair decision in 2018.

    Since that landmark decision from the Supreme Court, large online marketplace retailers like Walmart and eBay are required to collect state and local sales taxes and remit those to their respective government agencies.

    Gold and Silver Legal Tender

    Already, 11 US states have taken steps to officially recognize gold and silver as legal tender. More states have pending legislation that either eliminates sales tax on precious metals or recognizes it as currency.

    The United States was founded on sound money principles. The founding fathers included in the Constitution the rules that states must follow when issuing legal tender.

    “no state shall make any thing but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts”

    Texas was the first state to establish its own bullion depository, and there is pending legislation that aims to create the first state-issued gold-backed crypto-currency that will be redeemable to physical gold.

    While the Federal Reserve continues to battle with inflation and interest rates, Republican lawmakers have introduced new legislation titled “The CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act” to ban a CBDC in the United States.

    In a press release, Senator Ted Cruz said “The Biden administration salivates at the thought of infringing on our freedom and intruding on the privacy of citizens to surveil their personal spending habits, which is why Congress must clarify that the Federal Reserve has no authority to implement a CBDC.”

    Dedollarization and the Return to a Gold Standard

    The BRICS member nations have been making progress with developing a gold-backed common currency for trade. It’s already been reported that last year, roughly 20% of the world’s oil trade was done in non-dollar currencies, a record high since the introduction of the petrodollar in the 1970s.

    China stockpiled more than 225 tones of gold during 2023. According to central bank holdings data, China’s central bank is now holding 2,235.39 tons in gold reserves, almost on par with Russia’s holdings of 2,332.74 tons.

    Additionally, other BRICS countries are quickly accumulating more gold. Five additional countries have announced they are joining BRICS, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. While dozens of others have expressed interest.

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    What is the edge notch on US Mint Gold and Silver Eagles?

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    In June 2021, the US Mint added an anti-counterfeiting notch to the edge of annually minted coins like the American Eagle Gold and Silver coins. The notches also appear also on the redesigned gold and silver American Eagles with Uncirculated (Burnished) and Proof finishes. This is one of the a“overt” security features added by the mint. Additionally, the mint has included “covert” anti-counterfeiting measures as well.

    Silver Eagle Edge Notch

    On the 2021 issue, when looking at the obverse of the coin, the notch appears to disrupt the reeding around the edge at roughly at the 6 o’clock position. Each year they move it to a new location on the edge.

    The notch was moved to a different position for the 2022 issue, with the location at approximately the 7 o’clock position.

    The anti-counterfeiting notch was added as a deterrent to thwart Chinese counterfeiters from forging fakes of these best selling bullion coins.

    Mint officials are not disclosing the coins’ new covert feature or features.

    In a statement release by Todd Martin, deputy director for the Mint’s Office of Corporate Communications, “The United States Mint has invested in developing a state of the art Anti-Counterfeiting laboratory in Philadelphia,” Martin said. “The lab will use improved testing and authentication methods to determine the genuineness of coins returned via the presently suspended Mutilated Coin Redemption Program — which accepts bent and partial coins from individuals and businesses. The lab currently processes worn coins returned by the Federal Reserve (uncurrent coins).”

    For 2024, the 1 oz Silver and 1 oz Gold American Eagle coins, the notch is at the 9 o’clock position in relation to the obverse. The edge notches are not included on fractional versions of the American Eagle gold bullion coins, nor fractional Uncirculated or Proof versions.

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    PAMP Suisse and Activision Collaborate on Gold and Silver Bars to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Call of Duty Modern Warfare III

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    To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Call of Duty video game franchise, Activision has partnered with PAMP Suisse to develop a line of limited edition silver and gold bars featuring the imagery from the game.

    The obverse shows the outline of a shield with a game character dressed in military fatigues along with the franchise title “Call of Duty” in vertical orientation. The reverse shows a diagonal pattern of Call of Duty Modern Warfare III logo, with the makers hallmark, weight and purity in the center and includes a unique serial number that is also printed on the matching assay card.

    Additionally, all of the COD silver and gold bars include a code that is redeemable for a bonus in-game weapon charm.

    Further details can be found in the press release from MKS PAMP.

    PAMP Suisse

    Founded in 1977 and based in Ticino, Switzerland, PAMP is one of the world’s leading bullion brands, known for its high-quality gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products. The company produces a wide range of bullion products, including bars, coins, and ingots, which are popular among investors and collectors alike for their purity, craftsmanship, and innovative designs.

    PAMP Suisse gold bars come with an assay certificate, which guarantees the purity, weight, and authenticity of the bar. Each PAMP Suisse gold bar is individually serialized, which aids in authentication and adds to its collectibility. While the intrinsic value of the gold itself is a significant factor in the value, the collectibility of these limited edition bars can add a premium above the spot price of gold.

    Call of Duty

    “Call of Duty” is an influential and popular first-person shooter video game franchise developed and published by Activision. The series began with the launch of the original “Call of Duty” game on October 29, 2003. The game was initially set in World War II and was praised for its immersive storytelling, realistic gameplay, and engaging multiplayer modes. Over the years, the franchise has expanded to include various settings, including modern times, futuristic worlds, and even space.

    “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” is an update of the original game that features missions that mirror modern military conflicts and tactics. The franchise itself is developed and published by Activision, with various development studios working on different entries, including Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games.

    The original “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare” launched in November 2007 and was a pivotal game in the series, marking a shift from World War II settings to contemporary battlefields and significantly influencing the first-person shooter genre with its realistic gameplay, narrative depth, and multiplayer modes.

    The “Call of Duty” franchise boasts millions of active players across its various titles and has extended its reach beyond video games into a broad array of merchandise and media, including Action figures, LEGO sets, gaming peripherals like branded controllers, headsets, and mouse pads and narrative extensions of the franchise’s storylines, offering deeper dives into its lore and characters.

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    A-Mark to Acquire LPM Group Limited

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    A-Mark (AMRK) is one of the largest wholesale distribution companies in the precious metals space. In recent years, A-Mark has acquired a variety of dealers in the US, the largest being JM Bullion.

    According to a recent press release, A-Mark is expanding their presence in the markets throughout Asia with the announced acquisition of Hong Kong based LPM Group Limited.

    LPM Group Limited (LPM) is an established precious metals retailer and wholesaler that offers a variety of unique products and collectibles. Besides retail and wholesale trading of precious metals, LPM provides a range of services such as secure storage, buy-back options, and assistance with setting up precious metals IRAs for retirement savings. The company is recognized for its partnerships with major mints and its commitment to providing quality products and services to its customers.

    An average from the most recent 3 year period prior shows that LPM has roughly 27,000 retail customers. Annual sales of precious metals include 108,000 ounces of gold and 6.3 million ounces of silver.

    The acquisition price for all assets is reported to be $41.5 million, consisting of $37.5 million in cash and $4.0 million of A-Mark common stock. An additional $37.5 million in cash incentives for the company to reach specific EBITDA goals in the coming years.

    In addition to JM Bullion, A-Mark has an ownership stake in a number of well-known bullion dealers such as BGASC, Silver.com, Pinehurst Coin Exchange, Provident Metals and BullionMax.

    In the same announcement, A-Mark has announced that Pinehurst will acquire Modern Coin Mark (MCM) in a cash deal reportedly worth $5.5 million.

    Pinehurst specialize in buying and selling gold and silver bullion, modern collectible coins, and numismatic rarities catering to both investors and collectors.

    Established in 2004, MCM has grown to become one of the leading online retailers of modern coins, bullion products, and numismatic collectibles. MCM is known for its wide variety of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins from renowned mints around the world.

    Apart from bullion, MCM deals in rare and collectible coins, primarily offering graded and certified coins by reputable third party grading services like NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) and PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service).

    Additionally, the announcement includes a joint venture consisting of A-Mark, Pinehurst and Stack’s Bowers Numismatics, LLC.

    Stack’s Bowers Galleries is a prominent numismatic auction house in the United States, with a long and distinguished history specializing in rare coins, currency, and precious metals.

    Stack’s Bowers has a reputation for handling some of the most significant numismatic rarities and collections in history, including the The D. Brent Pogue Collection. worth more than $200 million dollars. The $200 million collection included a number of notable coins from early American history during the period from 1792 through the 1830.

    In 2021, the auction house made headlines when an ultra-rare 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle sold for $18.9 million, becoming the most expensive coin ever sold at auction. This coin is one of the last gold coins intended for circulation in the U.S. and was once owned by King Farouk of Egypt. It is the only 1933 Double Eagle that is legally permitted to be owned by a private individual, due to a unique legal circumstance.

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    Buying Guide: Vintage Fractional Gold Coins

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    Fractional gold coins are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to buy gold coins. While modern fractional gold coin premiums can seem extremely high relative to their full troy ounce counterparts, vintage gold coins are a popular way for investors to save significant premiums over the long haul.

    When considering an investment in gold coins it is important to consider the premiums that you will pay over the gold spot price. For many investors it is more reasonable to purchase fractional gold coins more frequently, rather than saving up to purchase larger gold coins.

    The 1/10th oz American Gold Eagle coin is often the first choice due to its popularity. However, dealer premiums can often exceed 10-15%, sometimes even higher. Comparing premiums with the 1 oz Gold Eagle which you can often find with a much lower premium of 1% to 2% over gold spot price.

    Fractional gold coins have been circulated as currency for hundreds of years. Since gold doesn’t degrade and last thousands of years, there are a large assortment of vintage gold coins available in the bullion market that carry a lower premium than their modern counterparts.

    Latin Monetary Union Gold Coins

    The Latin Monetary Union (LMU) was an early attempt at unifying Europe under a single currency standard during the early 19th century. LMU coins were developed around the French Franc standard under Napoleon I beginning around 1803. The most common gold coin of the time was the 20 Francs Gold Coin.

    20 Francs Gold Coins

    The 20 Francs Gold Coin is one of the most popular vintage gold coins that you can buy at a low premium. Each is struck on a 21mm planchet and contains 6.45161 grams of .900 fine gold, which is .1867 troy ounces. The diameter of the coin is slightly smaller than a US Quarter dollar coin.

    20 Francs Napoleon III

    The 20 francs gold coin was designed to be a stable and reliable unit of currency that could facilitate trade and store value. The majority of the 20 Francs Gold coins that are traded as bullion today were minted in France during the 19th century. They feature a variety of designs that include portraits of various rulers of France during the era, including Napoleon I, Louis XVIII, Napoleon III, as well as French Third Republic gold coins like the “Lucky Angel” and the Gallic Rooster.

    Its circulation was not limited to France; eventually becoming the standard coin across Latin Europe, playing a crucial role in international trade. After the creation of the Latin Monetary Union (LMU) was established in 1865, 20 Francs gold coins were minted and circulated in a number of different countries throughout Europe and other parts of the world. Other common variations include the Helvetia or Vreneli 20 Francs from Switzerland, 20 Lire Gold Coins from Italy, Belgian 20 Francs and many others.

    It is difficult to measure the number of gold coins that were minted by LMU member countries due to the extensive period of production and the number of countries that adopted the standard. However, it is clear that millions of these coins were produced over the decades to meet the needs of trade, investment, and currency stability in Europe.

    As the value of paper fiat currencies continues to drop, gold coins can help protect wealth against inflation. The relatively small size of the 20 Francs gold coin makes it easy to store, transport, and trade. They are generally highly liquid assets, meaning they can be easily converted into cash when needed.

    10 Francs Coins

    The 10 Francs Gold Coin contains half the amount of gold as the 20 Franc, 3.2258 grams of .900 fine gold. The 10 Francs Gold Coin contains .0933 troy ounces of gold, which is slightly less than 1/10th troy ounce.

    When looking for vintage counterparts to modern American gold bullion, the 10 Francs Gold coin is comparable to the 1/10th oz American Gold Eagle. The premiums on 10 Francs Gold Coins are typically around 12% over the melt value, while modern fractional bullion can be significantly higher.

    Ducat and Corona Gold Coins

    The Gold Ducat originated in the Republic of Venice in the 13th century. Ducats were widely used across Europe as trade coins beginning from the medieval period onward.

    1 Ducat Coins

    The Gold Ducat was used as a trade coin in various parts of Europe during the late middle ages into the early 20th Century. Gold Ducat coins were minted using .986 fine gold, which is particularly high for a circulating gold coin.

    Austria 1 Ducat Gold coin

    Popular versions of the Gold Ducat were produced in Austria, Hungary and the Netherlands. Each 1 Ducat Gold Coin contains .1106 troy ounce of gold, slightly more than 1/10th oz.

    Premiums on 1 Ducat Gold Coins can be as low as around 5% over their melt value. Their high gold purity and low premium makes them one of the most affordable fractional gold coins for investors.

    4 Ducat Gold Coin

    Based on the Ducat Gold Standard, the 4 Ducat Gold Coins contains four times the amount of gold as the 1 Ducat. Like the 1 Ducat, the 4 Ducat Gold coin is also minted from .985 fine gold and contains 0.4430 troy ounce of gold.

    Austria 100 Corona

    The Gold 100 Corona was first minted in Austria-Hungary in the 19th century. The Austria Corona was primarily used as a trade and circulation coin. It was intended to facilitate large transactions and store value in a stable and internationally recognized form. The coin played a significant role in the economic system of Austria-Hungary, serving both domestic and international trade needs.

    Various denominations of Corona Gold Coins were issued throughout the long period of production until the dissolution of Austria-Hungary in 1918 following the outbreak of World War I. It is known that these coins were produced in large quantities to support the economic and financial needs of the empire.

    Great Britain Gold Sovereign

    Great Britain has a history of minting many beautiful gold coins. One of the most popular British Gold Coins from England is the Gold Sovereign. The Royal Mint began minting the Gold Sovereign in 1817. Each gold sovereign coin contains .2354 troy ounces of gold. The Gold Sovereign is one of the most popular vintage gold bullion coins for investors and stackers.

    Gold Sovereign with a Perth Mint Mark

    Millions of Gold Sovereign coins have been minted since the inception of the series, including from various overseas mints during the Colonial period. You can often buy Gold Sovereigns for as low as 3% to 4% over the melt value.

    With dozens of unique variations, mint marks and other details, sovereign gold coins have a well established numismatic history, a variety of interesting design variations and are widely recognized throughout the world. The British sovereign gold coin has a rich history as a medium of international trade, a store of wealth, and a symbol of stability and reliability.

    British Half Sovereign

    Other variations of the Sovereign standard include the half sovereign. The half sovereign gold coin contains half the amount of gold (.1177 ozt) as the full sovereign, representing half the value.

    First minted in 1817 after the Great Recoinage of 1816, which aimed to standardize British coinage and restore confidence in the country’s currency.

    The mintage of half sovereign has varied significantly over the years. Some years saw very limited productions, making those coins particularly rare and valuable to collectors. The intrinsic value of these vintage gold coins can make them a valuable addition to investment portfolios.

    Its extensive minting history and role in the gold standard era have cemented the British Gold Sovereign status as a key piece in the world of numismatics and precious metal investment. As an investment, Sovereign gold coins are a naturally fractional and are a popular choice among gold buyers that are looking for one of the lowest premium investment coins in the market.

    Today, the British sovereign gold coin is primarily a bullion coin for investors and collectors, valued for its historical significance, artistic design, and gold content. While it is no longer used as circulating currency, the sovereign remains a symbol of Britain’s rich numismatic heritage and is considered one of the most prestigious gold coins in the world.

    Mexico Gold Pesos

    Mexican Gold Pesos coins are some of the most beautiful vintage gold coins in the world. While Gold prices fluctuate, the popularity continues to increase due to the coins intrinsic gold value.

    Gold Pesos from Mexico capture the appeal of investors and stackers due to their gold content and familiarity, while collectors adore both the designs and their connection to Mexico’s rich numismatic history.

    All Gold Pesos were minted at the Mexican Mint, la Casa de Moneda in Mexico City in a common .900 gold alloy with 10% copper. The addition of copper during the minting process gives coins a hardness to withstand the wear of circulation.

    Six different denominations of the Gold Pesos were minted to commemorate the centennial of Mexico’s hard won independence from Spanish colonial rule.

    2 Peso Gold Coin

    Dos Pesos Gold Coin Obverse

    The 2 Pesos Gold coin (dos Pesos) is the smallest denomination of the gold peso. Each Dos Pesos contain .0482 troy ounces or roughly 1.50 grams of gold.

    The 2 Peso Gold Coin features the Mexican Coat of Arms on the obverse, which shows an eagle facing forward while perched on a cactus in a lake with a snake in its beak. The reverse shows the face value of “Dos Pesos”, the year of minting and a laurel design.

    The dos pesos coin is a popular choice with collectors and investors as an introduction to gold coins because of the affordable price point.

    2.5 Pesos Gold Coin

    The Mexican 2.5 Pesos Gold Coins were produced from from 1918-1948. Most of the coins on the market that are sold as 1945 2.5 Pesos Gold Coins are restrikes that were produced between 1951-1972 and again in 1996.

    The obverse features a portrait of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a key figure in Mexico’s fight for independence from Spain. The reverse showcases the Coat of Arms.

    Each 2.5 Pesos Gold Coin contains .0603 troy ounces, roughly 2.0833 grams of gold bullion.

    5 Pesos Gold Coin

    The Mexican 5 Peso Gold Coin contains .1205 troy ounces, roughly 3.75 grams of gold bullion. Each 5 pesos contains slightly more than 1/10 oz of gold.

    The design of the coin is the same as the dos y medio and the diez pesos gold coins, with Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla on the obverse and the Coat of Arms on the reverse.

    The premiums on 5 Peso Gold Coins are often much lower than similar weight coins. Having a lower premium makes them an attractive investment for bullion investors.

    10 Pesos Gold Coin

    The Mexican 10 Peso Gold Coin contains .2411 troy ounces, roughly 7.49 grams of gold.

    The premiums on the Gold 10 peso Coin are lower than similar weight coins, with an approximate gold weight that is slightly lighter than 1/4 oz gold. For investors that buy 1/4 oz gold coins on a regular basis, the savings on premiums over the long haul can add up to a significant amount.

    20 Pesos Gold Coin

    The Mexican 20 Peso Gold Coin contain  .4823 troy ounces, 15 grams of gold. First minted in 1917 and continued until 1959 and was part of the country’s efforts to establish a gold standard for its currency.

    Many investors consider the design of the Gold Mexican 20 Pesos, or “Veinte Pesos”,  to be one of the most beautiful fractional gold coins available.

    The reverse show cases a more modern version of the Coat of Arms, which depicts an eagle perched on a cactus in a lake with a snake in its beak. The obverse features the Aztec Calendar, also known as the Sun Stone, which pays homage to Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage.

    The coin’s aesthetic appeal makes it a favorite among collectors and investors. Annual mintages varied year to year, with some having significantly higher mintages than others.

    As a fractional gold coin, 20 Pesos are an affordable way to enter into the gold market. Each coin is slightly less than 1/2 oz gold, making it good alternative to modern bullion coins.

    50 Pesos Centenario Gold Coin

    The 50 Peso Gold Coin was minted by the Banco de Mexico between 1921 and 1947. It is also commonly referred to as the Centenario Gold Peso and contains approximately 1.2 troy ounces of pure gold, making it a substantial piece for both investors and collectors. It was first minted in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain.

    It was the first gold bullion coin minted in large quantities, predating the South African Krugerrand by almost a half century. During the period of gold ownership prohibition from 1933 until 1974, collecting Centenario gold coins was a popular way to invest in gold, due to the numismatic clause in the restrictions.

    The obverse features the image of Winged Victory, also known as El Angel, a symbol of Mexican Independence. Behind the statue in the background are the countries famous volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. The modern Libertad features a contemporary rendition of Winged Victory.

    The reverse features the Mexican Coat of Arms.

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    Zimbabwe Takes Steps to Move Towards a Gold Standard

    FindBullionPrices.com

    Amid an economic crisis with record high inflation over the last year, the country of Zimbabwe announced its plans to issue a gold-backed Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) as a way to facilitate easy payments and push for the adoption of local currencies over the US Dollar.

    This week, finance minister Mthuli Ncube announced intentions to link the Zimbabwe dollar to the country’s growing gold reserves as the country attempts to stabilize the exchange rates and the economy by reintroducing the gold-standard.

    In 2022, Zimbabwe enacted a law that required mining companies to pay a royalty on precious minerals and minerals to the country’s central bank. The royalty rates range between 5% for gold and platinum group metals and 10% for diamonds. Since then, the country’s central bank currently holds roughly 793kgs of gold in reserves valued at roughly $49 million at the current price with plans to grow reserves to around $100m.

    Currently, the Zimbabwe gold-backed digital currency that was introduced in 2023, is in use as legal tender and a store of value alongside the Zimbabwean dollar and bond notes.

    Zimbabwe has also expressed interest in joining the BRICS alliance, which has a strong preference for asset backed local currency transactions for international trade.

    The land-locked Sub-Saharan country is home to a plethora of natural resources, such as large deposits of coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, and platinum group metals. Zimbabwe is a major exporter of platinum, cotton, tobacco, gold, ferroalloys, and textiles or clothing.

    The country contains the second-largest platinum deposit and high-grade chromium ores in the world, with approximately 2.8 billion tons of PGM and 10 billion tons of chromium ore.

    Leaders in Zimbabwe began the process of returning to the gold-standard in 2023 with the hopes of stabilizing its economy and establishing its local currency in global markets.