Monday, October 8, 2012

How Silver Protects Ones Purchasing Power Over Time

It is hard to find a better example of how silver protects purchasing power over long periods than to look at the story of the Australian 1966 “round” 50 cent piece.
 
1966 was the first year of Australia’s new decimal currency having changed form using pounds and pence. As in most other countries in the 1960’s silver was being removed from circulating coinage and the same was true in Australia. However the decision had been made to make the 50 cent piece the showpiece of the new coins and against advice from some officials at the time, the decision was made to mint the coin from silver and around 36 million pieces were struck.

Soon after the coins release, the price of silver started rising and it was no longer feasible for the government to make the coins from silver. No 50 cent coins were struck in 1967 and 1968, and the next 50 cent coin was issued in 1969 with the same design, but instead of being round it was a copper-nickel dodecagonal (12 sided) coin.
 

Back in the late 1960’s 50 cents was a good sum of money. In both 1966 and 1969, 50 cents could buy you a decent lunch. Fast forward to today and let’s see how the coins have held up.

An average circulated “round 50 cent piece sells for its silver value of between $11.50 and $12.50 which is still good enough to buy a decent lunch with maybe a little change. The 1969 copper-nickel 50 cent piece in average circulated condition is worth its face value only. It is hard to buy anything for 50 cents in Australia these days and you certainly can not get a lunch at all.

 
So here we have a simple real life example of how silver has protected ones purchasing power over time.

1966 “round” 50 Cents Nominal Specifications

Denomination:
50 cents
Metal:
80% Silver
20% Copper
Silver Content:
0.3416 oz
Mass:
13.28 grams
Diameter:
31.50 mm
Reverse:
Stuart Devlin
Obverse:
Arnold Machin

Article Written By Paul Behan

Saturday, October 6, 2012

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Silver Coin Set - New Zealand Mint

This set of six 1oz silver proof coins features Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield, Gollum, Radagast and Elrond. Available from mid November 2012.


 
Highlights
  • Low worldwide mintage of just 1,000 sets
  • Each coin is minted from 0.999 silver
  • The rim of each coin is inscribed in both English and Dwarvish with the words 'Middle-earth - New Zealand'
  • Features Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield, Gollum, Radagast and Elrond
  • Packaged within a beautiful carved wooden case featuring the official The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey logo and a silhouette of the travelling party
  • Individually numbered certificate
Each coin in this silver proof set portrays an important character in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Along with Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and Thorin Oakenshield, the set of six 1oz silver proof coins features Radagast - an eccentric wizard and friend to Gandalf, Elrond - one of the wisest and most ancient elves in Middle-earth, and Gollum - a mysterious creature that will change Bilbo’s life forever.

This set of precious coins and the accompanying certificate are presented within a carved wooden case - featuring the official logo and a silhouette of the travelling party.

Technical specification 

Each coin in this silver proof set portrays an important character in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Along with Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and Thorin Oakenshield, the set of six 1oz silver proof coins features Radagast - an eccentric wizard and friend to Gandalf, Elrond - one of the wisest and most ancient elves in Middle-earth, and Gollum - a mysterious creature that will change Bilbo’s life forever. This set of precious coins and the accompanying certificate are presented within a carved wooden case - featuring the official logo and a silhouette of the travelling party.

Denomination: One New Zealand dollar
Finish: Proof
Composition: 0.999 silver
Weight: 1 troy oz
Diameter: 40mm
Edge treatment: Milled
Shape: Round
Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, United Kingdom
Reverse design: Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield, Gollum, Radagast and Elrond
Mint: Royal Australian Mint
Worldwide mintage limit: 1,000

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Silver Coin with Gold Plating

This 1oz silver proof coin with selective gold plating is sure to be a favourite. Featuring Bilbo Baggins with Bag End in the background, this coin is a must for any Hobbit fan..



Highlights
  • Worldwide mintage of 20,000
  • Minted from 0.999 silver
  • Gold plated rim inscribed in both English and Dwarvish with the words 'Middle-earth - New Zealand'
  • Features Bilbo Baggins with Bag End in the background
  • Individually numbered certificate
The 1oz silver proof coin with gold plating is sure to be a favourite worldwide. It features selective gold plating around the rim, where the words ‘Middle-earth - New Zealand’ are inscribed in both English and Dwarvish. The depiction of Bilbo Baggins embarking on his journey captures the theme of the film and the individually numbered certificate adds to the collectability of this timeless coin.

Technical specification
 
The 1oz silver proof coin with gold plating is sure to be a favourite worldwide. It features selective gold plating around the rim, where the words ‘Middle-earth - New Zealand’ are inscribed in both English and Dwarvish. The depiction of Bilbo Baggins embarking on his journey captures the theme of the film and the individually numbered certificate adds to the collectability of this timeless coin.
 
Denomination: One New Zealand dollar
Finish: Proof
Composition: 0.999 silver with selective gold plating
Weight: 1 troy oz
Diameter: 40mm
Edge treatment: Milled
Shape: Round
Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, United Kingdom
Reverse design: Bilbo Baggins leaving Bag End
Mint: Royal Australian Mint
Worldwide mintage limit: 20,000

Silver Bullion Coins from Around the World


Some of the most popular modern collectible coins are the one ounce silver coins struck by various countries around the world. Generally struck in either circulation strike format or in a special format (such as proof or specimen strikings) more targeted towards collectors, these coins often feature distinctive and unique designs containing elements of the country from the country of issue. There are a number of countries which have produced these one ounce silver bullion coins since the early 1980s, while other countries have only recently added these types of coins to their numismatic releases, generally selling them for a premium over the silver content.

Bullion coins such as the ones that will be discussed in this article are generally struck in pure silver, with the absolute fineness ranging from 99.9% to 99.999% with variations possible depending on the country and year of issue. Initially most countries have offered one troy ounce coins only, but many series have expanded to offer both smaller and larger versions up to one kilo size containing 32.015 troy ounces of pure silver. In this article we will take a look at a few of the most popular silver bullion coins from around the world and provide a brief introduction to the series. While each carries a denomination and remains legal tender in their respective countries of issue, these coins are generally defined as “Non-Circulating Legal-Tender” abbreviated as “NCLT.”

American Silver Eagles



Perhaps one of the most well-known bullion series is the American Silver Eagle program which started in 1986. Struck in 99.9% silver, the weight and fineness are guaranteed by the United States government, making it a very popular coin with silver bullion investors. The bullion version generally trades for several dollars over spot value, which is still reasonable, although the Proof version usually sells for around double that amount or more.

The proofs have been produced yearly and come in special individual packaging. The bullion coins come in boxes of 500 coins (called “monster boxes”) which contain twenty-five tubes of twenty coins each. Special collector versions have been produced in 1995, 2006, 2011 and 2012, most notably in the latter three years when a so-called “reverse-proof” version of the coin was issued. The design has remained the same since its introduction in 1986.

Mexican Libertad



The Mexican Libertad can be considered to have been the first modern one ounce silver bullion coin. Introduced in 1982 in a one ounce version, it is now struck in minor versions of 1/20, 1/10, ¼ and ½ ounce coins, plus larger versions of 2 and 5 ounce coins as well as a kilo version. Like the American Silver Eagles the Mexican Libertads are struck in 99.9% fine silver.

Proof versions have been sold in limited quantities and trade for a premium over the silver content. Two different designs have been used, with the first type in use until 1995 and the second type from that year on. Like the Silver Eagles, the one ounce bullion strikes sell for a relatively modest premium for the most common years, although there are a few exceptions depending on the total mintage.

Chinese Panda



Perhaps one of the most popular modern coin series, the Chinese silver panda series has been produced since 1983. Initially offered in extremely limited quantities to collectors in a one ounce version, the series has expanded to include 1/4 and 1/2 ounce coins (struck rarely) as well as larger 5 and 12 ounce coins and recently kilo coins as well. The design changes yearly, although some of the earlier years had the same design for a few years, as well as the 2001 and 2002 issues.

Special releases include gold plated pandas, special strikings for Chinese companies (often banks), as well as Panda medals that are generally collected with the series and are usually released in conjunction with numismatic expos around the world. All issues trade for a strong premium over the silver content and Panda’s are usually not bought by investors seeking mere bullion coins.

Canadian Maple Leaf



Marketed as the purest silver bullion coin available on today’s market, the Canadian Maple Leaf has been produced since 1988. Struck in silver composition of 99.99% fine it comes in a variety of different formats. Uncirculated coins are packed individually while special collector editions often come in packaging ranging from plastic boxes to gilded wooden boxes. Like the commemorative coins that the Royal Canadian Mint produces, the total number of special maple leaf releases is very high, making it virtually impossible to collect them all without unlimited funds.

Some of the more noteworthy special editions include a 1998 10 ounce coin struck to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the series, a piedfort version (a coin struck on a planchet of double weight) released in 2010, as well as many coins with special privy marks. These latter versions have a special imprint generally in the field commemorating a special event or person. The series was further expanded in 2011 with the introduction of a one kilo silver maple leaf coin with a limited mintage.

Austrian Philharmonic



Another coin which is popular with bullion investors is the Austrian Philharmonic. First issued only very recently, in 2008, it shares the design with its gold version which was introduced back in 1989. The design features very historical elements native to Vienna, where the coins are struck. No special versions have been released yet, making it one of the more affordable series to complete, with a full set feasible for a relatively small premium over the bullion value. They generally come in tubes of twenty coins each, packed in simple boxes of twenty-five rolls.

Australian Kookaburra



First released in 1990, the Australian Kookaburra was that nation’s first one ounce silver coin. One of the most frequently changed bullion coins, its design has changed annually since it was first strike, while the face value was lowered from AU$5 to AU$1 in 1992.

From the beginning production included both uncirculated and Proof versions, while later on gilded and colored versions were added, and similar to the Canadian maple leaves privy marked coins have been released as well. For much of the series, mintages were generally limited to 300,000 pieces for the one ounce size coins, although in recent years the limit has been increased. Currently, the coins are available in 1 kilo, 10 ounce, and one ounce sizes.

Australian Kangaroo




Australian’s second longest-running bullion series was introduced in 1993 and features Australia’s most famous animal. The annually rotating reverse design has ranged from almost photo-like depictions of kangaroos to traditional Aboriginal art designs.

Struck in both uncirculated as well as Proof format, the coins popularity has excluded them generally from trading anywhere near silver value, whether purchased from the Mint directly or from dealers. This series is produced by the Royal Australian Mint, while the Kookaburra series as well as several others are produced by the Perth Mint of Australia.

Other Bullion coins



These are just a limited selection of the bullion coins that are released annually. The number continues to grow with each year, especially following the recent surge in silver prices and an increased interest in collecting modern world coin issues. The United States Mint introduced a series of five ounce silver bullion coins featuring the designs of the America the Beautiful Quarters starting in 2010.

In the same year, the Royal Canadian Mint introduced a one ounce silver bullion series featuring different wildlife designs. Additional series from the Perth Mint include an annual Australian Lunar series featuring the animals of the ancient Chinese lunar calendar and a Silver Koala series introduced in 2007.

Russia released one ounce silver bullion coins in a limited quantity in 2009 and 2010, displaying St. George the Victorious on one side. Britain already followed in 1997, but unlike the other coins discussed in this article those coins only contain 95.8% silver, making them less popular than some of the others.

Starting in 2013, this composition will be changed to 99.9% purity. Other coins that can be classified in the “silver bullion coin” category include New Zealand Kiwis, Somalia Monkeys and Elephants, Fiji Turtles, Zambian Elephants and Dutch silver ducats. Generally, these are released in limited mintages and sold to collectors at a premium over their silver value.

Conclusion

With so many different silver bullion coins available, it is nearly impossible to collect them all. In fact, as we have seen in above, collecting all of the multiple versions and sizes for even one series has become a challenging and expensive endeavor. The question remains- how should one collect them? Obviously, a collector will often limit him or herself to one country, and then further specialize in only one series or one denomination.

It truly is open to one’s wishes, especially since new series are created almost yearly, with new collecting possibilities opening up as frequently. Feel free to add a comment how you like to collect modern silver bullion coins, or if you have helpful advice for beginning collectors who are lost in the maze that is called “modern silver bullion coins”.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Australian Bush Babies II - Possum 2013 1/2oz Silver Coin - The Perth Mint Australia



Australian Bush Babies II - Possum 2013 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin from The Perth Mint Australia, featuring:
  • Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
  • Baby Possum Reverse Design
  • Australian Legal Tender
  • Extremely Limited Mintage - 10,000
  • Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
  • Presentation Packaging
With the previous Bush Babies series selling out, move quickly to secure this lovely coin designed by talented illustrator Elise Martinson.

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1/2oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.

Baby Possum Reverse Design

Depicting a cute coloured image of a baby possum, the coin's reverse features a friendly Australian insect and delicately frosted representations of Australian bush flowers. The Perth Mint's 'P' mintmark is also incorporated into the design.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Extremely Limited Mintage

The Perth Mint will release no more than 10,000 Australian Bush Babies II - Possum coins.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Presentation Packaging

Each coin is housed in an attractive presentation display case and superbly illustrated shipper.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

2013 Year of the Snake One Kilogram with Gemstone - Perth Mint Australia

In ancient Chinese lore, the snake is viewed with great respect signifying wisdom and prosperity. For those born in 2013, or in the other 'snake' years, this lovely release may prove to be the ideal gift, collectable or investment.



Introducing the 2013 Year of the Snake 1 Kilo with Gemstone from the Perth Mint in Australia
  • Striking Black Diamond
  • Specimen Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
  • Coloured Reverse Design
  • Australian Legal Tender
  • Extremely Limited Mintage - 5,000
  • Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
  • Presentation Packaging
This kilo coin presentation represents the pinnacle of our lunar releases. The striking coin design features a black diamond in the snake's visible eye.

Specimen Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is meticulously struck by The Perth Mint from 1 kilo of 99.9% pure silver in specimen quality.

Coloured Reverse Design with Black Diamond

The coin's reverse depicts a lucky yellow and black snake curled around a tree branch. The snake has a black diamond set in its visible eye, signifying wisdom. The Chinese character for 'snake' and the inscription 'Year of the Snake' also appear in the design with The Perth Mint's traditional 'P' mintmark.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse.

Extremely Limited Mintage

The Perth Mint will release no more than 5,000 Gemstone Edition coins celebrating the 2013 Year of the Snake.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity and Presentation Packaging

The Year of the Snake Gemstone Edition coin is housed in a contemporary black and red display case with an illustrated shipper, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.