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When many people start their journey into precious metals, they go right for bullion bars. For those who want a bit more value out of their investment, though, collectible gold coins offer a great alternative. There are many choices available, though, so which coinage should you opt for?
The answer to this can vary based on your investment goals. But if you’re hoping simply to find the coolest options out there, there are certain coins that always come to mind. These either have an exceptional story or significant history behind them.
At Silver Gold Bull, we understand that buying precious metals is about financial security. Of course, there’s no reason you can’t acquire a cool conversation piece at the same time. With these collectible gold coins, that’s exactly what you’ll get.
$5 U.S. Commemorative Gold Coins
America has a healthy respect for its historical events and people. This is why the country began issuing commemorative gold coins back in 1986. These coins contain nearly one-quarter troy ounce of 90% gold. The first coin released in the series featured the Statue of Liberty.
The U.S. Mint still produces $5 commemorative gold coins today. The 2021 release has two law enforcement officers emblazoned across the coin’s obverse. Other recent coins have featured topics ranging from Apollo 11 and U.S. Marshals, to breast cancer awareness and Mark Twain.
Many of these coins are easy to come by. They often sell at price levels and premiums you’d expect from collectible gold coins. Several of these releases, though, have gained heightened popularity. If you find any of the following, you’ve got a desired piece on your hands:
- 2014-W National Baseball Hall of Fame Proof
- 1995-W XXVI Stadium MS
- 2001-W Capitol Visitor Center MS
- 1997-W Jackie Robinson Proof
- 2013-P 5-Star General MS
- 2014-W National Baseball Hall of Fame MS
Because of their subject matter, the U.S. Mint took great care in creating these collectible gold coins. Their beauty is nearly unrivaled among modern bullion, and they come encapsulated for protection or in flip sleeves to preserve their quality.
What makes this series of coinage so popular is its massive variety. Regardless of what you love, there’s a coin that represents it. From sports to social awareness, the mint thought of everything. The selection is impressive, but it’s only going to get better in the coming years.
$20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Production of most modern collectible gold coins had one thing in mind: collectibility. If you’ve ever seen an antique show, you realize this means an item is unlikely to become rare. The value still exists with gold coins, but to find real rarity, you need to travel back to the past.
This is where the $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle comes in. This beautiful coin has a fairly significant face value, but the .9675 troy ounces of 90% gold is where the real value lies. Of course, the history behind the coin adds some hefty numismatic worth as well.
In 1904, President Teddy Roosevelt thought U.S. coinage lacked true beauty. To remedy this issue, he sought an artist who could create an iconic image. Augustus Saint-Gaudens was the eventual choice, and a beautiful collectible gold coin was the outcome.
The values of these coins can vary wildly, but a few stand out among the rest:
- 1921 Releases. We only know about 150 of these that exist.
- 1907 High Relief — Wire edge.
- 1907 High Relief — Flat edge.
- 1927 San Francisco Mint.
- 1912 – We only know of 45 to 55 of these coins in existence.
Some of these coins can sell for over $800,000 depending on their condition. If you’re looking for a basic investment, though, you can buy common versions of this collectible gold coin. Of course, “common” is a relative term here. The high gold content and history make each of these exceptional pieces.
There are a few factors — outside of Teddy Roosevelt’s involvement — that also add to the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle’s historic nature. First, it was one of the first coins to not feature “In God We Trust.” Legislators of the day threw a fit over this, so the motto eventually got added.
The Saint-Gaudens also stands out as one of the few gold coins minted until the Great Depression. In 1933, the government banned private ownership of gold. Production of the coin ceased at that point, but the design was added to bullion coinage starting in 1986.
American Eagle Proof Gold Coins
If you want the beauty of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle without the numismatic premium, the American Eagle has what you need. The obverse side of the coin features the same design that the U.S. Mint produced over 100 years ago. The same beauty at a fraction of the cost!
The reverse field of the coin still has an eagle, but its design differs from the old Saint-Gaudens coins. And while this modern version is a collectible gold coin in its own right, you can garner added value by purchasing American Eagle Proof gold coins.
If you opt for the set of two coins released by the mint, you’ll receive them housed in protective casings and displayed in a satin-lined box. You can also buy them in sets of four. Regardless of the quantity, though, you’ll receive a certificate of authenticity directly from the U.S. government.
Here are just a few of the specs that make this a favorite among collectible gold coins:
- High face value: Even if the price of gold went to zero — which simply isn’t happening — the 1 oz American Eagle carries a $50 face value. This is even for non-proof sets!
- Certified coins: The coins come directly from the U.S. Mint encapsulated and with a certificate of authenticity. This certification carries its own additional value.
- Varying denominations: Proof sets come with multiple denominations of the American Eagle. Sets of four feature 1-oz coins (i.e., $50), half-ounce coins (i.e., $25), quarter-ounce coins (i.e., $10) and one-tenth ounce coins (i.e., $5).
- High gold content: Coins have a composition of 22 karat gold, but the coin weighs more than an ounce. This means you’re still getting a full ounce of gold.
You can find these collectible gold coins going back until 1986, but older coins won’t have a higher value. That’s because these are strictly bullion pieces. The only coins that carry higher worth than others are those that come in proof sets.
And while these proof sets came encapsulated from the U.S. Mint, the public can’t buy them directly. The government only issues these to reputable dealers — like Silver Gold Bull — so they can distribute them among the public.
2008 Canadian Maple Leaf Olympic Superb Gem
The gold Canadian Maple Leaf coins coming out of Canada have always been beautiful. In 2008, though, the country took things up a notch. They created the Canadian Maple Leaf Olympic coin — a strike comprised of an astounding .99999 purity.
You could almost mistake this collectible gold coin for a traditional Maple Leaf. The field on the reverse, though, features the Olympic rings. The country hosted the Winter Games in 2010 in Vancouver, and this coin was minted to celebrate the Games.
The best part of this coin is that you can buy it with a certification from the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). This Olympic Maple Leaf is designated as a first strike and encapsulated by PCGS within one month of its production.
Battle of the Coral Sea Gold Coins
Australia’s Perth Mint is one of the most respected mints in the world. It has produced many beautiful examples of precious metal bullion, but its Battle of the Coral Seas series is among the most popular. The coin commemorates a battle that took place from May 4 to May 8, 1942.
This collectible gold coin is important for several reasons. What stands out the most, though, is that it represents the partnership of America and Australia. The two countries effectively held off an invasion of Japanese forces during World War II.
You can find the coin in both 1/4 and 1/10 ounce versions, but the 1/4 oz Battle of the Coral Seas is highly popular among many investors. It contains more precious metal bullion than its smaller counterpart, but its gold content isn’t so high that the price becomes prohibitive.
Start Investing in Collectible Gold Coins Today!
Far too often, investing in precious metals seems like a cold and austere world. Stacking bullion bars in vaults where they’re not seen for years is a common act. Fortunately, it’s unnecessary for this investment to be so hardline. You can have some fun with it!
The coins mentioned in this guide are just the tip of the iceberg. Mints around the world — even ones that suffered recent shortages — still produce new collectibles frequently. Even after you’ve bought your favorite coins on this guide, new releases can still pop up and grab your attention.
At Silver Gold Bull, we pride ourselves on keeping many of the coolest collectible gold coins in stock. Check out our Collectible Gold Items page today and get started on your precious metals investment in style!
