| Gold |
Almost all countries of then world have produced goin coins at times. Often proof versions of ordinary coins are made in gold as an "off-metal" strike. Although it is rare for a modern gold coin to enter circulation in the normal sense of the word, bullion coins are common. Gold investors often choose gold coins as a portable and versatile investment form. Unlike gold bars, gold coins can be easily divided, which when you consider a 1kg gold bar would cost upwards of £7000 this makes sense (although there are now 1kg gold coins).
Gold coins are usually 22ct gold, i.e. 11 parts per 12, the other part usually being copper. Pure gold (24ct) is not normally used because it is so soft. This makes it difficult to produce the intricate designs that often make the coins so appealling. Many people are surprised by the colour of gold coins, expecting the distinctive yellow of 9ct and 18ct jewellery. 22ct and 24ct is actually somewhat more orange in colour, and I have heard it described as 'tacky' looking!
Full 1Oz KrugerrandsThe first 1 ounce gold coin produced was the Krugerrand by South Africa in 1967. Initially it was unavailible to British investers, but from 1971 onwards it became one of the most well known gold bullion coins after the Sovereign.
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Date: 1974 Diameter: 33mm Material: 11 parts gold, 1 part copper Fine gold content: 1 Troy Ounce
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Date: 1978 Diameter: 33mm Material: 11 parts gold, 1 part copper Fine gold content: 1 Troy Ounce
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Date: 1980 Diameter: 33mm Material: 11 parts gold, 1 part copper Fine gold content: 1 Troy Ounce
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Date: 1989 Diameter: 33mm Material: 11 parts gold, 1 part copper Fine gold content: 1 Troy Ounce
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Date: 1982 Diameter: 19mm Material: 22ct Gold Fine gold content: 0.1177 Troy Ounce This coin was given to me as a christening present, being the closest to my birth year that the half sovereign was minted in bullion. |
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Date: 1972 Diameter: ?mm Material: 22ct Gold Fine gold content: 0.6670 Troy Ounce This Jersey £50 gold coin commemorates the Queen's Silver wedding anniversary. Unlike modern £50 coins, which are 0.5 Oz, this coin is larger at 0.667 Oz. A very beautiful coin. |