Congratulations if you’re a new gold coin owner.
Your coins will probably be in one of two categories.
Bullion coins are bought usually for their intrinsic value as precious metal.
They are modern productions of mints and cannot practically be used as currency, though they may be legal tender.
This Henry VI noble has survived from the 15th century. It's extraordinary that it is in such fine condition, which will need to be preserved. Click the image to find out more and own the coin.
A sovereign is worth far more than its £1 face value so anyone spending one would lose out instantly.
They are often produced as commemorative or proof coins designed to sell to collectors.
It is possible, but unlikely, that they will have numismatic value over time.
(Most modern items made specifically for collectors are collected by collectors so survive in large numbers in good condition. They are unlikely to become rare.)
The other category are numismatic coins.
These are older, historic coins, some of which may be circulated coins.
Gold coins were used as circulating currency until around the 1930s, though paper money became more popular from the early 20th century onwards.
These coins may have numismatic value.
That is they are rare, distinguished, attractive, and in demand enough to have a value that surpasses their bullion value.
Older coins may come to collectors in mint condition, or even be proof or other high-quality or design-stage strikes.
Dating from the 1920s, even this relatively modern coin shows that gold can mark quite easily, despite its obviously fine condition. Click the image to see more and own the coin.
Storing gold
Gold is valuable and portable.
Perhaps the simplest and safest way to storage is to pay someone to look after it for you.
Many coin dealers now offer storage.
They should be insured.
It’s a way to outsource the worry to someone else.
But you need to be sure you’re happy with the deal you’re offered - and read the small print, it’s really important and may even affect your ownership of what you hand over for storage.
Your own safe
At home you may wish to invest in secure storage for gold coins in the form of a lockable safe.
This is an enormous subject in its own right.
Most home safes will come with an insurance rating.
Siting a safe well can be as important as getting a good safe.
Showing and handling coins
Although coins are much more robust than stamps they’re not indestructible by any means.
They should be stored separately from each other (and never gold with silver), and ideally in sealed plastic capsules of the sort you see at high-value auction sales.
This coin was struck as much as 1,500 years ago. Keep it away from soap and water. Click the image to find out more and to own the coin.
People own collectibles to enjoy them.
If you are going to handle coins wear gloves.
And wash your hands before you handle any coin. Even with gloves.
Handle coins as little as possible and touch them as gently as possible and on the edges.
Should I clean my gold coins?
No.
You can find plenty of advice online suggesting “soap and water” as a safe cleaner for coins.
In my view, it is better to be safe than sorry, and you should seek expert advice before even attempting this.
Some coins can be cleaned safely and without harming their value.
Many cannot. And the cleaning can have a catastrophic affect on their condition if done incorrectly.
So, speak to an expert first.
Gold coins for sale
We have a large collection of interesting, rare, and historic coins.
You can see some of our collection here.
