SUMMARY :

• 1) The history and cultural value of gold coins
• 2) Why invest in gold coins
• 3) The different gold coins available on the market
• 4) How to buy and sell gold coins safely
• 5) Checking the authenticity of your gold coins
• 6) How to store and care for your gold coins

1) The history and cultural value of gold coins

 

For more than two thousand years, gold in its monetary form has been a means of exchange between peoples. But it is also a precious witness to civilisations, empires and ideals.

In this sense, the history engraved in gold continues to fascinate collectors, investors and heritage enthusiasts today.

 

      The origins of gold coins

The first gold coins appeared in what is now western Turkey around the 7th century B.C. They were minted from a natural alloy of gold and silver called electrum.

Over the centuries, gold rapidly became the metal of choice for prestige coins. Gold can be found in a number of emblematic coins:

• The Byzantine solidus, the mainstay of the Eastern Empire
• Venetian ducats (sequin), which dominated Mediterranean trade
• Florence florins, the first instruments of European finance

 

      The heyday of gold coins in the 19th century

It was at this time that gold began to circulate on a massive international scale. In Europe, for example, people paid with Napoleons or British sovereigns. During the same period, gold dollars became the mainstay of the American economy.

It was also during this period that gold standards were introduced, i.e. the system adopted by the major powers in which banknotes were convertible into gold, ensuring global monetary stability.

 

      Strong cultural and symbolic value

Throughout the centuries, gold coins have always conveyed symbols of power, strength and wealth. They bear tangible witness to a past charged with ideology and propaganda:

- THE BRITISH SOVEREIGN represented the power and durability of the English monarchy throughout the world.

- The 20 FRANCS MARIANNE COQ, with its allegorical figure, embodied France's republican values.

- LIBERTY AMERICAN DOLLARS illustrate the founding ideals of the United States: freedom, independence and the sovereignty of the people.

Often minted by the greatest workshops of the time, each coin is a miniature work of art that has stood the test of time. In this context, owning an antique gold coin is more than just investing in a precious metal. It's owning a fragment of history, an object that has lived through empires, revolutions, wars and rebirths.

2) Why invest in gold coins?

 

Investing in gold coins has become a popular asset management strategy, not only for diversifying an investment portfolio, but also for safeguarding your assets in the face of economic and financial uncertainty.

Owning gold coins offers a host of advantages, since gold acts as a safe haven in times of instability (currency devaluation, banking crises or inflation).

Gold coins are also remarkably liquid on the market. Because gold is universally recognised, they can be easily resold anywhere in the world.

Investing your money in gold coins also means potentially benefiting from a double leverage effect:

- The intrinsic value of the coin, linked to the weight and purity of the gold.

- The numismatic value of the coin linked to its rarity on the market, its history or its state of preservation.

3) The different gold coins available on the market

 

The gold coin market is so vast and diverse that it is difficult to quantify precisely. However, there are two main categories of gold coin:

 

Investment coins

Their primary purpose is to meet financial objectives by tracking the value of gold. For this reason, investment coins meet the standards set by the European Union or other authorities to be exempt from VAT.

Among the best-known :

 

 

 

Numismatic coins

As well as having the characteristics of bullion coins and their value in gold, these coins also have historical, artistic or rarity value.

They are generally minted by the world's leading monetary institutions - such as the Hôtel de la Monnaie de Paris, the South African Mint or the United States Mint.

Some antique numismatic coins can be worth several times their weight in gold, depending on their rarity, state of preservation and demand on the collectors' market.

 

4) How to buy and sell gold coins safely

 

Although gold coins are particularly popular with investors and collectors for the financial protection they can provide as a safe haven, buying and reselling them cannot be improvised.

To buy and sell gold coins safely, you need to take certain precautions and, above all, learn about the market to make the most of this precious asset.

 

      Buying gold coins

To buy gold safely and with complete confidence, it is essential to work with experts in buying and selling precious metals. There are three main options available to you:

- Banks: Not all banks offer this service, but there are still services available for buying physical gold, particularly the most common bullion coins (South African Krugerrand, Napoléon 20 francs, Louis d'Or, etc.). While buying through a bank may seem reassuring, it can be less competitive in terms of price.

- Professionals accredited in precious metals trading: These generally belong to professional chambers or recognised bodies, which guarantee a high level of competence, transparency and regulatory compliance.

- Specialist online sales platforms: These offer a wide choice of gold coins for both investment and collecting purposes. To choose the right platform, it is important to look at its certifications, approvals, seniority and, above all, customer reviews.

 

We are privileged to be authorised dealers for La Monnaie de Paris, one of France's oldest institutions.

La Monnaie de Paris pays tribute to historical figures and iconic places. It surprises and amazes with its innovative creations and iconic pieces from an era.

You can find all Monnaie de Paris products at Godot & Fils counters and on our website www.silvergoldtobuy.com, with the latest additions to the catalogue as well as older items.

 

Once you have chosen an intermediary to buy gold coins, it is important to keep an eye on the following points:

- Compare prices to ensure that the gold price is not too far from its spot value (official price).

- Obtain a detailed purchase invoice showing the date of purchase, the price paid, the weight of the coin and its purity. This is an essential document, both for tax purposes and for the resale itself.

- Buy sealed or certified coins. This will give greater confidence at the time of resale and make it easier for professionals to recognise them.

 

      Reselling gold coins

The resale of gold coins must also take place in a secure, professional environment. Several solutions are available to you:

- Specialized dealers: Many dealers offer buy-back services. Their expertise enables a rapid estimate in line with market value. Competition is in the buyer's favor, so don't hesitate to consult several offers.

- Banks: Some banks accept investment gold. The process is often more formal, but benefits from a clear regulatory framework.

- Auctions: This channel can be particularly interesting for rare, antique or numismatic coins, whose value goes beyond mere gold weight. Auctions attract collectors willing to pay more than the gold price for a unique piece. 

To sell with peace of mind and according to the rules, a few documents may be required:

- Purchase invoice: Not always compulsory, but highly recommended. It proves the date of acquisition, and can play an important role for tax purposes, in the event of application of the capital gains regime.

- For recognized bullion coins (such as Napoleons, Krugerrands, Maple Leafs, etc.), resale is simplified: no authorization or special formalities are required. These coins are standardized, widely known and easy to trade. 

5) Check the authenticity of your gold coins

 

The authenticity of gold coins is of paramount importance, especially when it comes to collectors' items or rare coins. It is absolutely essential to verify the authenticity of your gold coins, both to ensure the value of your assets and to reassure potential coin buyers.

First and foremost, it's important to be vigilant about the following points:

- The appearance of gold coins, as a poorly reproduced motif that is difficult to distinguish, approximate engravings or imperfect relief should alert you.

- The size and thickness of gold coins must strictly comply with official specifications. If they don't, they may be counterfeit.

- The weight of gold coins is standardized. Any variation, however slight, may indicate alteration or counterfeiting.

These primary analyses may not be sufficient, especially when faced with more elaborate counterfeits. In such cases, professional testing using advanced expertise is required.

- The use of a magnetic test to check that the part does not react to a magnet.

- The use of an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) spectrometer to analyze the chemical composition of a part without damaging it.

- Ultrasonic testing to verify the internal structure of the gold part. The presence of air bubbles or unusual metallic inclusions is a sign of counterfeiting.

 

 

 

6) How to store and care for your gold coins

 

      The preservation of gold coins

Although gold does not oxidise like other metals, it can nevertheless be affected by its environment. This is why it is advisable to store your gold in a secure place (bank safe or vault) at a stable temperature.

Gold does not tolerate extreme temperature variations. That's why you should avoid rooms exposed to direct sunlight or close to sources of heat or cold (radiators, windows, etc.).

You should also keep any gold parts away from humidity. To prevent this, it is best to use airtight, watertight containers.

 

      Caring for gold coins

To preserve the value of your coin, we advise against cleaning your gold coin, to avoid removing material and leaving micro-scratches.