Gold Coins

Gold coins or gold bars?

An alternative to coins are investment gold bars, which share the same fineness and the same status as investment gold but come without minting or a design. A detailed comparison is in the article Gold bar or gold coin?.

The difference in price per gram comes from the manufacturing premium and is not the same across all weights. On fractional coins (1/10, 1/4 and 1/2 ounce) the premium per gram is noticeably higher than on a bar of similar weight, because striking a smaller coin costs almost as much as striking a larger one. On one ounce products the difference all but disappears and coin and bar end up close to level. Compare the price per gram directly on the specific product. The mechanism is explained in Premium on gold: why the price per gram differs.

Gold coins are usually more liquid than less familiar bars – globally recognised issues such as the Wiener Philharmoniker, Britannia, Maple Leaf or Australian Kangaroo are recognised on sight by dealers worldwide and bought without lengthy verification. The selling process is described in How to safely sell investment gold.

In an economic crisis investors often reach for a combination of both forms – the coin's worldwide recognition makes a quick sale abroad easier, while at lower weights the bar gives more grams of metal for the same amount. For investing regularly in smaller amounts the smallest coin weights (1/10 Oz) work well, even though they carry a higher premium per gram than one gram bars.

Investment gold as part of your portfolio

Physical investment gold has long been regarded as a store of value. It is not a third party's promise nor a purely electronic record – the investor holds specific physical metal. Gold coins and gold bars are usually combined in a portfolio: coins for diversification, easier international liquidity and gift value, bars in the middle weights as the core of the reserve with the lowest premium. The full range of investment gold is in the main category.

Why buy from GOLDU?

At GOLDU we offer exclusively new, uncirculated investment gold bars and coins. The products do not come from buy-backs and are intended for customers who want to buy physical precious metals with an emphasis on verified origin, transparent information and secure delivery.

• Stock availability: we offer products according to current availability in the shop.
• No buy-back goods: the products are neither used nor recirculated.
• Verified origin: we select products from major global mints and refineries.
• Secure packaging: goods are prepared with protection during delivery in mind.
• Transparent purchase: the customer sees the price and terms before completing the order.

Frequently asked questions

Which gold coins will I find at GOLDU?

We stock the Wiener Philharmoniker from Münze Österreich, Britannia, Maple Leaf, Australian Kangaroo and the Australian Lunar series – all of them series with a low premium, worldwide recognition and steady demand.

Which gold coins are the most popular?

Among the most sought after is the Wiener Philharmoniker, thanks to its European origin and low premium, followed by the Australian Kangaroo and the British Britannia. The article How to choose an investment gold coin helps with the choice.

What are commemorative gold coins?

These are limited issues with a unique design, such as the lunar series featuring the animal of the given year. Besides the metal value, the limited mintage and the design give them greater collector and gift potential.

How does a coin's year of issue affect its price?

On ordinary bullion coins the year of issue has only a small effect on the price – what matters is the weight and fineness of the metal. The exceptions are limited and commemorative issues, where a collector premium is added to the metal value.

Which certificates increase a coin's value when selling?

With coins the mint's own striking serves as the guarantee of authenticity; an assay certificate is more typical for bars. Verifiability with the manufacturer and the original undamaged packaging (capsule) make a faster sale at the standard price easier. What to look for in the markings is explained in How to read fineness and markings on gold.

Are gold coins more liquid than bars?

For globally recognised issues, yes – the Wiener Philharmoniker, Britannia, Maple Leaf and Australian Kangaroo are recognised by dealers instantly. For less familiar coins, selling a bar may be simpler.

What makes a gold coin liquid?

The most liquid coins are those with standardised fineness and weight, struck by a reputable mint, with undamaged packaging and no need for complicated authentication – precisely the qualities that make dealers accept them worldwide.

What is the difference between bullion and numismatic coins?

Bullion coins are valued by the weight and fineness of the metal, numismatic coins by rarity, condition and history. GOLDU offers exclusively new investment coins, not a numismatic range.

Which are the world's best known gold coins?

Among the best known are the South African Krugerrand, the Austrian Wiener Philharmoniker, the Canadian Maple Leaf and the Australian Kangaroo. Of these you will find the Wiener Philharmoniker, Maple Leaf and Australian Kangaroo with us, alongside the British Britannia; we stock the Krugerrand in silver only.

Are gold coins a suitable gift for a birth or christening?

Yes, the design and the story give coins strong gift value, even though the entry price is higher than on the smallest bars. Anyone wanting to set aside smaller amounts regularly will do better with small gold bars.

Is an investment gold coin exempt from VAT?

Investment gold is exempt from VAT within the EU under the statutory conditions.