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Saturday, July 20, 2013

Gilded Koala Coins

The Perth Mint offers a fine silver coin that has a gilded Koala, and has for several years. The gold used to selectively add the gilt to the coin enhances its beauty greatly. These are limited edition coins, and well worth consideration for your collection.

 We recommend you buy gilded koala coins by clicking the link below, and allowing us to connect you directly with the Perth Mint simply by clicking the banner on our home page.

Our Home Page


 If you desire a sold out issue please consider eBay. We show eBay offerings here.


Gold Eagles

The gold $10 coin was called the Gold eagle.  The Gold Eagle went through several versions, with the coronet type being produced over the longest period.  The final production was of Indian Head pieces.

The Gold Eagle contained about 1/2 ounce of gold, with a composition of about 0.900 fineness.

Many of these have a value not much over the price of gold, and they do make nice numismatic pieces.  As with other gold pieces, during the period when it was illegal to own gold coins many were destroyed.  Mintages for gold coins from the time of these fantastic coins cannot show the true amount of coins still available.

The $10 Gold Eagle was minted from 1795 through 1933, with several missing years.




Friday, July 19, 2013

The Half Eagle Gold Coin

The Half Eagle gold coin contains about a fourth of an ounce of gold, and has a fineness of about 0.900. There were an abundant number of varieties early, with varying amounts of gold and fineness. Eventually, the Coronet Head, and later the Indian Head, became the common coins. Like other gold coins, many were turned in when the United States made it illegal to own gold. How many of any year were melted is not something we will ever know. The coin minted from 1908 through 1929, with a gap from 1916 through 1928, was the Indian Head with the incused design, which did not wear well.

Gilded Lunar Coins from the Perth Mint

The Perth Mint has been making fine silver lunar coins for some time. The first fine silver Lunar Series I coins were the 1999 Rabbit. Series 1 has now completed, and Series 2 is well along. Since the first issue these coins had a gilded version. The 2008, 2009, and 2010 coins were released in 2008, and the Series II coins began with the 2008 Mouse or Rat. One strange thing is that gilded coins were available in a box, or not in a box. Having bought some of the slightly lower priced coins with no box I can say resale was difficult. It is strongly recommended that you have a box. In 2004 a gilded and colorized monkey 5 ounce coin was minted, and a 5 ounce rooster was minted in 2005. These do not indicate an entire series of larger size gilded coins. Series I and Series II use different images, and are different physically. While both have a 0.999 fine silver gilded coin, the Series II coins have larger surfaces. This is because they are also thinner. So, if you buy a box, and the mint did sell them, make certain you get the box for your series, or they will not fit.

Three Dollar Gold Piece

The United States minted $3 gold pieces stating in 1854.  The latest date on any Thee Dollar Gold Piece is 1889.  These wee minted with 77.4 gains of gold, with a purity of 0.900.  There are rare, and command a premium over the price of gold, which should extend even to lower grades.




Thursday, July 18, 2013

Gilded Kookaburra

The Perth Mint in Australia has been minting its popular Kookaburra coins in fine silver since 1990, but produced beautifully gilded silver Kookaburras only for a short time in the 2000s. The Perth Mint released gilded Kookaburras starting in 2004, and these were accompanied by a Kookaburra pin, and a Certificate of Authenticity. These are difficult to find, with eBay usually having very few listed. These are one ounce fine silver coins selectively gilded with gold.

Gold Quarter Eagles

The Eagle is the $10 coin, so the denomination on the Quarter Eagle is $2.50. These coins contain about 1/8 ounce of gold, with a fineness of 0.900 for later pieces, and about 0.899 for very early pieces. The gold price can be less of a factor in low mintage coins. The Quarter Eagle coins first minted in the late 1700, with the earliest coins dated 1776. After several varieties, the Coronet Head coin endured from 1840 until the major change of 1908. Beginning in 1908 through 1929, with a major gap between 1916 and 1924, the Indian Head Quarter Eagle was in use. The incused, or recessed, design was used. This gives the coin a completely different appearance. Unfortunately, the incuse coins wear, due to the fine ridges that are frequently pressed and brushed with the fingers. In addition to the problems of wear with the Indian Head coins, all coins were supposed to be turned in to the United States government when owning gold coins became illegal. So, mintage numbers are unable to determine the number of surviving coins. These are now highly prized by numismatists.

The Gold Dollar

The gold dollars that were struck from 1849 through 1889 were small coins indeed. In fact, it is amazing that they were not all lost. These coins were 0.900 fine and by law contained 25.8 grains, which is about a twentieth of an ounce. There were only two types of these coins issued, the Liberty Head and the Indian Head, with the Indian Head having two similar designs, but one had a slightly larger head. The gold in these is close to 1/20 of an ounce, and the numismatic value may exceed the value of the gold they contain. When the United States made owning gold coins illegal, many were turned over to the government. Now that they are legal again, few remain. It is difficult to use the mintage to determine how many gold dollars of any year were not melted.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Fiji Taku Silver Coin

The Taku is a sea turtle. The New Zealand Mint currently produces these in one ounce, one-half ounce, and five ounce silver, and in one ounce gilded issues for the Fiji Islands. The silver coins are considered silver bullion.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Irish Silver Cachet (Medallion)

In the 1970s a beautiful set of silver medallions were issues. These had religious scenes, and many centered on Saint Patrick. They were mounted in a card that was stamped and intended to be mailed. Occasionally, these silvercachets appear on eBay. It is highly recommended that the card be intact. These are well worth collecting. Their beauty is astounding.

Irish Animal Collection of 15 Euro Silver Coins

The Irish Animal Collection is a three coin Sterling silver set of coins. 

2010 – Irish Hunte Horses

2011 – Salmon

2012 – Irish  Wolfhound

These contain 28.28 grams of metal.

The coins are struck in proof.

The denomination of each coin is 15 Euros

The mintage is limited to 15,000 per coin.

The coins were released by the Irish Central Bank.

The mintages are 15,000 for the 2010 Irish Hunter Horse, 12,000 for the 2011 Salmon, and 8,000 for the 2012 Irish Wolfhound.

These coins are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.











Perth Mint Gold Bullion


The Perth Mint produces gold bullion coins in a multitude of sizes.  And, the line between numismatic coins and bullion coins is fading, giving numismatic support when gold drops.

The Perth Mint is now accredited by the London Bullion Market Association.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Ancient Byzantine Coins

Another interesting group of ancient coins is Byzantine Ancient Coins.

Ancient Greek Coins

Ancient Greek Coins can date back to antiquity.

Coca-Cola Silver Bars

EBay constantly changes what is listed. New items are added as old items finish. Here are the coca-Cola 75th anniversary bars that are currently up. Different bars come up depending on the search words, but there is overlap.

To get an idea exactly what these bars are we have made a brief video.





Sunday, July 14, 2013

Republic of Rome Coins

Coins of Imperial Rome

Imperial Rome has coins without dates, but Caesar and significant events help date them.

Ancient Roman Provincial Coins

Ancient Roman coins are divided into three groups. The Roman Provincial Coins are the newest. Since it was impossible to know what year was the year of striking the coin, no year could be stamped onto the coin. These are date by who led Rome as Caesar, and by significant events such as victorious battles.

Ancient Celtic Coins

Ancient coins have a multitude of varieties.  Since many ancient coins preceded calendars, approximate dates are sometimes give.  Dates are assigned by the images on the coins, which often depict important leaders and significant events.

Remember, there was no machinery when ancient coins were made, they were made one at a time by hand.  If it is to good of a strike, it is more likely to be fake.

Some ancient coins were made of silver and gold, but the purity obtained by modern techniques could not be achieved.

Really old money did not even resemble coins of today.  Look at the money rings here.


Chinese Pandas

One popular bullion coins are the gold and the silver Chinese pandas. While china has lax counterfeit laws, they do not allow counterfeiting Chinese currency. Look for the yuan symbol, which resembles the pi symbol. This gives some confidence.

Silver Nickels

In 1942 the nickel coin was replaced with a silver version, due to the nickel being needed for World War II.  The change lasted through 1945.  Eleven coins were struck in this short series, including coins from the Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints.

In 1942 the first coins struck were not silver.  The change occurred during the year.

Silver five cent coins are obvious due to the large mint marks on the reverse above the dome. They neither match the smaller mintmarks in size or location, and the Philadelphia, which used no mint mark at the time, minted coins with a P.

Uncirculated coins are affordable, and quality should be easily found for most of the series.




Saturday, July 13, 2013

Australian Coin Book

Finding coin information and prices for Australian coins was, at first, rather difficult.  After searching and finding a problem with locating an Australian coin guide on Amazon, we finally found Australian Coins and Banknotes.  The author is Greg McDonald.  Now, the 2013 20th edition is available.

This is an excellent book, and covers Australian coins from before Australia minted its first coins.  It covers both Perth Mint and Royal Australian Mint coins that are legal tender of Australia.  It does not cover coins of island nations, nor the Hutt River Province coins and banknotes, since Hutt River Province claims to being independed of Australia are not recognized.

Unfortunately, Amazon had only earlier editions when we checked.  So, where can one get this great book.

Go to the home page of Black Spaniel Gallery link below and click any Perth Mint banner.  We gladly will direct you to the Perth Mint's site.  Then, click on Gifts & Jewellery.  There you will find the book. Be certain to select the current edition.  2013 is the 20th edition.  The Perth Mint has fair pricing, is easy to work with, and reasonable with shipping.  We usually add items and recheck shipping.  Sometimes we can add an item and not change the shipping!

Start Here!  Black Spaniel Gallery Coins


The Britannia


One of the most sought after silver coins is the British Britannia.  This is a quality coin from a long standing quality mint, the Royal Mint.



Queen Victoria 175th Anniversary Coronation Coin


While the world celebrates Queen Elizabeth's coronation sixty tears ago, the 175th celebration of Queen Victoria's coronation is hardly mentioned.  The Perth Mint has celebrated this noteworthy event with a 1 ounce fine silver coin, beautifully colorized with an excellent image of Queen Victoria.

This coin is limited to 5,000, and is 1 ounce of 0.999 fine silver struck in Proof.  

The coin is still available at the Perth Mint.  To visit the mint please go to the Back Spaniel Gallery Coins website link below.  We have a direct link to the Perth Mint via a banner on our home page.   Buying directly from the Perth Mint is easy, and shipping is fair.




Or, look on eBay.




Friday, July 12, 2013

Birds of Australia Coins

The Perth Mint Australia


These colorful coins are struck in Proof Quality.  These are 1/2 Troy ounce fine silver ( 0.999 Ag )  coins, making them affordable.  These Perth Mint issues are legal tender of Australia.  Mintage is limited to 10,000 per coin, and these come in a display case and a box, and with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Currently four coins in this series are available:

Rainbow Lorikeet
Regent Bowerbird
Budgerigar
Black-Cockatoo

All four coins are still available at the Perth Mint.  


The Perth Mint Australia

The Four Rectangular Snake Coin Set


These are four fine silver coins.  These 0.999 Ag products of the Perth Mint are legal tender of the Cook Islands.  Mintage is limited to 3,000 sets, and the mint only sells these as sets.

Initially, only one per existing member of the mint was the limit, but that has expired.  To purchase these directly from the Perth Mint go to Black Spaniel Gallery Coin's site and click the banner.  Purchasing directly from the Perth Mint is easy.


Or, check eBay.





Thursday, July 11, 2013

Coin Related Gift Items

The items on this page are from our Zazzle designs.  Zazzle allows images to be put on items as the items are sold, and the items can be customized by adding words in your choice of size, font. and color.

Zazzle has an affiliate program.  If you sign up for the affiliate program you can list our items.

If you join Zazzle's affiliate program you can easily list our products.  If you make a sale they pay you, and they pay us.

Our Zazzle coin items are at

Black Spaniel Gallery's Coin Products


This tile can be used as a trivet.
This is a poster, and can be ordered as a print with a choice of finishes.
BUFFALO NICKLE POSTERS
BUFFALO NICKLE POSTERS by blackspanielgallery
Check out Coin Posters online at zazzle
Here is a nice mouse pad!

Fine Silver Coin - Canadian Coast Guard

This coin will not be available to order from the Royal Canadian Mint after July 15, 2013.

This is a 31.39 gram, ( 1 Troy ounce ) fine silver coin.  It is 0.9999 Ag.  This coin is struck in PROOF, and at most 7,500 will be released.  However, at 86 % sold out, the Royal Canadian Mint has announced it will accept orders only through July 15!

The denomination of this coin is $20.




Disney Gold Coins

Disney does have some gold coins out, although not nearly as many as silver coins.


Some of Disney's silver coins are selectively gilded with gold.

2014 Standard Catalog of World Coins - 1901-2000

The 2014 world Coin Book is now out. Click below to view the details.


 2014 Standard Catalog of World Coins - 1901-2000



 


Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Perth Mint Bars and Ingots

The limited edition Argyle Pink Diamond Ingot






Disney Around the World Silver Coins

This is a seven coin silver proof set of Disney coins, with a mintage of 15,000 each. These feature Disney characters, with more than one on each coin.

These coins come with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, and a display case.


Year of the Snake Coins

The Perth Mint is now in its second series of bullion lunar coins.  The coins are being produced in various sizes, and are all high grade.  while they are technically bullion coins, they are highly desirable by numismatists/

While most coins are bullion, some are proof, making them too valuable to be regarded as bullion.

Look for gold and silver snake coins in 2013, some of which are colorized.

There are many coins, including a "Success" version ANDA coin show special, a high relief gold coin, and a Prosperity, Longevity, and Success gold three-coin set, and a four rectangular silver, colorized coin set that should be displayed side by side.

To see these quality coins please go to our website and click on the Perth Mint banner.  The shipping is very reasonable, and they can accept cards.  The purchase is easy.

Black Spaniel Gallery 


Or, for bullion and sold out coins look to eBay.



Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Treasures of the World Coins

The Perth Mint has two incredible coins, the gold Treasures of the World and the silver Treasures of the World coins.  These are the first of a new series, and feature garnets.

The gold proof coin is limited to 750 pieces, and is a one Troy ounce of 0.9999 gold.

The silver coin has one Troy ounce of 0.999 fine silver, and this proof coin has a mintage of 7,500.

To check on availability of these please go to our website.  We do have the silver coins in inventory, and will list them soon.  But, these coins are still available at the mint, which we have a direct link to.  Just click the link below and click on the Perth banner on our home page.

Black Spaniel Gallery



Or, if you prefer to shop eBay, they have a nice selection.  But do check the price at the mint through our link, you may be able to determine what is a real deal.




Monday, July 8, 2013

Australia's Remarkable Reptiles - Frilled Neck Lizard Silver Coin

This is a one Troy ounce fine silver coin, 0.999 Ag

 Perth Mint

 Proof quality

 Limited mintage of 5,000

 Legal tender of Tuvalu

 Beautifully Colorized

We recommend going to our website through the link below, and from our home page clicking any Perth Mint banner.

Black Spaniel Gallery Coins


Or, you can look at what eBay has available.  



Doctor Who Tardis Silver Coin

This coin was struck by the New Zealand, and the Perth Mint is selling it along with the New Zealand Mint.

 This coin is part of the 50th anniversary celebration, and is properly licensed.

 This is 1 Troy ounce of 0.999 fine silver, colorized, and struck in proof quality. Mintage is limited to 10,000. We have a previous post announcing the auction by the New Zealand Mint for coin #00001.

The packaging is the Tardis!

 Our recommendation is to follow the link below to our home page, click on a Perth Mint banner, and type Doctor Who into the search.

Black Spaniel Gallery Coins

So, what is next?  Watch the Perth Mint's video and follow our blog.  When we find out, we will pass the word on!



If you must search for a bargain, it is on eBay, as shown below.



Sunday, July 7, 2013

Cloisonne Coins

Cloisonne’ coins have ridges, or wires, that separate the surface of the coin into compartments which are filled with thick enamel giving a three dimensional effect. Cook Islands $5 cloisonne’ coins first emerged in the World of Flowers series. These are 25 gram Sterling silver coins, and minted in PROOF. Mintage is 2,500 for each, which is very low. 2009 Poppy 2009 Pansy 2010 – none known 2011 Daisy 2012 Cherry Blossom In 2010 a multitude of Fabrege’ egg fine silver coins, each containing 20 grams of 0.999 silver, were produced as $5 Cook Islands coins. Many are enhanced with Bohemian crystals, and some are embellished with gold. The multitude of these issues can only be appreciated by viewing the images.

Windows of Heaven Coins with windows

These coins are issues of the Cook Islands and have a denomination of $10. These coins are 50 grams, and composed of 0.925 Sterling silver. They come with a Certificate of Authenticity and are boxed. Low Mintage: 2,000 The windows are fully colored, and represent some of the most famous stained glass art in the world. The Cathedral of Cologne - 2010 Westminster Abbey - 2010 Cologne - 2010 Notre Dame de Paris - 2011 Cathedral of Saint Petersburg Saville Cathedral -2011 Church of Saint Catherine BETHLEMEM - 2012 Saint Isaac's Cathedral - 2012 Church of Saint Grancis Chartres Notre Dame Cathedral- 2013

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Disney Mickey Mouse Silver Coins

Mickey Mouse appears on an entire set of seven Disney silver coins called Mickey 60 Years with You.  These coins come in a nice folder, and are intended for the collector.  Each coin should have a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

We currently have some of these in our online store.  Please visit us at

Black Spaniel Gallery Coins


For all others we recommend eBay.  Below you will see some current listings.



Storage Box for Graded Coins

This box holds 20 slabbed coins.

 NGC Plastic Storage Box for 20 Slab Coin Holders

 

Black Spaniel Gallery

Check out our books and supplies page.

Wombat - 2012 Australian Opal Series Coin

The Wombat is one of the already released, and sold out, coins of the amazing Opal Series.  There is just one coin to go.  Currently, we only have the Kangaroo, the third coin in this four coin series.  So, these are only available through the secondary market, such as eBay.


Our site should you be shopping for the Kangaroo.




These are low mintage silver coins, containing one Troy ounce of 0.999 fine silver.

Friday, July 5, 2013

The Gold Koala Coin



Wow, now you can get a gold koala in 2 ounces.  These coins are available in 0.9999 gold, a purity rarely reached.  The larger coins can be found in high relief.

Black Spaniel Gallery Coins

Click the image on our GOLD page and search for gold koala.




One Ounce Platinum American Eagles to Be Released in July

The 2013 Platinum Eagle is to be released July 18. Platinum is currently more affordable than at times in the past. Does your collection have a platinum coin?

Black Spaniel Gallery Coins

The 2013 issues should populate the display below as they come available.


Uncirculated Dollar Set

The Uncirculated Dollar coin set is planned for a July release. This set contains the dollar coins released as circulation coins in 2013, The 10`1 set included 6 coins, 4 Presidential Dollars, 1 Native American dollar, and one silver American Eagle coin.

Black Spaniel Gallery Coins

 The below display should automatically update with the 2013 Uncirculated Dollar Sets as they become available.


Colonial Coinage

At the time of the founding of the United States of America no United States official United States small coins existed, nor had any existed, nor had an been authorized. This was a time when coins were actually made of metal that had a value equal to the amount of metal it contained. So, official coinage was less of a problem then it would be in modern times.

 Many copper pieces were produced by the now united colonies. The Confeseratio Coppers, the Nova Constellatio Patterns, and the Immune Columbia Pieces came about as a suitable quantity and design of coinage brought about change. Individual colonies produced their own copper coins. Unified money, along with denominations universally accepted in a single nation left no choice but to eventually have the United States mint official coinage authorized by Congress.

 Today, numismatists can collect the coins from before United States official coinage, including coins from the colonies after the revolution, coins from before the revolution, many of which were company coins, and pattern pieces.

 In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase brought a large part of the current country into the nation. Of course French made coins circulated in Louisiana while it was a French colony. So, a complete collection might well include the coins used in the French owned Louisiana.

Black Spaniel Gallery


Thursday, July 4, 2013

Low Numbered Dr Who Tardis Silver Coins (inc. #1)

In a very unusual move the New Zealand Mint has put eight Dr Who silver coins up for auction on eBay. These coins have serial numbers 00001 through 00008! You can bid by serial number! This rare opportunity to own a serial number 1 coin is here!

Denomination:  $2, currency of Niue

Mint:  New Zealand

Seller:  New Zealand Mint

1 oz 0.999 fine silver

Proof Coin

Colorized Coin

10 day listing, already started

Doctor Who 50 th Anniversary coin


Tooth Fairy Silver Coin

The New Zealand Mint, in an unusual move, has poster Serial Number 1 of the Silver Tooth Fairy Coin up for auction on eBay!  This is one of two serial number 1 coins currently being offered.  The  other is the Doctor Who silver coin which you can find in the next post on this blog. This is a 2013 coin.
Certificate of Authenticity number 0001 New Zealand Mint
PROOF

The denomination is $1, currency of Niue

This is 0.5 Troy ounce fine silver.  0.5 oz 0.999 silver

Mintage is 5,000

This coin is colorized.


2013 William Howard Taft Dollar Coin

The official release date for the William Howard Taft dollar coin by the United States Mint is July 9. These coins are already available on eBay. So, why not just buy one from the mint? You cannot buy circulation presidential coins one at a time from the mint as individual coins. The release is for dollars with P and D mint marks in rolls, bags, and boxes.

http://blackspanielgallery.com

Of course, the proof coin which is out and already available certified from grading services is the more desired coin.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Certified Coins

Certified Coins are coins that have been graded by a professional service, then sealed in a slab. This provides some assurance of the grade, and other significant qualities such as First Strike or Deep Cameo.

 Unfortunately, the assurance does not exceed the reputation of the grading service. While there are many, and a few good ones, NGC and PCGS are the ones we very comfortable with.

 So, if a coin has been graded by a good service, does that guarantee its quality? No, the humans doing the grading make mistakes, albeit rarely if the service is good. Another thing to consider is any damage due to contact with foreign materials such as oils, or exposure to chemicals in the air. In such cases the damage may not be there when the coin is graded, but can still show up later. 

Poor grading services tend to over-value coins. This could be due to incompetence, grading as they think the collector would like, or running up the grading fee. And, some people grade their own, then place fake labels inside the slab. We even got one that did not bother to glue the slabs. They opened by hand. Coin slabs are also counterfeited. This is why the top services change regularly, adding obscure markings. Of course these markings must be revealed or collectors would have no idea if the slab is genuine. And, this does not change slabs that are already out.

 Grading can also be expensive, and you may have to submit postage for each coin in an order to be returned. This is because the person who specializes in buffalo nickels may not be qualified to grade Morgans, and your order may get separated. Check to see how this is handled by the service you choose.

Black Spaniel Gallery Coins


Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Prehistoric Animals: Tylosaurus Pembinensis

The Royal Canadian Mint produces a Prehistoric Animals Coin Series. The current release is the Tylosaurus Pembinensis. The mintage is 30,000.

What makes these twenty-five cent coins unique?  They glow in the dark!

Black Spaniel Gallery Coins