Perth Releases the 2009 Dreaming Coins 2010 and 2011 Coins Revealed Latest Part of the Discover Australia Series of Coins!

                 Just released in late January in Australia and in early February for international sales!  The animals represented on these coins may differ on the different metals.

                 The Dreaming Series consists of five coins in 2009.  These are available in platinum in 1/2–oz coins and 1/10-oz coins, gold in 1/25-oz coins, 1/10-oz coins, and 1/2-oz coins, and silver 1-oz coins. All coins in this series are proof quality, and the platinum and silver coins are colorized.  These coins come with a Certificate of Authenticity that is numbered.  These are limited edition coins.

                 The 2009 coins can be ordered in a complete set of five, in any size and any metal, with each set will be housed in an attractive holder. Or individually, also in an attractive holder.

The series will run for three years, and the names of the animals featured in future releases have been published.  It is possible to subscribe to the three-year complete sets.

                 The 2009 coins include:  Dreaming Echidna, Dreaming  Brolga, Dreaming Dolphin, Dreaming Kangaroo, and Dreaming Brown Snake.

                 These coins are quite different from the 2008 Dreaming Coins in many ways.  The 2008 coins were struck on rectangular blanks, these are struck on round blanks.  The series has been expanded to include platinum, and the gold coins are now in fractions of ounces instead of grams.  The 2008 coins had only two animals, the kangaroo and the turtle.  The annual release is now up to five distinct coins!  The coins include beautiful presentation cases, as compared to the cardboard holders for the 2008 coins. Finally, both the platinum and silver coins are colorized starting in 2009, while colorization was not used in 2008.

                 In 2008 the gold coins were available as coins or as pendants.  Beginning in 2009, only coins are being minted.  But that is no problem to a true coin collector.

All coins are legal tender coins of Australia.  The denominations are:

                

Gold	1/2 oz	1/10 oz	1/25 oz
Monetary Denomination (AUD)	$50	$15	$5
Silver	1 oz
Monetary Denomination (AUD)	$1
Platinum	1/2 oz	1/10 oz
Monetary Denomination (AUD)	$50	$15

                 This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery athttp://blackspanielgallery.com by the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

Platinum 2009 Coins from Perth: The Dreaming Coins

                 The Dreaming Series consists of five coins in 2009.  These are available in 1/2 –oz coins and 1/10-oz coins, in proof condition.  They are also colorized.  These coins come with a Certificate of Authenticity that is numbered.  This is a limited edition.  All coins are legal tender coins of Australia.

                 The 2009 coins can be ordered in a complete set of five, in either size, and will be housed in an attractive holder.  The series will run for three years, and the names of future releases is published.  It is possible to subscribe to the three-year complete sets.

                 The 2009 coins include:  Dreaming Echidna, Dreaming  Brolga, Dreaming Dolphin, Dreaming Kangaroo, and Dreaming Brown Snake.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

Platinum Coins from Perth: Discover Australia Flora Proof Coins 2006 - 2008 Past year coins that are still available while supplies last.

                Australia first issued The Discover Australia Flora platinum coins is 2006, and has been issuing five different coins per year.  The mint still has older coins from this series, and mints them in two sizes, the 1/10-ounce coin and the ½-ounce coin.  All coins are proof.  All coins in this series are colorized.

                

                 The 2006 coins include the Common Pink Heath, the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw, the Royal Bluebell, the Sturt’s Desert Rose, and the Cooktown Orchid.

                 The 2007 coins include the Anemone Buttercup, the Sturt’s Desert Pea, the Tasmanian Bluegum, the Waratah, and the Golden Wattle.

                 The 2008 coins include the Black-Anther Faux-Lily, the Native Fragipani, the Geraldton Wax, the Red Flowered Kurrajong, and the Small Leaf Lillypilly.

                 These coins are legal tender, and are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

                 These coins are, in each size and for each year, available in five-coin sets.  These sets include beautiful display cases.

                 If you are considering platinum, consider these beautiful, proof coins.  We have another article on ordering from the Perth Mint, should you have questions.  It is easy, and we recommend it highly.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

For Excellent Quality Coins that Have the Potential for Low Mintage Consider Mint on Demand

                 The Perth Mint has several coins that are specified Mint on Demand.  These coins are not produced until they are ordered.  They are especially made to fill an order, hence it is unlikely many will be minted.  The mintage cannot be given until they cease production, but should not be high.  These coins are specially struck, and while they may not be “proof” they are certainly of higher quality than the average coin.

                 “Mint on Demand” coins include the coins in the Dreaming series.  The 2008 coins include Dreaming Turtle and Dreaming Kangaroo, and are available in both silver and gold.  Another “Mint on Demand” coin is the Koala, a silver coin.  Not all Koalas are “Mint on Demand” coins, some are normal business strike coins.

In order to determine whether you have a specially struck coin of a normal business strike coin, look for the cardboard holder in which the coin is mounted.  If it exists, it will specify the coin was made as a “Mint on Demand” coin, and is of the high quality and standards that such coins attain in the minting process.

If you have one of these prized coins, do not separate it from the cardboard that houses it when produced.  The retention of these coins in the holders they were placed at the mint should increase their numismatic value over other similar coins.

One surprising thing is that the Perth Mint can produce these coins specifically for an order, yet deliver the order is a speedy manner.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

Perth Mint Exclusive Coins

               The Perth Mint’s gift shop, including the Online gift shop, exclusively releases certain coins.  Since not everyone knows of this wonderful source, these coins often go unpurchased.  This enables collectors to obtain uncirculated coins directly from the mint from past years if availability permits, since those minted are often left at the gift shop and made available.

                 Some of these exclusive coins are quite desirable.  They are usually minted in low, limited quantities, adding to their numismatic value.  Take a few minutes to click on the banner and browse the Perth Mint gift shop.   And to add to these coins’ desirability, many come with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

Using the Perth Mint Gift Shop

    The Perth Mint has a reputation for quality, and this includes its service.   Orders are filled promptly, and shipped in a manner to ensure prompt delivery.   Coins arrive within about two or three days after shipping has occurred, and the tracking service allows the recipient to follow the coin’s progress.

                 Shipping fees are quite reasonable.  One coin may be slightly high, but there are United States coin companies that charge more.  A one ounce coin is a case, which weighs several ounces, costs about $7 or $8.  As coins are added to the order, the cost per coin becomes low.  We currently have an order in for eleven coins, and are paying just over $2 per coin, low by any standards.

                 Having had orders completed by the Perth Mint, we can state that the coins are properly packaged, and unlikely to be damaged during shipment.

                 If you are not familiar with currency conversion, there is a fee associated with converting USD to AUD.  This fee is about 1%  for us.  You should check with your credit card or with Paypal to ascertain what you will be charged.

                 The Perth Mint gives two prices, one in AUD and the other in USD.  Since Perth is in Australia, the Australian dollar figure is firm.  The United States dollar quote changes with the exchange rate, and is settled when your order goes from the pending status to the completed status.  This means that although a hold on your account may be for one amount initially, you will actually pay slightly more or slightly less if the exchange rate changes, as it usually does.  Your final cost is usually a few days after your order has been placed.  This is a quirk of doing business internationally.

                 The Perth Mint’s gift shop also handles gold nuggets and jewelry.

                 Please read our other articles on “Mint on Demand” and Perth Mint exclusives.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

Silver Bullion

When buying silver bullion, just as for buying gold bullion, remember coins are a great form of a precious metal to own.  Their purity is guaranteed by the government that issued them, so they are very liquid.  No assay is required to sell coins.  And, regardless of which country issued the coins, they are in a sense international in value.

                 Like gold, not all silver coins are equal.  Even if they contain 1 ounce of silver, the silver, like gold, is never completely pure.  Silver is also too soft of a metal to be coined in a completely pure state.  So some minor impurity must always be present.  So most bullion coins are 0.999 fine silver.  Canada is the exception.  They make 0.9999 pure coins, and while there is no practical value of the slightly more pure metal, people will often pay a premium for the extra nine.  And what someone else is willing to pay is what really determines the value of a coin.

                 A quick ranking of coin prices at the time of writing is American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic, and the Mexican Libertad.  Of the less abundant, the Britannia is perhaps the leader, the Australian kangaroo, the Australian Kookaburra, the Australian Lunar, and the Australian Koala.  South African makes a silver Kruggerand, but this coin appears so rarely in Online auctions that it is difficult to place a value.  Australia mints numerous quality silver coins which vary from year to year, and some, like the Lunar Dragon may bring more than a Britannia.  Coins like the Britannia and all of the Australian coins are frequently changed, so they command a numismatic value over the intrinsic value of the silver.

                 Australia and Canada often enhance their coins with privy marks, small icons that honor someone or something.  These privy marks generally add to the value, since they are minted in smaller quantities than the coins without them.

                 Silver coins come in many sizes, the more common being half ounce, one ounce, and two ounce.  However, for the serious investor, Australia makes ten kilogram silver coins.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

Gold Bullion

When buying gold bullion remember coins are a great form of gold to own.  Their purity is guaranteed by the government that issued them, so they are very liquid.  No assay is required to sell gold coins.  And, regardless of which country issued the coins, they are in a sense international in value.

                 Not all gold coins are equal.  Even if they contain 1 ounce of gold, the gold is never completely pure.  Gold is too soft of a metal to be coined in a completely pure state.  So some minor impurity must always be present.  This is determined by the karat number, with 24-kt being the purest gold, while lower numbers contain more impurities.  Many countries, but not all, issue 24-kt gold.  But the coins differ is color.  This is because the impurity is not always the same, it is dependent on the source of the gold.  And copper is chemically so close to gold it is particularly difficult to refine out.  So, with gold coins from mines around the world, there is a slight difference in value.  This is caused by both the quantity minted and the particular content of coins from a region.

                 A quick ranking of coin prices at the time of writing is American Eagle, Gold Buffalo, Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic, and South African Kruggerand.  Australia mints numerous quality gold coins which are not listed because they also have high numismatic value, and they include the lunal, nugget, and kangaroo series.

                 For the investor with limited resources, many countries mint smaller coins that are fractions of an ounce.  Common fractions are 1/25, 1/20, 1/10, 1/4, and 1/2.  Canada has a 1/15 ounce version of the Maple Leaf, but it is rather rare.  If you buy from an Online auction site be careful.  Auctions for 1/25-ounce coins often go higher than those tor 1/20-ounce coins.  The higher the denominator in a fraction, the smaller the number, but if just a few people do not understand this they may, and usually do, bid the smaller coin up due to the higher denominator.  Be careful.  The smaller coins rightfully have a higher premium over spot gold prices due to minting cost, a the 1/25-ounce coin is certainly worth less than a 1/20-ounce coin.

                 Because the minting cost can become a larger percentage of the cost with smaller coins, it is probably better to buy a one-ounce coin rather than several smaller coins that collectively are one ounce.

                 Another thing to remember is gold is weighed in troy ounces, which are heavier than conventional ounces.  When checking weight, use a scale that weighs in troy ounces.

                 We have a link to the Perth Mint of Australia if you wish to look for quality collectible coins in gold, and other fine dealers in gold bullion if you are basically interested in gold for the intrinsic value of the metal itself.

                 If gold is too pricy for your current needs, consider silver.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

COIN COLLECTING BASICS

Coin collecting can be a great hobby, provided some basics are understood first.  This article addressesproper handling, grading, and should that coin be slabbed.

Proper Handling:  Coin value is determined by both rarity and condition.  It is a good idea to protest your coins by proper handling.  The rules are simple.

Avoid handling your coins as much as possible, and when it is necessary, always hold the coin by the edge.  A small amount of abrasion can reduce the grade of the coin.  Also, no matter how well you wash, there is always something on your hands, which may discolor a beautiful coin.

Store your collection properly.  If you have plastic capsules that fit your coins, that is probably the best.  Soft coverings can be damaged, and keeping coins air tight is important.  The air contains contaminates that can damage your coins,

Always have your coins encased before speaking.  Small amounts of saliva can be the source of unsightly spots in the future.

Do not use envelopes, or any paper products, unless the paper is specifically manufactured for use with coins.  Paper is often made using sulfuric acid, which can seriously damage coins.

Never clean a coin!  Collectors prefer the natural look, and cleaned coins quickly lose value.  If you think it will not be noticed by an expert, you are mistaken.  The appearance of a coin made from pressing dies des not have those streaks associated with abrasion.  When magnified, coins tell the story of having been cleaned.  (This is written with the understanding ancient coins that were found buried in thick soil must be cleaned to even be able to tell which coin is there.  Ancient coins are the exception to the never clean rule.)

Grading:  Grading standards go from AG through Perfect.  If you are starting a serious collection, avoid the lower grades unless the coin is essentially unavailable or unaffordable in higher grades.  AG (about good), G (good), and VG (very good) all show excessive wear.  F (fine) and VF (very fine) are better, but still have a lot of wear.  EF or XF (extra fine) and AU (almost uncirculated) are lower end quality grades for very old coins.  BU (brilliant uncirculated) is the lowest grade of uncirculated and may have some scratches.  GEM is better.  The MS number is the mint state number, and is used to separate the grades of uncirculated coins.  MS 60 is BU, and MS 65 is GEM.  The best coins are MS 70, considered perfect.

Grading is subjective, and even experts can disagree.  A nick in the rim or major scratch can alter the grade.  Do not just look at those things your book says will determine the grade.  A good rule is to leave the grading to the experts, and if you disagree, get a second opinion.  If you think a coin is over graded, look for another that you consider fairly graded.

Slabbing Coins:   There are many slabbing services that will grade your coin and seal it in a plastic holder with a Certificate of Authenticity.  Unfortunately, many slabbers are less than skilled in determining the grade of a coin, and a few may be dishonest.  The first thing you should consider is the reputation of a slabber.  The ANA recognizes NGC and PCGS is another well recognized by collectors.  The first thing you should check is that the slab is sealed.  If is is not, the COA is worthless, since the coin could have been swapped.

The slabbing services charge, but the coin is still the same coin.  Unless you are buying and feel better with a professional opinion, or selling and hope to establish credibility for the grade you are claiming, why would you slab a coin?  But if you must, use a quality service.  It is worth whatever little extra you pay when you decide to sell.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

COINS with GEMSTONES

The Australian Treasures series combines coins with gemstones.:  Currently available Online are the gold coins for 2008 and 2009.  The gold coins have a denomination of $100AU and contain 1 ounce of gold.  The 2008 coin also contains 5 opals, while the 2009 contains 1-Carat of diamonds.  These coins are proof quality.

The series also has three 1 ounce silver coins, with denominations of $1AU.  They are all proof quality.  Unfortunately, the sapphire coin, the first of the series, is sold out, and the opal and diamond coins are unavailable online.

The Treasures of Australia series shows the richness of the continent of Australia, and results in some beautiful coins. 

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.