Opportunity

[GreenFrog]

I found the opportunity in a local shop to buy some British Sovereigns and Maple gold coins (half-ounce). What are the specific points to look at to see if they are okay?

[G-khan]

I found the opportunity in a local shop to buy some British Sovereigns and Maple gold coins (half-ounce). What are the specific points to look at to see if they are okay?
British Sovereigns and Maple gold coins

They are both good coins you normally would get a better price on one ounce coins Maples are known for their purity.. Pick up some Silver also as it has a big discount to Gold and you will get a lot of it for a lot less fiat. You could get about 35 one ounce silver rounds for the price of one of those half ouncers.. Build a treasure chest..

[IrishGold]

Is the dealer is reputable?
How long have they been in business?
The longer the better.
Will they buy back their own merchandise?
They should.
Will they buy other merchandise?
They should.
What's the spread on a buy back?
It should be around 8% and no more than 10%.
What is the mark-up over current spot price?
It should also be in the 8 to 10% range
Are these numismatic coins?
They should not be.

[GreenFrog]

Are there some physical aspects about the coins I should look at? Like if they're scratched or anything?

[IrishGold]

Are there some physical aspects about the coins I should look at? Like if they're scratched or anything?
If they're circulated coins, they will have scratches. If they are said to be uncirculated, they should not have any blemishes at all. If they are offered as proof coins, don't buy them, because the premium is too high.

Proof coins are almost always in a sealed, see-through container of some sort and they have mirror finishes on the raised surfaces. That's because they start out with a highly pollished blank before the coin is struck. You don't want to pay that extra money for proof coins. All you really want to buy, is the gold content at the lowest price possible.

Uncirculated coins will also have a premium and be stored in the same type of containers as the proof coins. The uncirculated premium is not nearly as high as the proof premium. The best ones to buy are the circulated ones, but nowdays, very few gold coins are considered as being circulated.

[GreenFrog]

But what should I check to be assured that I'm buying the correct thing and to ask the priced to be lowered if there's some problems (scratchs...)?

[IrishGold]

What else can I tell you? Read my message out loud four times! Then come here and explain in a message to me, what you are going to look for, what you are going to look at, and if the information is not offered, what questions you are going to ask?

[GreenFrog]

Irish, please stop looking at me from high above, espescially when you answer something that would be an answer to another question. I'm thanksful to anyone who helps me, but if you don't feel like answering just let go. And stop saying me to "do my homework" by reading, I researched/read something like 75 hours in two weeks on all kinds of investing issues. I'm just trying to find information where I believe I may find it, as I personally am happy to help people around me in their researches.

My question is:
How can I evaluate a coin well enough to know it still has its normal value and isn't devalued because of a scratch or something? Which aspects should I look at on a Maple gold coin or British Sovereign?

Thanks for any answer :)

[Grizzled One]

Try this frog,

Get the spot price for gold....get the content of gold in the coin...calculate the cost for gold content. Anything the dealer ask for over spot is his premium. Pay what you feel is comfortable for the premium but remember...the premium is like an instant loss on your investment when buying for PM content only. Perceived value for numismatics may as well be fiat money. It is not an intrinsic value.....it is what people are willing to pay at this time in these conditions....tomorrow they may not be so willing.

Believe it or not, Irish is doing the right thing with his post....He wants you to think for yourself, learn, develop. It is the whole "Give a man a fish.....Teach a man to fish..." Listen to him.

[IrishGold]

I'm sorry GreenFrog, you are right, I have been condescending with my answers to you. I'll not do so in the future.

[SilverStreak]

Irish Gold ---nice to see you get your feathers ruffled but you are really correct in saying that anything you pay for over and above spot is a waste of money----- Green Frog--- You want the most Precious metal for the buck that you can get and still stay with something recognized by the masses of people.... As an X- dealer when the time comes to sell it will be on the gold content or the silver content----- I have some gold Soverigns but I bought them at a hair under the quarter oz gold eagles and just slightly over the quarter oz gold krugerrands. Just get the most gold for the dollar that you can because in the panic anything collectible is only in the eye of the beholder. Most bullion coins should be in excellent condition as they are uncirculated or at least should be.

[GreenFrog]

Thanks to each of you. I have my answer :)