This gold coin reveals the veiled head of Julius Caesar on the front side with emblem "CAESAR COS TER". At the back of the coin is a lituus, a jug and an axe with emblem "A. HIRTIVS P.R".
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Julius Caesar and Pax coin
Julius Caesar with Pax the Goddess of Peace. Posthumous coin of Caesar bearing his wreathed head with no inscriptions or emblems. Opposite is Pax, the goddess of peace holding the caduceus and scepter.
Julius Caesar and Octavian coin
On the obverse are the heads of Julius Caesar and Octavian back to back, and a prow on the reverse side
Mark Antony and Julius Caesar coin
Bare head of Mark Antony is on the obverse (Front) and on the reverse is the wreathed head of Julius Caesar. This coin was military minted by the person traveling with Antony in Cisalpine, Gaul.
Julius Caesar with Veil on Head coin
The wreathed and veiled head of Julius is on the left portion of the image. On the reverse is an emblem "C COSSVTIVS", "MARID-IANVS" and "AAN A A FF". It was minted in Rome in 44 BC.
Julius and Venus coin
Wreathed head of Julius Caesar on the obverse and behind him is the lituus and simpulum. On the reverse is Venus resting her elbow on a rounded shield set on globe holding Victory and a scepter.
Veiled Head of Caesar Coin
Laureate and veiled head of Caesar is on the left, and on the right is Venus, the goddess of beauty and love, standing and holding Victory and scepter set on star.
Head of Venus with Captives coin
Julius Caesar Denarius with the Head of Venus wearing a crown as a sign of royalty is on the left. On its right is the Trophy of Gallic arms with seated captives at either side of base, with "CAESAR" below as emblem.
Head of Julius Caesar coin
Laureate head of Julius Caesar can be seen on the left part of the images, while on its opposite are cornucopia on globe, rudder on left, caduceus and apex are emblem.
Julius Caesar Denarius coin
This coin was minted in Italy around 49 BC. On the obverse is an elephant walking and trampling on a horned serpent. Below that is the emblem "CAESAR" and on the reverse are culullus, aspergillum, axe and apex.
Historic Russian 5 Rouble Gold Coins
Back in 1902, these 5 Rouble gold coins were struck in Russia by the last Czar – Nicholas II. In that year Vladimir Illyich Lenin – who was to overthrow the government a few years later -- wrote that a "coherent, strictly controlled party of dedicated revolutionaries was a basic necessity for a revolution."
Amazingly these coins have survived both the Russian Revolution and World War II in lustrous Choice Brilliant Uncirculated quality . Each is minted from 4.3 grams of .900 fine gold (larger than a U.S. Quarter Eagle gold coin).
If only these coins could talk! They could tell how, as the Nazis began their attack on Norway, 50 tons of these old Russian gold coins and others in the Norge (Norwegian National) Bank were taken away in trucks, then moved by train, and finally by ships to the United States. Safe in American vaults, they were used by the Norwegian Government in Exile to meet wartime expenses. Later, this gold financed Norway 's joining the International Monetary Fund. And finally they were sold in 1988 in the largest such sale, as recorded by the Guinness Book of Records.
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Gold coins
Merovingian gold tremissis of the moneyer Ioannes (John) of Cadolidi or Capolidi, probably early 7th century. The front shows a very crude diademed bust, probably facing left. The back shows an unusual cross, probably derived from a Byzantine cross-on-steps design. Although very little of the inscription can be read, it can be identified from its similarity to another coin, now in Paris. The location of Cadolidi/ Capolidi is uncertain.
Merovingian gold tremissis of the moneyer Vitalis of Paris, late 6th- early 7th century. The inscription on the front tells us that the coin was issued in Paris. The back gives the name of the moneyer, although part of the inscription is missing. The front shows a diademed bust facing right, and the back shows a cross amcrée, possibly over a globe. This coin belongs to a series that was in use from c.570/580-c.670; more precise dating will depend on testing the purity of the gold. At Sutton Hoo, 37 Merovingian coins were found, the latest of which dates to the 620s.
Martin Van Buren’s Liberty First Spouse $10 Gold Coin President, 1837–1841
 |
| front |
The Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 contains a provision to provide continuity of the First Spouse Gold Coin Program during those times in which a president served without a first spouse. This provision applies to Martin Van Buren, whose wife Hannah died in 1819. Married in 1807, Van Buren was a widower for 18 years when he became president in 1837.
The gold coins issued to accompany any president who served without a spouse will each feature a design emblematic of Liberty on its obverse, as depicted on a United States coin issued during the President’s time in office. For Martin Van Buren’s presidency, the selected image appeared on the Liberty Seated Dime coin from 1837–1891, and was originally executed by United States Mint Engraver Christian Gobrecht.
 |
| back |
Reverse Design
Born in New York in December of 1782, Martin Van Buren holds the distinction of being the first president to be born in a newly independent Nation. His family operated a tavern in the town of Kinderhook, a primarily Dutch enclave located on the post road between New York City and Albany. Here, young Martin was exposed to political ideology at an early age, as local and state politicians would often gather at the Van Buren establishment as they traveled between the two cities.
Louisa Adams First Spouse $10 Gold Coin First Lady, 1825–1829Louisa Adams First Spouse $10 Gold Coin First Lady, 1825–1829
 |
| front |
The only first lady to be born outside the U.S., Louisa Catherine Johnson was born in 1775 in London to an American father and British mother. The family moved to France when she was three, where she completed her education. She met John Quincy Adams while he was serving in a diplomatic post in London and they married in 1797. Her first time on American soil came in 1801 when John Quincy was called back from diplomatic service by President Jefferson. She finally met her in-laws, former president John Adams and the formidable Abigail Adams, at that time.
Louisa Adams was an accomplished musician whose talents included singing, playing the harp and piano, and composing. A prolific author, she penned both poetry and drama. She authored a play titled Suspicion, or Persecuted Innocence while she served as first lady, in which she stressed the strengths of women. She was the first first lady to write her memoirs, entitled Adventures of a Nobody.
 |
| back |
Reverse Design
For nearly six years, from 1809–1815, Louisa and John Quincy Adams lived as American diplomats in the Russian capital of St. Petersburg. In 1814, John Quincy was summoned to The Hague to participate in peace talks to end the War of 1812. In 1815, she and her 8-year-old son Charles began an arduous journey across much of Europe to join her husband in Paris. While alone in Russia, Louisa not only managed the family’s affairs, but her courage and linguistic talents helped the two of them find safe passage through unfamiliar and often dangerous lands.
Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse $10 Gold Coin First Lady, 1817–1825
 |
| front |
Elizabeth Kortright was born in New York City in 1768 and married James Monroe at age 17. The family made their home in Virginia, but spent several years overseas while James Madison served as U.S. Foreign Minister to Great Britain, France, and Spain. She became a popular figure in France, where she was affectionately called la belle Americane because of her beauty and style.
Her time spent in European diplomatic circles influenced her sense of proper protocol for the White House, to which she brought a European stateliness and formality. Their youngest daughter, Maria, was the first presidential child to be married in the White House, in a small, private ceremony. When Elizabeth and James Monroe left the White House, they returned to Oak Hill, the family estate in Virginia, where she lived for the remainder of her life.
Her time spent in European diplomatic circles influenced her sense of proper protocol for the White House, to which she brought a European stateliness and formality. Their youngest daughter, Maria, was the first presidential child to be married in the White House, in a small, private ceremony. When Elizabeth and James Monroe left the White House, they returned to Oak Hill, the family estate in Virginia, where she lived for the remainder of her life.
 |
| back |
Reverse Design
On January 1, 1818, Elizabeth and James Monroe held a grand New Year’s Day reception marking the reopening of the White House, which was rebuilt after its burning at the hands of the British in 1814. The couple supplied some of their own furniture to the government because the White House was almost empty when they moved in. This French Empire style furniture imparted the feeling of formality that they considered appropriate for the Executive Mansion. Nine pieces remain in the White House today.
Andrew Jackson’s Liberty First Spouse $10 Gold Coin President, 1829–1837 Andrew Jackson’s Liberty First Spouse $10 Gold Coin obverse and reverse images.
 |
| front |
The Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 contains a provision to provide continuity of the First Spouse Gold Coin Program during those times in which a president served without a first spouse. This provision applies to Andrew Jackson, whose wife Rachel died in December 1828, just a few months before his presidential inauguration.
The gold coins issued to accompany any president who served without a spouse will each feature a design emblematic of Liberty on its obverse, as depicted on a United States coin issued during the President’s time in office. For Andrew Jackson’s presidency, the selected image appeared on the Capped Bust, Lettered Edge Half-Dollar coin from 1807–1836, and was originally executed by United States Mint Engraver John Reich.
The gold coins issued to accompany any president who served without a spouse will each feature a design emblematic of Liberty on its obverse, as depicted on a United States coin issued during the President’s time in office. For Andrew Jackson’s presidency, the selected image appeared on the Capped Bust, Lettered Edge Half-Dollar coin from 1807–1836, and was originally executed by United States Mint Engraver John Reich.
 |
| back |
Reverse Design
Andrew Jackson, known as “Old Hickory,” is remembered as a war hero who led a force of approximately 4,000 American troops against a British Army more than twice that size and emerged victorious in January 1815 at the Battle of New Orleans. Although a treaty had been signed at Ghent, Belgium, weeks earlier, the news had not reached either army, and the American troops’ victory at the Battle of New Orleans helped secure that crucial southern sea port as part of the first successful military defense of the country’s national sovereignty.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Monday, 10 January 2011
Nero Dupondius - 65 A.D. - Mint of Rome
Obv. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P
Radiate head left
Rev. PACE P R VBIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT
Temple of Janus with doors closed.
Cohen 174, RIC 290. A good example of a famous coin
British Gold Sovereigns - King Edward VII, George V
British Gold Sovereigns - King Edward VII, George V
Minted 1902 - 1925
Fineness: .917
Actual Gold Content: .2354 troy ounce
| The first British Sovereign was minted under Tudor King Henry VII in 1489. It gets its name from that first mintage which depicts the monarch seated majestically on the throne facing outward. The current design type with St. George slaying a dragon on the reverse and the monarch on the front was introduced nearly 200 years ago in 1816 under George III. The Sovereign was minted almost continuously from that date until 1932, when Britain went off the gold standard. Minting was resumed in 1957, as a bullion coin, with Queen Elizabeth on the obverse. As such, it holds the distinction of being the only pre-1933 coin to carry over to the modern era. British Sovereign 'kings' minted during the reigns of Edward VII and George V are probably the most widely owned and recognized gold coins in the world -- so much so that the U.S. Army included them as part of its special forces survival pack for a number of years. Over 600 million of the St. George design Sovereigns were minted from 1816 to 1932, and other types come in a high state of preservation. Still today, an original bag of one thousand occasionally shows up in the marketplace. The Edwardian era, named for Edward VII, differed sharply from the rigid and puritanical Victorian age which preceded it. Edward VII was the eldest son of Queen Victoria, and ruled Britain from 1901-1910. Queen Victoria insisted on an incredibly strict regimen for Edward, while never allowing his involvement in political affairs. As a result, Edward led a rebellious, indulgent lifestyle that many felt would compromise his ability to be an effective monarch. To the chagrin of his critics, Edward ruled peacefully and effectively during his reign, saving Britain from a budgetary crisis and strengthening relationships with European powers. Edward's reign was a brief and happy time of peace and prosperity for Britain before the shadow of World War I descended upon Europe. He died in 1910 of a heart attack. His second son, George V succeeded his rule in 1910. George led Britain through World War I and the negative effects brought on by the US Depression of 1929-1931. English Historian Robert Lacey describes George: ". . . as his official biographer felt compelled to admit, King George V was distinguished 'by no exercise of social gifts, by no personal magnetism, by no intellectual powers. He was neither a wit nor a brilliant raconteur, neither well-read nor well-educated, and he made no great contribution to enlightened social converse. He lacked intellectual curiosity and only late in life acquired some measure of artistic taste.' He was, in other words, exactly like most of his subjects. He discovered a new job for modern kings and queens to do -- representation." George V and his wife, Queen Mary, made the monarchy a symbol of conservative, middle-class virtue. George relinquished his German titles and adopted the name of Windsor for the British royal house. |
Polish Coins
Proof Gold Coins
Proof Gold Coins are coins that have been specially struck for collectors and special occasions. They are not meant for circulation. Proof is not a grade but a designation for coins that have been struck, usually as preproduction samples.
The blanks from which the coins are made are usually specially prepared and are polished before being struck by the die. The dies themselves are specially prepared and polished also prior to the strike. This give the coin a special finish as proof coins are expected to be perfect. Strictly speaking any coin which is absolutely perfect is referred to as being in F.D.C. condition, an abbreviation of fleur de coin. The literal translation of fleur de coin is ‘flower of corner’ but is more taken to mean the flower of coins, i.e. the best possible, perfect.
There are different types of proof coins. Some are produced with a matt finish. Some have a reverse proof finish. The background is matt and the raised design is polished.. But most proof coins, and the ones that the majority of collectors look for, is the traditional matt design on a highly polished background.
With proof coins there is a stringent quality control with each coin being inspected for flaws. If one flaw or blemish is found the entire batch is usually checked and rechecked.
Proof coins are usually packed into capsules and a high quality display packaging along with information about the coins. Gold coins are soft and proofs, especially, should not be removed from the packaging which has been designed to protect the coin from nicks, scratches and any other blemish.
Proof gold coins are produced in limited amounts and runs, so are more rare than the uncirculated. This can only improve their value as time marches on. In times of economic need they are an excellent source of funds as they can always be sold.
From 1999 to today, the price of gold bullion has risen from 330 to over 500 dollars an ounce, while the value of a one ounce "Proof" American Gold Eagle went from $525 to over 700 dollars.
If you want to collect only the best of the best in gold coins, you could not do better than collect proof gold coins.
American Buffalo Gold Coins
The American Buffalo gold coins are made of 24-karat gold and printed under the Presidential $1 Coin Act. It features design work by James Earle Fraser, who was a student of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the artist who developed the popular Double Eagle design.
On the obverse of the American Buffalo gold coins, one will find a Native American depiction featuring two Indians known as Chief Iron Tail and Chief Two Moons. On the reverse side of the coin is the depiction of an American Buffalo which was sculpted based on Black Diamond, an American Buffalo that was a very popular attraction at the New York Zoological Gardens.
Originally printed back in 1913, this coin is still popular amongst many coin collectors and gold investors from around the globe. There were two variations of this particular coin in which the first one depicted the water buffalo on a mound, while in the second variation it is standing on flat ground.
These were the very first gold coins to ever be struck at the US Mint and today are still available in limited quantities. They are 99.99% fine 24-karat gold and today are made available at a heft price tag of $50 or more; depending upon the dealer selling them. They are also considered to be legal tender in the US, but no one would go around trying to use them as such.
The American Buffalo gold coins make a perfect investment irregardless of whether you are a coin collector or even if you are a gold and other precious metals investor. No matter how you look at it, these are definitely some stunning examples of why gold has and will continue to be a cherished metal to all generations. If you have never before collected or invested in precious metals, then this particular coin is definitely a great place to start.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)