Liberty Gold Coins: Types of Gold Coins

According to UBS AG, a premier global financial services firm, gold purchase in China jumped to a whopping 200 metric tons in the first two months of 2011. As inflation flares in the Asian nation, the demand for gold is soaring. UBS estimates gold prices to reach the $1500 per ounce level this year. Gold has always been a popular asset for people. There are different types of gold coins available across the world. These include American Eagles, Australian and UK sovereigns, South African Krugerrands, Canadian Maple Leafs, and the Chinese Pandas. However, if someone is planning to buy gold coins in a collection, the best coins to buy are the coins minted to prior 1933.

Gold prices are on the rise. The price of gold per ounce has more than doubled from what it was four years back and is projected to go up even further. Market experts strongly recommend buying numismatic gold coins over other gold items, because:

1. When gold prices are on the rise, the value of these coins can grow much more than their inherent gold content.
2. Unlike gold bars and jewelry, gold coins are less volitile. This is because these coins are valued not only for their gold content but also for their quality and rarity.
3. Owning gold pieces from history gives one the feeling of being a part of history.

Different Types of Gold Coins

There are many types gold coins in the world and some of them are highly sought after. The Liberty Head series are the first love of many numismatists and are available in different denominations. The follwing are details of this popular coinage of the United States:

1. $20 Double Eagle
   1. Liberty Double Eagle (1849-1907): Designed by James Longacre, Liberty Double Eagle is the single coinage ever produced by the US Mint in the largest denomination. This is also sometimes popularly called ‘The King of American Coins’.
   2. Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (1907-1933): Representation of Greek art in the American coinage was the sole motive of President Theodore Roosevelt who asked designer Saint Gaudens to redesign the $20 gold coin. On the obverse of this coinage, Lady Liberty is portrayed in the standing figure with flowing hair and holding a torch in one hand.
2. $10 Eagle
   1. Liberty Head Eagle (1838-1907): Because of its handy size (27mm diameter) and $10 denomination, the $10 Liberty Eagle became one of the most circulated coins in US history. It was designed by Christian Gobrecht.
   2. Indian Head Eagle (1907-1933): Just like the later version of the Double Eagle replaced the Liberty $20, Head Eagle was another design by Saint-Gaudens that replaced the $10 Liberty. The interesting part of this coinage was that it initially caused some controversy in the public regarding the image of Liberty. The obverse of the coin features Miss Liberty adorned by a full Indian war bonnet that caused quite a stir. However, the public got over their initial shock and quickly grew to appreciate the bold new design.
3. $5 Half Eagle
   1. Liberty Half Eagle (1839-1908): It holds the distinction of being the only coin struck at all seven US mints. The coin depicts the crowned image of Liberty on the obverse and a majestic bald eagle with a shield over its breast on the reverse.
   2. Indian Head Half Eagle (1908-1929): The image of a proud Native American chieftain adorns the obverse of the Half Eagle. On the reverse, an American eagle rests on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch, symbols of war and peace, respectively. This coinage is a great example of ancient art and intricacy of design.

During ancient times, gold coins were used as gift objects and not as a part of commerce. Although even today gold coins are not used for any kind of transaction, they hold a place of honor in the hands of anyone that own them.