Collectible Coins
Numismatics Coins or Collectible Coins refers to the collection of coins. Collectible coins are produced to honour major achievements and themes. Though they bear a denomination, they are not meant for circulation, and their actual worth is usually significantly greater than their face value.
Every collectible coin encapsulates a piece of history, an expression of culture, or a work of art. Whether you are buying a coin for yourself or for a loved one, doing so can fill a lifetime with interest and inspiration. Indeed, what begins as a pastime can easily become an absorbing pursuit—even a passion.
Composition
What the coin is made from. Three of the most coveted compositions include:
99999 (or 99.999%) : Gold of extremely high purity.
9999 (or 99.99%) : 24-karat gold of high purity.
99.99% pure silver
99.95% platinum
Finish
The appearance or surface texture of the coin's relief. Popular finishes include:
Proof : A frosted relief over a brilliant field.
Reverse proof : Brilliant, reflective or mirror-like details on a frosted or slightly matte field.
Specimen : A brilliant image relief against a matte or lined background.
Types of Coins
Gold Coins
Most types of gold coins are minted in small numbers—making them an even larger draw to collectors. Gold is very nearly impossible to destroy. It cannot rust, tarnish or decay. 99.999% pure gold is the highest standard of gold available in the world.
Types of Coins
Silver Coins
Silver has been used for over four millennia to store wealth and pay debts. Some silver coins can still be used as legal tender. Silver will not readily decay, and requires little to no maintenance. Strong, pliable and reflective of light, silver can endure extreme temperatures.
Anatomy of a Coin
Field: The flat part of the coin (the background) on which the relief is struck.
Relief: The raised or three-dimensional image found on a coin's field.
Rim: The raised portion that runs around the perimeter of a coin.
Face value: The nominal value of the coin.
Edge: The outer border of a coin, considered the "third side."
Obverse: The "heads" or face/front side of a coin, which normally depicts the national emblem or the head of a prominent person.
Reverse: The "tails" side of a coin, usually depicting the chosen design.
Mint mark: Where the coin was minted.