Australian Investment Coins: A Guide for the Beginner Collector - AUCBURG | AUCBURG
Australian Investment Coins: A Guide for the Beginner Collector
The question of which investment coins to buy has no single answer, as the choice is deeply personal. Every collector has their own preferences, goals, and financial capabilities. Therefore, giving universal advice would be incorrect.
The question of which investment coins to buy has no single answer, as the choice is deeply personal. Every collector has their own preferences, goals, and financial capabilities. Therefore, giving universal advice would be incorrect.
Simply acquiring various coins from different series—be it mice, birds, or ships—doesn't always form a meaningful collection. It's important to decide on an approach that is right for you.
Personal goals (investment in precious metal, numismatic value, aesthetic pleasure).
For those looking for an entry point into the world of collecting, new coin series can be a great option. A prime example is the Australian 'Wombat' series, launched in 2021. The first coin in the series was issued in 2021, and the second in 2022.
Starting to collect such a 'young' series is much easier than trying to catch up with those that have been issued for many years. This allows you to build a complete collection from the very beginning without needing to search for rare and expensive early issues.
The minting quality of Australian coins is considered one of the best among global investment issues. For connoisseurs of high quality, this can be a decisive factor.
The Australian 'Wombat' Series: An Ideal Start?
The Problem with Long-Running Series: The 'Kookaburra' Example
Beginner collectors should approach long-established series with caution. For example, the popular Australian 'Kookaburra' series already has more than 30 coins. Trying to collect the entire set can become a significant financial challenge.
With an average cost of $60 per coin, the total for the entire series could be around $2,000, not including the cost of an album and the search for rare specimens. This prospect can be daunting for many.
Another example is the 'Queen's Beasts' series. Later issues may be affordable, but the first coins, such as the 'Griffin,' can cost up to $250 for a two-ounce specimen. For that amount, one could purchase many other interesting coins, which makes one question the feasibility of such a purchase.
The Problem with Long-Running Series: The 'Kookaburra' Example
Overview of Young Australian Series with Limited Mintage
Besides the 'Wombat', there are several other young Australian series that might be interesting to start with. The advantage of these series is their relatively low mintage, which can affect their collectible value over time.
Wombat: mintage of 25,000. The series began in 2021.
Quokka: mintage of 30,000. Three coins have been released to date.
Australian Emu: mintage of 30,000. There are already five coins in the series.
Fraser's Dolphin: mintage of 25,000. Minted by the Royal Australian Mint, but the quality can be inferior to other Australian coins, and milk spots sometimes appear.
For comparison, the mintage of the popular 'Koala' series is 300,000 pieces. It is clear that mintage plays a significant role in determining a coin's numismatic value.
Overview of Young Australian Series with Limited Mintage
Liquidity vs. Collectible Value: What to Choose?
Before buying, it's important to decide on your main goal. If the objective is simply to invest in precious metal, it is better to choose the most liquid and inexpensive investment coins, whose value is as close as possible to the spot price of silver.
George the Victorious (Russia)
Britannia (Great Britain)
American Eagle (USA)
Krugerrand (South Africa)
Philharmonic (Austria)
Canadian Maple Leaf (Canada)
However, if the goal is to create an interesting collection with beautiful designs and the potential for numismatic value growth, you should look at series with limited mintage and unique themes, such as the Australian animal coins. The main thing is to choose a strategy that matches your interests and budget.