Welcome back to our “Gold Series.” In our previous installment, we covered the basics for those looking to get started buying gold bullion coins and bars. This time, we’re exploring the exciting world of collectable gold coins. These rare, historic, and highly coveted numismatic pieces can elevate holdings from mere investments into works of art and passion projects.
Whether you’re an established numismatist or simply appreciate the beauty and stories behind vintage gold coins, this guide will open your eyes to some of the most prestigious issues worth adding to your want list. From multi-million dollar unicorns to more attainable semi-rarities, San Diego is home to some of the best coin dealers ready to source your next big score.
Double Eagles – The Iconic $20 Gold Coin
For American collectors, no gold coin series commands more prestige and attention than the historic $20 Double Eagle series issued from 1849-1933. These massive .9675 gold pieces were truly the heavyweight champions of circulating U.S. coinage. Key dates and varieties include:
- 1933 $20 Double Eagle: These coins were never “officially” released into circulation. They were minted and then destroyed due to changes in currency laws during the great depression. Only 5 or 6 are known to exist.
- 1907 $20 Ultra High Relief: There are five varieties—Roman numeral dates with Ultra High Relief plain edge (unique) and lettered edge (very rare), Wired Rim, and Flat Rim (both rare). Arabic Numerals are the most common (mathematical numbers). They are used in our current number system and are now used on most coins. All of these coins have no motto. In 1908, the motto “In God We Trust” was added.
- 1920-S $20: A true stop sign rarity with just 558,000 minted in San Francisco. Most are now mishandled or melted.
Beyond ultra-rarities, common date Double Eagles in premium gem condition earn hefty four and five-figure price tags from collectors enamored by their impressive classic designs from esteemed engravers like Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
European Gold Rarities
While American gold coins are perennial favorites, the grand heritage and rich artistic traditions of European nations have also produced some of the most exquisite, highly coveted gold numismatic pieces. Small mintages, unique compositions, and incredible detail give these beauties immense allure:
- British Sovereigns and Britannias: Classic St. George designs from the Royal Mint spanning centuries
- French 20 Franc “Angels” and “Roosters”: Elegant winged Liberty personifications and icons of the Gallic brand
- Swiss Shooting Thalers and Francs: Commemorating prestigious Swiss shooting competitions
- German Prussian 20 Marks: 19th and 20th-century pieces honoring the nation’s ruling dynasties
- Italian Sovereigns: Renaissance finesse defines these historic Papal and city-state issues
Gold from Europe finds strong crossover appeal from collectors captivated by timeless artistry and sound money investors hedging with globally recognized older issues. Many of these heritage pieces exceed modern bullion valuations.
Pre-33 Gold Commemoratives
The U.S. Mint has struck many alluring commemorative gold coin series showcasing important events and anniversaries in American history. Prior to 1933, gorgeous high-relief issues include:
- 1915-S Panama-Pacific $50 Octagonal & Round: Struck to honor the opening of the Panama Canal
- 1917 McKinley Memorial Gold Dollar: Honoring President McKinley’s life and accomplishments
- 1926 Sesquicentennial $2.50 Quarter Eagle: Celebrating 150 years of American independence
- 1922 Grant Memorial Gold Dollar: Paying tribute to the 18th US President
Exquisite designs, low mintages, and their status as the last classic U.S. gold commemoratives before a decades-long production lull make these historic pre-33 issues incredibly popular for collectors seeking a piece of living history. Well-preserved examples fetch multiples of their original issue prices.
Tips on Finding Key Gold Coins in San Diego
The expert coin buyers and sellers at CV Coins and Collectables in Chula Vista are your source for locating your next great gold coin find in San Diego – whether it’s that bucket list Double Eagle rarity, captivating European beauty, or classic early commemorative. Working with our experienced numismatists gives you a few key advantages:
- Proper authentication, grading, and appraisals to ensure you get a quality piece at a fair price
- Exclusive opportunities to cherry-pick new inventory as it arrives at our showroom
- Consultative guidance on building out collections of any theme, pedigree, or budget
Don’t overpay to risky online sellers or miss out on that sleeper semi-rarity. Visit the best coin shop in San Diego and let CV Coins and Collectables be your partner in growing legacy collectable gold holdings. With patient hunting and connected experts on your side, that next trophy coin could be just around the corner!
As always, stay tuned for more helpful installments in our “Gold Series” on the CV Coins blog. Until then, happy collecting!
Check out the other parts in this series: