The French 20 Francs Angel coin is popular for its simple but extremely impressive design. On the front side of the coin we find the Angel Genius signing the French Constitution. The constitution is located on a tablet. The angel is standing on a pedestal. On the left side of the Angel is a pillar and on the right side is a rooster. On the top of the angel is written the word ‘Republique Francaise’.
On the back side of the coin we find the inscription ’20 FRANCS’ along with the year when the coin was minted. These inscriptions are engraved in the midst of a wreath. On the top of the wreath the word ‘LIBERTE EGALITE FRANTERNITE’ is engraved.
A legend of the angel:
According to historians, Augustine Durpre designed this coin in the year 1792. The name of the angel engraved on the coin is ‘Louis D’or’. For having engraved the angel on the coin, Durpre was punished and was to be beheaded. Interestingly, Durpre escaped the beheading by bribing the guard with a coin of the angel which he had in his pocket and perhaps the guard helped him to escape. Interestingly again, Napoleon Bonaparte carried this coin of the angel in his pocket and he lost the coin before the famous war of ‘Waterloo’ and from then on Napoleon saw the downfall of his empire.
French 20 Francs Angel gold coin is one of the coins which were in circulation for a considerably short period of time. It is believed that this coin was in circulation during the period 1899 to 1906. Prior to this, this coin was in use during the years 1848-1849. During the period earlier to 1848, gold coins were in fact being minted but they were without the image of the Angel. Even with the short period of circulation, the coin has made a name amongst the numismatists.
The French 20 Francs Angel coin has a gross weight of 6.4516 grams with 90% purity. This coin with a diameter of 12 mm has gold content of 0.1867 0z. Most of the European gold coins have high gold content and these coins are relatively small in size. This is true of French 20 Francs Angel also. It is easy to trade with small size coins and that is the reason why French 20 Francs Angel became a popular legal tender. On the other hand, these coins have historic value and are in great demand amongst numismatists.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Austrian 1000 Schilling
What more fitting commemoration can one imagine than minting a gold coin with a face value of Austrian 1000 Schilling? That was in the year 1976 when the Babenberg Dynasty of Austria crossed the 1000th year of the commencement of its dynasty.
The design of the coin:
The coin is beautifully designed by the renowned Martha Coufal Hartl with the Austrian Royal Eagle with a sickle and hammer in its talon. On the bottom of the eagle the face value of the coin, namely, Schilling 1000 is depicted. The word ‘Austrian Republic’ in Austrian language is written on the top of the eagle. Interestingly, while one side of the coin is designed by Martha Coufal Hartl, the other side of the coin is designed by Gertrude Simon, yet another renowned designer.
The side of the coin designed by Simon depicts a knight on horseback with a pennant in his hand. This is a commemoration of the Babenberg Dynasty perhaps in the early part of its dynasty. On the top of the knight is written ‘976 – 1976 EINSETZUNG DER BABENBERGER’ indicating the long travel this dynasty had in these 1000 years. History says that the Babenberg Dynasty ruled Austria during the period 976 to 1248 AD and later the House of Habsburg took over the reins of the country. The coin with 0.3906 troy ounce of gold has 90% purity.
Apart from this, the Austrian mint has also brought out other gold coins with Schilling 1000 face value with other distinct designs. It is also minting gold bullion coins weighing half ounce with Schilling 1000 face value.
What is unique about Austrian Gold and Bullion?
People prefer the Austrian Gold coins because they are a proof of purity (they are claimed to be 90% pure). Further, these coins are small in size and therefore easy to trade. According to the law prevailing, those who buy gold coins from European countries are not required to reveal their Social Security number. However, it is advised that those who want to claim tax rebate for purchase of these gold coins should consult their tax adviser and find out the applicability of tax law.
Legal position:
According to financial and legal experts, some countries have restrictions on the holding of these gold coins. For example, in USA, the Government can confiscate excess gold but the coins which have antique value are exempt from confiscation. Therefore, get the clear legal position on holding these gold coins from a competent authority.
The design of the coin:
The coin is beautifully designed by the renowned Martha Coufal Hartl with the Austrian Royal Eagle with a sickle and hammer in its talon. On the bottom of the eagle the face value of the coin, namely, Schilling 1000 is depicted. The word ‘Austrian Republic’ in Austrian language is written on the top of the eagle. Interestingly, while one side of the coin is designed by Martha Coufal Hartl, the other side of the coin is designed by Gertrude Simon, yet another renowned designer.
The side of the coin designed by Simon depicts a knight on horseback with a pennant in his hand. This is a commemoration of the Babenberg Dynasty perhaps in the early part of its dynasty. On the top of the knight is written ‘976 – 1976 EINSETZUNG DER BABENBERGER’ indicating the long travel this dynasty had in these 1000 years. History says that the Babenberg Dynasty ruled Austria during the period 976 to 1248 AD and later the House of Habsburg took over the reins of the country. The coin with 0.3906 troy ounce of gold has 90% purity.
Apart from this, the Austrian mint has also brought out other gold coins with Schilling 1000 face value with other distinct designs. It is also minting gold bullion coins weighing half ounce with Schilling 1000 face value.
What is unique about Austrian Gold and Bullion?
People prefer the Austrian Gold coins because they are a proof of purity (they are claimed to be 90% pure). Further, these coins are small in size and therefore easy to trade. According to the law prevailing, those who buy gold coins from European countries are not required to reveal their Social Security number. However, it is advised that those who want to claim tax rebate for purchase of these gold coins should consult their tax adviser and find out the applicability of tax law.
Legal position:
According to financial and legal experts, some countries have restrictions on the holding of these gold coins. For example, in USA, the Government can confiscate excess gold but the coins which have antique value are exempt from confiscation. Therefore, get the clear legal position on holding these gold coins from a competent authority.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Individual Retirement Account - A fabulous plan
Those who are on the verge of retirement normally start planning long before they actually retire. They will have several options like investing in the Fixed Deposit, investing in shares/debenture, investing in real estate etc. Yet another form of investment is from Goldstar wherein the investment is made in Gold and Silver. As a matter of fact, Gold and Silver are the two metals which have are most popular to buy and put into an IRA. Even during the recession, the price of gold and silver have increased in value.
As compared to Gold and Silver the stock market is quite unpredictable and the prices of individual shares may or may not register any increase. The real estate market is of course predictable. But the investor has to invest substantial money in it. Further, in order to redeem the investment, the investor has to sell the entire property. Therefore if the investor has need for a small amount of money, then he has to sell the entire property. On the contrary he can enter the bullion market with minimum dollar amount. Therefore, buying Gold and Silver is more liquid.
What is Precious Metals IRA?
The IRA (Individual’s Retirement Plan) is a plan supported by ITM Trading. Under the plan, the individual with acquire a specified amount in Bullion (Gold or Silver). The individual will get the appropriate quantity of Gold and Silver. Once the individual purchases this precious metal, the company will ship it directly to the Goldstar account. Whenever the person is in need of funds, all that he has to do is call ITM Trading who will buy the gold from the individual at the prevailing market rate.
Authenticity:
ITM Trading’s IRA is approved under the US law. The gold issued by the ITM Trading to the individual as ‘proof coin’ are minted in a state of the art mint under the strict supervision of experts. The proof coin undergoes several tests. Images of the coin are also taken and they are securely wrapped in plastic and then placed in a velvet box. In case the individual desires, he can leave the coin with a third party custodian who will hold the coin on behalf the individual.
As compared to Gold and Silver the stock market is quite unpredictable and the prices of individual shares may or may not register any increase. The real estate market is of course predictable. But the investor has to invest substantial money in it. Further, in order to redeem the investment, the investor has to sell the entire property. Therefore if the investor has need for a small amount of money, then he has to sell the entire property. On the contrary he can enter the bullion market with minimum dollar amount. Therefore, buying Gold and Silver is more liquid.
What is Precious Metals IRA?
The IRA (Individual’s Retirement Plan) is a plan supported by ITM Trading. Under the plan, the individual with acquire a specified amount in Bullion (Gold or Silver). The individual will get the appropriate quantity of Gold and Silver. Once the individual purchases this precious metal, the company will ship it directly to the Goldstar account. Whenever the person is in need of funds, all that he has to do is call ITM Trading who will buy the gold from the individual at the prevailing market rate.
Authenticity:
ITM Trading’s IRA is approved under the US law. The gold issued by the ITM Trading to the individual as ‘proof coin’ are minted in a state of the art mint under the strict supervision of experts. The proof coin undergoes several tests. Images of the coin are also taken and they are securely wrapped in plastic and then placed in a velvet box. In case the individual desires, he can leave the coin with a third party custodian who will hold the coin on behalf the individual.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
How To Buy Gold
Gold has established itself to be worthwhile for those who wish to diversify their portfolio. This is mainly because this precious metal has an intrinsic value and it is a solid asset that you can physically own and grasp in your own hand.
The Simple Steps To Buying Gold
Step 1:
There are different kinds of gold that can be used as portfolio diversifier and if you wish to know more about it then you can talk to a ITM Trading Account Executive by calling 1-888-OWN-GOLD. We would also gladly provide you with an Gold Information Kit, absolutely free.
Step 2:
Evaluate the Purchase Policies and Risk Disclosure booklet provided by ITM Trading to help you decide on your first purchase.
Choose whether you prefer self storage or storage provided by a separate depository. (A few restrictions may be imposed when choosing the storage option.) Verify your preferred option as well as the mode of payment with our Client Services Representative.
Step 3: You are done! It's that easy.
If you wish to know more about buying gold coins and the different options, you can view the ITM Trading silver and gold catalogue within the free gold information kit.
The Required Forms
To get started, the first thing that you should do is fill out the form for the Account and Storage Agreement. Remember to read and understand the risk disclosure information as well as the state refund policies. Once that is completed you can call our Account Executive and start buying precious metals.
If you want to know more information about buying gold and other precious metals you can submit a Request for Information.
Payment Options
ITM Trading accepts different payment options such as:
- Cashier’s Check
- Bank Wire
- Personal Check
The Simple Steps To Buying Gold
Step 1:
There are different kinds of gold that can be used as portfolio diversifier and if you wish to know more about it then you can talk to a ITM Trading Account Executive by calling 1-888-OWN-GOLD. We would also gladly provide you with an Gold Information Kit, absolutely free.
Step 2:
Evaluate the Purchase Policies and Risk Disclosure booklet provided by ITM Trading to help you decide on your first purchase.
Choose whether you prefer self storage or storage provided by a separate depository. (A few restrictions may be imposed when choosing the storage option.) Verify your preferred option as well as the mode of payment with our Client Services Representative.
Step 3: You are done! It's that easy.
If you wish to know more about buying gold coins and the different options, you can view the ITM Trading silver and gold catalogue within the free gold information kit.
The Required Forms
To get started, the first thing that you should do is fill out the form for the Account and Storage Agreement. Remember to read and understand the risk disclosure information as well as the state refund policies. Once that is completed you can call our Account Executive and start buying precious metals.
If you want to know more information about buying gold and other precious metals you can submit a Request for Information.
Payment Options
ITM Trading accepts different payment options such as:
- Cashier’s Check
- Bank Wire
- Personal Check
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Stability of Gold Even In Times Of Debt
Americans have become deep in debt in so many ways for the last 3 decades. The debt brought about by the irresponsible use of credit cards has reached a level where the United States has negative savings rating. A lot of Americans are buying so many things on credit. They buy things that they do not even use. Their debt piles up and it becomes impossible for them to pay off their debt. In the 1990s, most Americans paid for their daily living expenses with their credit cards and used their trading stocks and cash assets in the internet trade. The trend eventually ended and a lot of wealth was lost.
Credit card debt can bury you alive. As the debt grows, the interest also grows. As time passes, your debt also grows bigger. It can reach a point where the amount you are paying each month is only enough to cover the interest on your debt. It is almost impossible to pay off such a huge debt unless you win the lottery.
The nation is buried deep in national debts and deficits. Many administrations have begun programs with no funding at all. The government has also acquired weapons, aircrafts and sea vessels to modernize the armed forces but they were all acquired through credit. The debt of the nation will be passed on from generation to generation. The children of your children will grow up paying the debt that has accumulated generations before them. The only problem is that as the years go by the interest on that debt is also growing. The interest alone is adding billions of dollars to your liabilities. The government has made a useless attempt at offsetting all this by printing large quantities of money. The problem is that, the high circulation of money has lowered the value of the US dollar, making the nation even poorer.
In times of economic instability, there is one thing that remains stable and that is gold. Even as the value of the US dollar has plummeted, the value of gold has risen. If inflation is sky-high and the value of the dollar hits rock bottom, the value of gold will soar. This has been the same for thousands of years.
Instead of buying things that you do not really need, buy gold coins instead. The value of a car depreciates over time but the value of gold rises as time passes by. Buying gold is the best way that you can protect your future as well as the future of your children.
Credit card debt can bury you alive. As the debt grows, the interest also grows. As time passes, your debt also grows bigger. It can reach a point where the amount you are paying each month is only enough to cover the interest on your debt. It is almost impossible to pay off such a huge debt unless you win the lottery.
The nation is buried deep in national debts and deficits. Many administrations have begun programs with no funding at all. The government has also acquired weapons, aircrafts and sea vessels to modernize the armed forces but they were all acquired through credit. The debt of the nation will be passed on from generation to generation. The children of your children will grow up paying the debt that has accumulated generations before them. The only problem is that as the years go by the interest on that debt is also growing. The interest alone is adding billions of dollars to your liabilities. The government has made a useless attempt at offsetting all this by printing large quantities of money. The problem is that, the high circulation of money has lowered the value of the US dollar, making the nation even poorer.
In times of economic instability, there is one thing that remains stable and that is gold. Even as the value of the US dollar has plummeted, the value of gold has risen. If inflation is sky-high and the value of the dollar hits rock bottom, the value of gold will soar. This has been the same for thousands of years.
Instead of buying things that you do not really need, buy gold coins instead. The value of a car depreciates over time but the value of gold rises as time passes by. Buying gold is the best way that you can protect your future as well as the future of your children.
The Basic Fundamentals Of Gold
If you plan to buy gold coins, it is important that you have a clear understanding of the gold market. The gold market is the one that mainly dictates the price and movement of gold. The specific factors that affect the price of gold are supply and demand.
The supply of gold is normally low. Gold has been mined since the ancient times which contribute to its scarcity. Another factor is that gold nuggets are not just picked up from the ground like pebbles. They have to be mined several hundred feet below the ground. Out of ten tons of ore, you can only get an ounce of gold. A lot of men have searched for their fortunes in gold but only a few have succeeded. The short supply of gold has made it even more valuable. There are gold mines all over the world but the demand for gold currently surpasses the supply that is available. The most productive mines in the world are in the United States, Russia, Australia and South Africa.
Freshly mined gold is not the sole source of the world’s gold supply. The gold that has been mined many years ago can still be used. Gold is a lasting and precious mineral. It can last forever and can be used over and over again.
One of the sources of existing gold is the official reserves of the government as well as private organizations. These gold reserves have been sold over the years and it was expected to stabilize or even lower the price of gold but that never happened. In the late 1990s, the Bank of England sold their gold reserves at $300 per ounce. After they have sold their gold reserves, the price of gold in the market more than tripled. The International Monetary Fund or the IMF sold off part of their gold reserves at the same time the Bank of England did. Financial institutions cannot even predict the right timing in selling their gold.
The supply may be low but the demand for gold has always been high. One major cause for the high demand for gold in the market is the jewellery-making industry. Gold jewellery is very much in demand in Asian countries such as China and India. Gold jewellery is not only a precious accessory in these Asian countries but they are also considered as a medium for trade. In the Western countries, gold jewellery is acquired for its value and beauty.
Gold is very strong, malleable and is an excellent conductor of electricity which is why it is used as an industrial metal. It is used in making electrical and computer parts. They are also used as lining for the cockpits of modern military aircrafts.
The supply of gold is normally low. Gold has been mined since the ancient times which contribute to its scarcity. Another factor is that gold nuggets are not just picked up from the ground like pebbles. They have to be mined several hundred feet below the ground. Out of ten tons of ore, you can only get an ounce of gold. A lot of men have searched for their fortunes in gold but only a few have succeeded. The short supply of gold has made it even more valuable. There are gold mines all over the world but the demand for gold currently surpasses the supply that is available. The most productive mines in the world are in the United States, Russia, Australia and South Africa.
Freshly mined gold is not the sole source of the world’s gold supply. The gold that has been mined many years ago can still be used. Gold is a lasting and precious mineral. It can last forever and can be used over and over again.
One of the sources of existing gold is the official reserves of the government as well as private organizations. These gold reserves have been sold over the years and it was expected to stabilize or even lower the price of gold but that never happened. In the late 1990s, the Bank of England sold their gold reserves at $300 per ounce. After they have sold their gold reserves, the price of gold in the market more than tripled. The International Monetary Fund or the IMF sold off part of their gold reserves at the same time the Bank of England did. Financial institutions cannot even predict the right timing in selling their gold.
The supply may be low but the demand for gold has always been high. One major cause for the high demand for gold in the market is the jewellery-making industry. Gold jewellery is very much in demand in Asian countries such as China and India. Gold jewellery is not only a precious accessory in these Asian countries but they are also considered as a medium for trade. In the Western countries, gold jewellery is acquired for its value and beauty.
Gold is very strong, malleable and is an excellent conductor of electricity which is why it is used as an industrial metal. It is used in making electrical and computer parts. They are also used as lining for the cockpits of modern military aircrafts.
Understanding Gold Futures Market
The futures market is usually deemed a high risk investment but that is quite relative; others may view futures as a hedge against fluctuating and uncontrollable pricing.
Futures refer to the obligation of buying or selling a committed amount of commodity at a preset price on a particular day.
A gold futures contract is really a bet on gold price trends and has nothing to do with the physical metal, which does not concern the trader. Hence, futures trading is really a speculation rather than an investment.
Some traders view futures as a risk inhibitor. Gold mining firms that sell gold at some fixed price can hedge themselves from falling gold prices with futures trading. But many futures traders reap huge profits while being mindful of the risks attached. Those who wish to indulge in futures trading must be ready to take on those risks.
The saying is sure that a big gain opportunity is always balanced by a big loss possibility. However, futures trading is not really for the individual as the stakes are very high with unpredictable results. It is the leverage in futures contract that constitute the big gain opportunity and big loss possibility phenomenon (hedge funds realm).
Leveraging refers to the utilization of a small sum of money for a huge investment return. Hence, a gold contract of $35,000 would cost you $3,500 (minus fees and commissions) with a leverage of $31,500.
A small 10¢ gain of your contract, your investment value goes up by $10. For gold, it is possible for its price to swing $100 during the contract’s lifespan. Hence, for a price increase of $100, your investment value would increase to $10,000 to give you 300% gain.
But, the opposite can also happen; a price drop will incur a heavy loss in value which you would have to bear. Hence, leverage offers a seemingly easy and quick way to multiple your small investment, but it can also pull you deep down in serious financial losses quickly.
Futures contracts do offer an opportunity to traders to make a profit from the gold price increase and decrease. An investor expecting a price increase is said to be taking a “long” position while the one who expects gold price to drop will take on a “short” position.
There is “future” in the futures market. Futures contracts normally last only one year or less. Gold futures contract trading does not involve any physical gold delivery. Hence, it is normal for a trader to close out his position prior to the delivery date. Very few futures contracts last up to their whole lifespan. To close out, you will need to sell your contract.
The U.S. has eleven futures exchanges with two gold futures trading in New York and Chicago only. Overseas futures markets which trade in gold are also abundant.
Futures refer to the obligation of buying or selling a committed amount of commodity at a preset price on a particular day.
A gold futures contract is really a bet on gold price trends and has nothing to do with the physical metal, which does not concern the trader. Hence, futures trading is really a speculation rather than an investment.
Some traders view futures as a risk inhibitor. Gold mining firms that sell gold at some fixed price can hedge themselves from falling gold prices with futures trading. But many futures traders reap huge profits while being mindful of the risks attached. Those who wish to indulge in futures trading must be ready to take on those risks.
The saying is sure that a big gain opportunity is always balanced by a big loss possibility. However, futures trading is not really for the individual as the stakes are very high with unpredictable results. It is the leverage in futures contract that constitute the big gain opportunity and big loss possibility phenomenon (hedge funds realm).
Leveraging refers to the utilization of a small sum of money for a huge investment return. Hence, a gold contract of $35,000 would cost you $3,500 (minus fees and commissions) with a leverage of $31,500.
A small 10¢ gain of your contract, your investment value goes up by $10. For gold, it is possible for its price to swing $100 during the contract’s lifespan. Hence, for a price increase of $100, your investment value would increase to $10,000 to give you 300% gain.
But, the opposite can also happen; a price drop will incur a heavy loss in value which you would have to bear. Hence, leverage offers a seemingly easy and quick way to multiple your small investment, but it can also pull you deep down in serious financial losses quickly.
Futures contracts do offer an opportunity to traders to make a profit from the gold price increase and decrease. An investor expecting a price increase is said to be taking a “long” position while the one who expects gold price to drop will take on a “short” position.
There is “future” in the futures market. Futures contracts normally last only one year or less. Gold futures contract trading does not involve any physical gold delivery. Hence, it is normal for a trader to close out his position prior to the delivery date. Very few futures contracts last up to their whole lifespan. To close out, you will need to sell your contract.
The U.S. has eleven futures exchanges with two gold futures trading in New York and Chicago only. Overseas futures markets which trade in gold are also abundant.
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