Friday, October 23, 2009

Why Are Double Eagle Gold Coins So Popular Among Collectors and Investors?

The Double Eagle gold coin is very popular among collectors and investors for many reasons. Despite a shaky dollar and a bad economy, these reasons haven't changed much in years. Here are three reasons why Double Eagles are so popular.


They are beautiful coins to look at.
The Lady Liberty and St. Gaudens designs used on a Double Eagle gold coin are two of the most beautiful ever used on any of our U.S. coins. They show a grace that is subdued yet dignified. This beauty is often emphasized with the coin's large shape and heft. As a result, many collectors and investors enjoy collecting this coin just for its beauty.

There are many rare dates among these coins.
Many $20.00 gold coins are very rare even in well-circulated grades. This makes them very desirable to collectors and investors who understand the extreme rarity of the coins. For example, many $20.00 gold coins issued in the 1880's had mintages reported in the high hundreds to a few thousand pieces made. The rarity of these dates adds even more collector interest to these coins.

In addition, the high demand for gold makes these coins more popular than ever.
The war against the U.S. dollar further enhances the popularity of a Double Eagle gold coin. With gold at an all-time numerical high, gold coins such as the Double Eagle are becoming much more in demand. This is because gold coins are an easy, economical way to own gold. They are also extremely easy to sell. This liquidity makes them quite popular with investors who want to get in (and out) of the market quickly.

Finally, $20.00 gold coins are still one of the best numismatic values around.
Even though gold is at an all-time numerical high, twenty dollar gold coins are still one of the best numismatic values around. Most issues still sell for just a tiny fraction above their bullion value. This makes them one of the best overall values in the hobby. (To give you an idea of how good a value they are, many well-worn silver dollars often sell for twice their bullion value!)

Therefore, any collector or investor who would like to add value to his holdings ought to consider adding at least one double eagle gold coin to his holdings. Their beauty and value makes them worthwhile. And in this tough economy, that's a great thing.

Guide to Collecting Double Eagle Gold Coins

When you are thinking about investing your money in double eagle gold coins, a coin guide can help you in understanding the different types of double eagle gold coins that are available to you. First, you will find that among the double eagle gold coins available on the market today are the double eagle gold coins that were minted during the years 1850 to 1907; these coins are called liberty head double eagle gold coins. You also have another type of double eagle gold coin to choose from; the St. Gaudens double eagle gold coins which were minted between 1907 and 1933. Finally, there are even newer coin replications available to you called ultra high relief double eagle gold coins that look very much like the St. Gaudens coins with a few modern variations.

In general, when you choose to buy one of many double eagle gold coins, the majority of the older coins have a diameter equivalent to 34 millimeters. The older liberty and St. Gauden coins have a little over 21 percent gold in their makeup and the remaining material in the coin is made of copper. The newer replications have 99 percent pure gold and are therefore 24 karat. You will find that the older double eagle gold coins have a weight equaling 516 grains; these coins are not to be confused with the newer coins that were crafted from the year 1986 and beyond.

Understanding the myriad differences between the older double eagle gold coins and the newer replicas containing similar artwork and presentation is important when you are investing in gold coins. First, you really want to know what you are getting when you invest your money in coins, and second, the value of the coin depends on a variety of factors including its gold content, its condition, its age, and its rarity. Some of the rare double eagle gold coins with the St. Gauden’s design include those marked with MCMVII or 1907–P, as well as those minted and dated with 1908–S, 1920–S, 1921–P, 1927–D, 1927–S, 1929–P , 1931–D, and 1932–P.