Angel’s 30th Anniversary Celebrated with New Silver Bullion Coin

I had the opportunity recently to speak with Sharon Eiden Cornejo of Asset Management Services, whose subsidiary GovMint.com is the exclusive worldwide distributor of the first silver bullion strike Angel. 

Among other questions, I asked about the latest addition to the Angel range and discussed the background of both the legacy and modern Angel coins and why this coin retains such popularity with so many collectors of all interests. 

With such a fiercely competitive bullion market, the angel has comfortably held its own over the last thirty years and if what we’ve seen over these last three decades has anything to determine with what’s in store for this sought after coin, the Angels will be around for many years to come, and then some – read on & enjoy!

MA: Hello Sharon, Thank you for speaking with me today. Your department at Asset Marketing Services have been in the process of promoting a new product, the first silver bullion strike angel – which was minted to celebrate the ever-popular Isle of Man gold Angel’s 30th anniversary, this coin is the first time a silver bullion quality angel crown has been produced – the other silver coins being proof & minted in 1995 and 2010, how are the sales for this beautiful coin progressing so far..?

SEC: We have seen a great response to this coin in its first year. Govmint.com is the exclusive worldwide and authorized distributor for the 2014 Silver bullion Angel. To date we have sold over 118,000 silver angel bullion coins.  There has been worldwide interest in this coin attesting to the appeal of the Angel series

MA: I have the new 2014 silver angel in front of me now and it’s a beautiful crown, I’ve been receiving questions about both the gold and now the silver ounce coin, asking why I hadn’t covered the issue of the new silver coin until now, why haven’t we heard about the coin until just recently..?

SEC: We did a “soft” release back in the fall of 2013. Response was quick and strong, proving that this is a coin that collectors want to add to their collections. Throughout 2014 we have continued with our promotions and sales have been strong while interest continues to grow.

A quick background on the Angel series. The first modern Angels were released by Pobjoy Mint in 1984.  These were proof fractional gold coins struck in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, 1/10 oz and 1/20th oz sizes.  The design was so well received that the following year it was awarded the prestigious Coin of the Year award for Best Gold Coin. It was only fitting that in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Angel series, a first year issue silver bullion Angel be added. 

MA: The original angel coin itself has a very long history – stretching all the way back to the reign of King Henry VIII, much earlier than the modern Isle of Man issued coins which have managed to make this coin so popular with bullion investors and coin collectors alike (who favor the proof editions), what is either your favorite “folklore” legend about the legacy coin or aspect of the modern edition..?

SEC: I like the traditional story of medieval Kings and Queens giving the Angel coins to their workers that they deemed worthy of receiving one. These workers in turn believed that the Angel coin brought them good luck and fortune and sometimes even thought to cure sickness and save lives. That is a lot of power for one coin to hold! These are also great generational coins that are passed down from one generation to the next. Often given as tokens of good luck. We even have employees that carry them around in their pockets as a good luck piece.

The Silver Angel for many years has been one of the missing pieces in the coin collector world. In years to come, this coin could become as sought after as an American Silver Eagle or China Silver Panda.

MA: I especially love the silver examples myself and yes, the first year issue has indeed become one of the “key” coins to have added early on. What was so exciting about the gold issues from the start was the very large size & variety from 15 ounce at one time right down to 1/20th ounce, are there any plans to produce the same variations in sizes for the silver coins..?

SEC: In 2013, Pobjoy Mint issued a 5 ounce silver proof in spectacular high relief which was carried exclusively by Govmint.com.  It is quite an impressive coin showing all the details of the battle between St. Michael & the Dragon. But at this time we do not have plans to produce a full range of sizes in silver, however we do have some very exciting coins in a variety of sizes and metals coming up for 2015, including another 1oz Silver bullion.

MA: Over the past 30 years of production, there have been some real changes for the coin, most noteworthy, the quality of the strikes and the high relief examples, in your opinion, what has been the greatest change in the range and which example or version is the best-selling in the gold range of coins..?

SEC: The Angel series has come a long way since 1984. Of course the award winning 1984 design is a favorite for me and for our customers. Pobjoy Mint has produced some amazing coins over the years. The skill that was used to create the Silver and Gold Bimetal coin in 2009 and again in 2011 when they produced a Platinum and Gold Bimetal Angel, knowing how difficult Platinum can be to strike much less put into a bimetal coin! And as I mentioned earlier, the careful precision to create the first ever 5 ounce High Relief Silver Proof Angel. As you can tell, it is hard to pick just one!

The first year issue 1984 design still holds the title as our best selling gold Angel, however the 2006 1 ounce Angel struck in High Relief Gold Proof isn’t too far behind.

MA: 30 years is a substantial time to have been part of a very active worldwide bullion market, so many changes have taken place and a great number of products have entered the market since 1985, what changes from the perception of Asset Marketing have been the most profound and how does the Angel “make its mark” in such a competitive market – what current trends do you see taking root for bullion related coins..?

SEC: The Pobjoy Mint is known for its quality and attention to detail.  The history and legacy of the modern Pobjoy Angel series and vintage versions of the Angel coin makes this a great collector piece.  Not many of the modern silver bullion pieces have such a history to their design like the Angel’s history – dating back over 500 years. The Silver Angel bullion has already started strong in its first year and I only see it getting stronger and gaining more collectors in the coming years.

MA: This coin has always been a real favorite of mine since its introduction and I look forward to following any changes it may have the future – including a possible new portrait of the Queen shortly. Sharon Eiden Cornejo, Vice President of Product Development of GovMint.com, thank you so much for your time today.

SEC: You’re very welcome

My thanks go to Alexa LeMay, Senior Program Coordinator of Govmint.com for additional information provided. For more information on the entire range of bullion and collector versions of the Isle of Man Angel series coins, please visit the website of GovMint.com at:http://www.govmint.com/world-coins/top-world-coins/angel-coins.html For additional information on additional coins from the Isle of Man, please visit the website of the Pobjoy Mint at:http://www.pobjoy.com/ukworld/section.php/1054/1

Bull and Bear Silver 1oz 999 Bullion Round

The 1 oz Bull and Bear Silver Round is in stock and now available in brand new condition. Each of these particular rounds have been produced by NTR Metals located in Texas and is minted with 1 troy ounce of .999+ fine silver. 

With an artistic design and available for low over spot premiums, the 1 oz Bull and Bear Silver Round can make for a fine investment in silver.

NTR Metals is well known for their production of quality, low cost silver bullion and the 1 oz Bull and Bear Silver Round is certainly a fine example. On the front of the round is the image of a bull with its head turned in profile. 

Above the animal are inscriptions for its name which reads “BULL.” Listed underneath the bull are weight inscriptions which read “ONE TROY OUNCE.” On the other side of the round is the image of a bear with its mouth opened and paw raised. Above the animal is the word “BEAR.” The purity inscriptions are located below the bear which read “.999+ FINE SILVER.”

All orders placed with JM Bullion are shipped in discreet packaging and are also fully insured. In this way, customers can rest easy knowing their precious metals will arrive to their doorstep as securely as possible. Furthermore, all items that we purchase are inspected for purity and authenticity once they arrive at our facility as a protection to our customers.

Bull and Bear Silver 1oz 999 Bullion Round

2014 $8 Year Of The Horse 5oz Silver Proof With Selective Gold Plating Niue Legal Tender

Capturing the strength, movement and grace of this majestic animal, the reverse is distinguished by a magnificent design of three horses in full-stride, complemented by a distinguished representation of the traditional Chinese character for the word ‘horse’.

 According to the Lunar Zodiac tradition, those born in the Year of the Horse are often seen as generous, fun and decisive, with a relaxed attitude, a sharp mind and a penchant for travel.

 Measuring a gigantic 65mm in diameter, and struck from a full five troy ounces of .999 fine silver, this official $8 legal tender issue forms a truly magnificent tribute to the upcoming year in the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

Selectively gold-plated, to highlight the powerful galloping horse motif, the coin is beautifully presented within a superbly crafted timber case, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity confirming the extremely exclusive nature of this memorable release.

 The worldwide mintage is strictly limited to a mere 500, which, once the quality of the strike and the strong lunar theme are taken into account, means that this coin is set to be a galloping success!

Intrinsic Silver 2013 Silver Buffalo XAG 999 Silver Round from Gold Stackers

Gold Stackers is proud to announce the release of the Silver Buffalo XAG silver round for 2013. These are one troy ounce silver rounds made from .999 silver.

Designed by Elise Martinson, an acclaimed Melbourne designer with several Perth Mint legal tender bullion issues to her credit, the Silver Buffalo features original artwork inspired by the 1913 Buffalo nickel designed by James Earle Fraser.

Non-encapsulated in tubes, these US-made rounds are sourced from one of the largest private minting facilities in the US. These rounds are struck with a premium mirror finish at bullion pricing.

The reverse features the currency denomination 1.00 XAG, with XAG being the currency code for silver under the ISO 4217 international standard. XAG is not the official currency of any nation, however the precious metals gold (XAU), silver (XAG), platinum (XPT) and palladium (XPD) all feature on this internationally accepted list of currencies.

In conjunction with the XAG currency code, the legend Instrinsic Tender has been selected for the reverse. This enforces the concept of the fungibility of silver facilitating its use as an acceptable tender for barter situations. These rounds are not coins, and are not legal tender.

You can buy these coins and get more information at Gold Stackers

Silver Bullion Coins from Around the World

Some of the most popular modern collectible coins are the one ounce silver coins struck by various countries around the world. Generally struck in either circulation strike format or in a special format (such as proof or specimen strikings) more targeted towards collectors, these coins often feature distinctive and unique designs containing elements of the country from the country of issue. There are a number of countries which have produced these one ounce silver bullion coins since the early 1980s, while other countries have only recently added these types of coins to their numismatic releases, generally selling them for a premium over the silver content.

Bullion coins such as the ones that will be discussed in this article are generally struck in pure silver, with the absolute fineness ranging from 99.9% to 99.999% with variations possible depending on the country and year of issue. Initially most countries have offered one troy ounce coins only, but many series have expanded to offer both smaller and larger versions up to one kilo size containing 32.015 troy ounces of pure silver. In this article we will take a look at a few of the most popular silver bullion coins from around the world and provide a brief introduction to the series. While each carries a denomination and remains legal tender in their respective countries of issue, these coins are generally defined as “Non-Circulating Legal-Tender” abbreviated as “NCLT.”

American Silver Eagles



Perhaps one of the most well-known bullion series is the American Silver Eagle program which started in 1986. Struck in 99.9% silver, the weight and fineness are guaranteed by the United States government, making it a very popular coin with silver bullion investors. The bullion version generally trades for several dollars over spot value, which is still reasonable, although the Proof version usually sells for around double that amount or more.

The proofs have been produced yearly and come in special individual packaging. The bullion coins come in boxes of 500 coins (called “monster boxes”) which contain twenty-five tubes of twenty coins each. Special collector versions have been produced in 1995, 2006, 2011 and 2012, most notably in the latter three years when a so-called “reverse-proof” version of the coin was issued. The design has remained the same since its introduction in 1986.

Mexican Libertad



The Mexican Libertad can be considered to have been the first modern one ounce silver bullion coin. Introduced in 1982 in a one ounce version, it is now struck in minor versions of 1/20, 1/10, ¼ and ½ ounce coins, plus larger versions of 2 and 5 ounce coins as well as a kilo version. Like the American Silver Eagles the Mexican Libertads are struck in 99.9% fine silver.

Proof versions have been sold in limited quantities and trade for a premium over the silver content. Two different designs have been used, with the first type in use until 1995 and the second type from that year on. Like the Silver Eagles, the one ounce bullion strikes sell for a relatively modest premium for the most common years, although there are a few exceptions depending on the total mintage.

Chinese Panda



Perhaps one of the most popular modern coin series, the Chinese silver panda series has been produced since 1983. Initially offered in extremely limited quantities to collectors in a one ounce version, the series has expanded to include 1/4 and 1/2 ounce coins (struck rarely) as well as larger 5 and 12 ounce coins and recently kilo coins as well. The design changes yearly, although some of the earlier years had the same design for a few years, as well as the 2001 and 2002 issues.

Special releases include gold plated pandas, special strikings for Chinese companies (often banks), as well as Panda medals that are generally collected with the series and are usually released in conjunction with numismatic expos around the world. All issues trade for a strong premium over the silver content and Panda’s are usually not bought by investors seeking mere bullion coins.

Canadian Maple Leaf



Marketed as the purest silver bullion coin available on today’s market, the Canadian Maple Leaf has been produced since 1988. Struck in silver composition of 99.99% fine it comes in a variety of different formats. Uncirculated coins are packed individually while special collector editions often come in packaging ranging from plastic boxes to gilded wooden boxes. Like the commemorative coins that the Royal Canadian Mint produces, the total number of special maple leaf releases is very high, making it virtually impossible to collect them all without unlimited funds.

Some of the more noteworthy special editions include a 1998 10 ounce coin struck to commemorate the 10^th anniversary of the series, a piedfort version (a coin struck on a planchet of double weight) released in 2010, as well as many coins with special privy marks. These latter versions have a special imprint generally in the field commemorating a special event or person. The series was further expanded in 2011 with the introduction of a one kilo silver maple leaf coin with a limited mintage.

Austrian Philharmonic



Another coin which is popular with bullion investors is the Austrian Philharmonic. First issued only very recently, in 2008, it shares the design with its gold version which was introduced back in 1989. The design features very historical elements native to Vienna, where the coins are struck. No special versions have been released yet, making it one of the more affordable series to complete, with a full set feasible for a relatively small premium over the bullion value. They generally come in tubes of twenty coins each, packed in simple boxes of twenty-five rolls.

Australian Kookaburra



First released in 1990, the Australian Kookaburra was that nation’s first one ounce silver coin. One of the most frequently changed bullion coins, its design has changed annually since it was first strike, while the face value was lowered from AU$5 to AU$1 in 1992.

From the beginning production included both uncirculated and Proof versions, while later on gilded and colored versions were added, and similar to the Canadian maple leaves privy marked coins have been released as well. For much of the series, mintages were generally limited to 300,000 pieces for the one ounce size coins, although in recent years the limit has been increased. Currently, the coins are available in 1 kilo, 10 ounce, and one ounce sizes.

Australian Kangaroo




Australian’s second longest-running bullion series was introduced in 1993 and features Australia’s most famous animal. The annually rotating reverse design has ranged from almost photo-like depictions of kangaroos to traditional Aboriginal art designs.

Struck in both uncirculated as well as Proof format, the coins popularity has excluded them generally from trading anywhere near silver value, whether purchased from the Mint directly or from dealers. This series is produced by the Royal Australian Mint, while the Kookaburra series as well as several others are produced by the Perth Mint of Australia.

Other Bullion coins



These are just a limited selection of the bullion coins that are released annually. The number continues to grow with each year, especially following the recent surge in silver prices and an increased interest in collecting modern world coin issues. The United States Mint introduced a series of five ounce silver bullion coins featuring the designs of the America the Beautiful Quarters starting in 2010.

In the same year, the Royal Canadian Mint introduced a one ounce silver bullion series featuring different wildlife designs. Additional series from the Perth Mint include an annual Australian Lunar series featuring the animals of the ancient Chinese lunar calendar and a Silver Koala series introduced in 2007.

Russia released one ounce silver bullion coins in a limited quantity in 2009 and 2010, displaying St. George the Victorious on one side. Britain already followed in 1997, but unlike the other coins discussed in this article those coins only contain 95.8% silver, making them less popular than some of the others.

Starting in 2013, this composition will be changed to 99.9% purity. Other coins that can be classified in the “silver bullion coin” category include New Zealand Kiwis, Somalia Monkeys and Elephants, Fiji Turtles, Zambian Elephants and Dutch silver ducats. Generally, these are released in limited mintages and sold to collectors at a premium over their silver value.

Conclusion

With so many different silver bullion coins available, it is nearly impossible to collect them all. In fact, as we have seen in above, collecting all of the multiple versions and sizes for even one series has become a challenging and expensive endeavor. The question remains- how should one collect them? Obviously, a collector will often limit him or herself to one country, and then further specialize in only one series or one denomination.

It truly is open to one’s wishes, especially since new series are created almost yearly, with new collecting possibilities opening up as frequently. Feel free to add a comment how you like to collect modern silver bullion coins, or if you have helpful advice for beginning collectors who are lost in the maze that is called “modern silver bullion coins”.

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2012 Britannia Silver One Ounce Fine Silver Bullion Coin

The Royal Mint is delighted to confirm that the 2012 Britannia Silver Bullion coin, in honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee for 2012, will feature Philip Nathan’s original, breathtaking portrait of Britannia on the reverse. This famed design has been chosen for 2012 to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Philip Nathan’s design is beautifully complemented by the current portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS on the obverse.

In keeping with tradition that dates back to the late 17th Century, the 2012 £2 Silver Britannia is struck in the Britannia standard of silver 0.958 Ag.

Obverse Design

The obverse of the 2012 Britannia range bears the current portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.

Reverse Design

The 2012 coin reverse features Philip Nathan’s original, breathtaking portrait of Britannia framed in the crenallated border peculiar to Britannia coins.

Britannia; An Enduring Icon of Britain

The figure of a woman, called Britannia, has long been a symbol of British national pride. She first appeared on British coins in the seventeenth century and has subsequently graced the coinage of every monarch to the present day.

She made her debut on the coins of the Romans and has, from Tudor times, beautifully symbolized an empire based on maritime power. Great and free, she has fascinated artists and sculptors throughout her history and remains a favourite icon for British stamps, medals and coins.

In 1696 the Britannia standard of silver was introduced as part of the recoinage of William III in an attempt to limit the clipping and melting of sterling silver coins, it being reasoned that there would be little incentive to melt sterling silver when a higher standard was used for wrought plate.

By the time the Queen came to the throne in 1952, Britannia had assumed the status of an immortal, having featured on British coinage for almost 300 years. In 1987 she was elevated to the new gold bullion coinage and today appears on the highest value coins of the realm. The silver version was launched during 1997.

ARABIC DANCE - Magic Of The Dance Belly Silver Coin Belarus 2011

First coin of the series "Magic of the Dance" dedicated to the dances from different regions of the world. Issued by the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus and it honors Arabic Belly Dance, one of the oldest dances in the world!

The Arabic Dance

Arabic Belly Dance is one of the oldest dances in the world that combines elements and techniques of different countries in the Middle East and North Africa, although their precise origins have primary origin as ancient Egypt.

There are historical documents that prove that this sensual dance was used by the priestesses of the banks of the River Nile.

In Arabic countries this dance is called Raks Sharki that literally means Oriental Dance.

The name of the belly dance is beginning to be used in the nineteenth century by Europeans who travelled to exotic lands in search of new cultures, customs and landscapes. These travellers coined this term caught up in the belly and hip movements that did not exist in European dances. We have to distinguish between Raks Sharki (Oriental dance) and Raks Baladi (Dance of the People).

The Raks baladi dance is a more elemental, almost without movement, and predominant hip movements. Raks Sharki is the most refined and rich. It includes movements of Egyptian folklore, classical ballet and contemporary dance, with large movements, revolutions and movements for all parts of the body, although the hip ones are the most important.

• Country
  Belarus
• Year
  2011
• Face Value
  20 Rubles
• Metal
  Silver
• Fineness (purity)
  925/1000
• Weight (g)
  28.28
• Diameter (mm)
  38.61
• Quality
  Proof
• Mintage (pcs)
  6.000
• Certificate (COA)
  Yes
• Presentation case (box)
  No

Vicksburg 5 Oz Silver Bullion Coin Release

The United States Mint on Wednesday let its distributors know that they may order Vicksburg National Military Park 5 Oz Silver Bullion Coins on Monday, June 20, 2011

The Vicksburg silver bullion coin marks the ninth of fifty-six issues in the America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Bullion Coin series. It is the fourth of five which will be available this year.

As a United States Mint bullion product, the Vicksburg bullion coin will not be available for direct sale through the Mint’s website or customer service department. This is a distinction from the companion five ounce uncirculated versions produced specifically for coin collectors. Instead, a network of distributors, known as "United States Mint Authorized Purchasers," buys the bullion coins in large quantities and then resells them in smaller amounts to dealers and precious metals providers for a modest premium above the current spot price of silver.

Like the previous 2011-dated issues, the Vicksburg National Military Park 5 Oz Silver Bullion Coin has a total mintage limit of 126,700. This amount is allocated equally among participating AP’s. Authorized Purchasers pay a premium of $9.75 per coin to the Mint, and must commit to buying at least 2000 coins, with 100 increments permitted. AP’s typically have one business week to purchase their entire allotment. Bullion coins that remain unsold are later made available to AP’s who desire more.

All the America the Beautiful Silver Coins are struck to a purity of .999 fine silver. They have a diameter of 3 inches and edge letterings of .999 FINE SILVER 5.0 OUNCE. The coins share the same obverse and reverse designs as the companion America the Beautiful Quarters® produced for circulation. The Vicksburg quarter for Mississippi has not yet been released. It is scheduled to launch on August 29.

To date, all of the 2010-dated bullion coins have sold out, although they had a lower per coin mintage of 33,000. The first two 2011-dated bullion coins have sold out as well.