Gold And Silver: The Two Most Common Precious Coins

The 11th group of the periodic table of elements is comprised of four metals, all considered to be transition metals. Of these four, three are actually metals that coins are often made from. Gold and silver, which both fall into this category, are also considered to be precious metals.

Gold and silver are considered to be precious metals because of their high value and the fact that they are fairly rare. While they occur naturally in their familiar metallic version, they can also be mined and produced without the traditional metallurgical methods of extraction.

The following is a list of the variables and characteristics that have made both gold and silver ideal choices for coins:

1. Lack of radioactivity


2. Higher ductility (can be formed easily) than other metals


3. Neither metal is highly reactive to air or moisture


4. High degree of luster


5. Extremely high melting points

The third most common metal used for coins is copper. While copper is frequently found in coins, such as the US penny, copper is more difficult to mine and extract from its natural forms.

Because of the extreme ductility, gold and silver do make excellent coins, but they easily suffer damage from over handling when issued into circulation. Typically, when gold and silver are minted as coins, they are mixed with additional metal alloys (such as manganese) to make them harder and more durable.

In numismatical terms, or as pertaining to currency forms, gold or silver coins are nearly pure forms. Collectible coins of gold are more than 90% pure. Silver coins are known to be approximately 90% as well. Some gold coins, such as the Maple Leaf (Canada) are known to be 99.99% pure and considered to be bullion. Other coins considered to be more pure include:

1. Brittania (Great Britain)


2. Gold Panda (China)


3. Helvetia Head (Switzerland)


4. Vienna Philharmonic (Austria)

The most pure silver coins found worldwide include:

1. Silver Eagle (United States)


2. Libertad (Mexico)


3. Kookaburra (Australia)


4. Silver Panda (China)


5. George the Victorious (Russia)

When coins are minted from a precious metal, regardless of the metal used, the coin can often be worth more in weight than designated value of the coin. This applies more for coins with smaller declared values or denominations. Many people would be more likely to melt down the coins and sell the gold or silver, rather than use it in its coin form.

Although US pennies have been minted with a copper and zinc mixture since the early 1980s, prior to this they were made of more pure copper alloys and worth far more than the one-cent declared value.

The value of gold has risen dramatically in recent months. To buy or sell gold coins and jewelry contact a reputable coin dealer or jewelry expert.

Source by Mark Heppard

Gold And Silver: The Two Most Common Precious Coins