Monaco Rare Coin Gallery

CERTIFIED AMERICAN BUFFALO GOLD BULLION COINS

2008-12-12T21:42:00Z

Monaco Rare Coins is proud to offer the gold American Buffalo for sale, the only 24 karat U.S. gold coins. Receiving congressional authorization through the "Presidential $1 Coin Act" in 2005, and beginning production and distribution in 2006, the gold American Buffalo one ounce coin represents a new offering by the United States Mint. Unlike previous American gold coinage, which features a 22 karat fineness, the American Buffalo is unique, as it represents the United States first large scale circulation of a 24 karat .9999 fine gold coin in the Mint's history.

Special Offer:

NGC-Certified MS-69 American Buffalos - Pure 24 karat Gold - At Cost!

Here's a great way to get started in gold... pure 24 karat American Buffalo one-ounce gold coins, NGC-certified MS-69... available in quantities of 10 or 20 coins only, and strictly for new customers only! Unlike previous American gold coinage, which has traditionally been 22-karat (or .9167 fine), the American Buffalo is unique in that it represents the United States' first large-scale circulation of a .9999 (or four-nines) fine gold coin in the Mint’s history. By law, all of the gold used in the production of the American Buffalo bullion coin must be from newly-mined sources within the United States. Call us today and be sure to mention this special code – "10-at-Cost" – to qualify for this great price. This is a limited-time offer, so call 1-888-900-9948 now!

The American Buffalo has an obverse image featuring the profile of a Native American man, while the reverse image features the silhouette of an American Bison standing in profile. The image was originally created by the American sculptor James Earle Fraser, a student of the well known coin designer Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and was originally featured on the popular United States coin, the "Indian Head" or "Buffalo" nickel.

Each American Buffalo coin contains 1 Troy ounce of gold (31.1035 grams), and has the weight of 1.0001 Troy ounce (31.108 grams). The diameter of the Buffalo is 1.287 inches (32.70mm) and a thickness of 0.116 inches (2.95mm), making it the same approximate size as the United States half dollar coin. The Buffalo features a face value of $50, and does not feature any mint mark. By law, all of the gold in the American Buffalo must be mined within the United States, and the coin must be struck at the United States Mint at West Point.

Currently, Monaco Rare Coins is offering the one ounce gold American Buffalo in units of 10 one ounce coins.

The American Buffalo coin: minted in America, respected worldwide. Like the American Eagle, the American Buffalo carries with it all of the security, liquidity and protection that the United States Mint, and United States coins, can provide to investors giving the coin international appeal. The United States Mint guarantees the weight, content, and purity of each of the coins that they strike.

Call Monaco Rare Coins today to find out how easily you could add pure gold American Buffalo bullion coins to your portfolio.

ULTRA HIGH RELIEF 24-KARAT GOLD SAINT GAUDENS $20 DOUBLE EAGLES

2008-12-12T21:28:00Z

In May 2008, Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson authorized the United States Mint to issue a one-ounce ultra-high relief 24-karat gold coin, creating a 2009 version of what many have called the most beautiful gold piece ever made: the 1907 Augustus Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagle. The mintage of the new coin will be unlimited for one year. Among the production specifications approved by Secretary Paulson are the new coin's business-strike finish and a diameter of 27 millimeters.

Special Offer:

Be One of the First to Own the New Ultra-High Relief Saint!

As one of the nation’s leading rare coin firms, Monaco strives to maintain a significant inventory of coins in high demand by coin collectors and investors. That includes new coins introduced by the U.S. Mint . . . especially when that new coin is based on the most beautiful gold piece ever made – the 1907 Ultra-High Relief Saint Gaudens $20 Double Eagle.

It is Monaco’s goal to be one of the leading dealers in the country for the new, pure-gold Ultra-High Relief Saint . . . and we intend to have these new pure gold beauties available for our clients as soon as possible after they are released by the U.S. Mint in early 2009.

Monaco Rare Coins will make the new Ultra High Relief Saints available to our customers on a strict first-come, first-served basis . . . and we are currently taking pre-release reservations. If you want to be one of the first Monaco customers to receive the new pure gold Ultra-High Relief Saints, call a Monaco Account Representative today at 1-888-900-9948 and asked to be placed on our “Priority Pre-Release Reservation” list. We’ll keep you up-to-date with news on the new coin as it breaks . . . and you will be eligible to receive your coins once they become available.

Initially, only 2009-dated coins will be minted. The coins will go on sale in early 2009, although sales may continue into 2010 if inventory exists.

United States Mint Director Ed Moy announced at a meeting of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) on March 13, 2008, that the agency planned to recreate the Saint-Gaudens 1907 ultra-high relief $20 gold piece commonly referred to as the "Double Eagle." The initial proposal by the United States Mint to develop this 24-karat gold coin had also been authorized by Secretary Paulson.

Through advancements in technology, the United States Mint can today produce the ultra-high relief coin envisioned by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in the early 20th century. A 27-millimeter diameter gold blank, more than 50% thicker than other United States Mint one-ounce 24-karat gold coins, will be used, because of its historical significance and the opportunity it provides to achieve the greater depth and relief to which Saint-Gaudens had aspired.

In most respects, the new legal tender gold coin will authentically reproduce the ultra-high relief gold piece. The obverse design (heads side) will be based on the obverse of the original Saint-Gaudens design executed in 1907. The reverse (tails side) also will be based on those pieces and will include 14 sun rays. The edge of the coin will feature the same raised edge-lettering as the 1907 pieces. The edge-lettering features the inscription "E Pluribus Unum" with stars serving as delimiters between the letters.

As approved by Secretary Paulson, the new coin will have several modern elements. The obverse of the new coin will feature 50 stars, instead of the original 46 stars on the obverse (heads side), which represented the 46 states in the Union in 1907. The CCAC recommended that the obverse design be modified in this manner to honor all 50 states in the Union today. Also, responding to the recommendation of the Commission of Fine Arts, the United States Mint will inscribe the Roman numerals "MMIX" (2009) in a style similar to the original Saint-Gaudens design.

Additionally, the inscription "In God We Trust" will appear on the reverse design of the new coin because current law requires placement of this inscription on all U.S. coinage.

1907 Ultra-High Relief Gold Coin Designs

In 1907 Augustus Saint-Gaudens sculpted what many have called the most beautiful piece ever created by the United States. There were four versions of the Saint-Gaudens $20 gold piece created in 1907. The first was a 34-millimeter diameter coin in ultra-high relief, with the date in Roman numerals. Approximately 20 of these coins were produced before it was determined that the minting process was too arduous for mass production. Most of the 20 coins are in private hands.

A second version with similar design elements and ultra-high relief was minted on a 27-millimeter diameter blank that had about twice the thickness of a $10 gold piece. However, the United States Mint realized that there was no authority to issue coins using those specifications. Of these gold pieces, there are two still known to exist, and they are housed at the Smithsonian Institution.

The third version returned to the 34-millimeter diameter. The design remained similar, but was executed in high relief, rather than ultra-high relief. Approximately 12,000 of these coins were minted and issued. The fourth and final version, which was minted at the end of 1907, lowered the relief even more, and replaced the Roman numerals with Arabic numerals. These coins were minted in mass quantities for circulation.

NGC/PCGS-CERTFIED GOLD AMERICAN EAGLE BULLION COINS

2008-12-12T20:56:00Z

Historically, gold has been sought after for the stability, liquidity and diversity it can provide to an investment portfolio. Monaco Rare Coins is proud to offer an American Eagle gold bullion coin that provides all of this, as well as the backing and security of the American government... the gold American Eagle coin.

Special Offer:

10 or 20 Certified Gold American Eagles at Cost!

For new customers only... and for a limited time only... you can order a quantity of 10 or 20 Gold American Eagle bullion coins at cost. Each is certified MS-68 or MS-69 by PCGS or NGC, and each coin is absolutely gorgeous. This is a great way to get started in gold: You get the most popular gold bullion coins in America... each one backed by the U.S. government... AND certified and graded by one of the two leading certification firms in the country. Call Monaco Rare Coin today and be sure to mention this special code – "10-GoldEagles-at-Cost" – to qualify for this great price. This is a limited-time offer, so call 1-888-900-9948 now!

The first gold coins produced in America, the original $10 gold "Eagle" coins, were originally minted by the United States Mint starting in 1795. More than two hundred years later, U.S. gold coins - perhaps some of the greatest symbols of American liberty and freedom -- are still produced with levels of quality and beauty that one would expect of the United States Mint.

First released by the United States mint in 1986, the gold American Eagle was the first modern bullion coin to be authorized by the United States congress... and is backed by the US Mint for its weight, content and purity.

Each gold American Eagle coin features striking imagery, symbolizing the American spirit and character. The obverse of the coin, originally designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens for the country's $20 gold piece minted from 1907 to 1933, the coin carries the image of a full length figure of Lady Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left hand. In the background can be seen the images of a sun rising and the United States Capitol dome. The obverse side of the coin bears the inscription "Liberty" and contains both the date of issue and the individual mint mark of origin. The reverse side of the coin bears the image of a male bald eagle carrying an olive branch, flying towards his female mate in a nest with their hatchlings.

The one-ounce gold American Eagle has a diameter of 32.7 mm, a thickness of 2.87mm, a total weight of 1.0909 troy ounces (or 33.931 grams), contains one troy ounce of pure gold, and has a face value of $50.

Like the South African Krugerrand, all American Eagle gold bullion coins are 22 karat (or .9167 fine) gold, containing an alloy of silver and copper to help increase the stability and scratch-resistance of the coins. Each coin is guaranteed to contain an exact quantity of gold, mined exclusively in the United States, and to meet the rigid quality standards of the U.S. Mint.

American Eagle gold coins provide investors with the means to diversify, balance and stabilize a well-rounded investment portfolio, all with the safety and backing of the United States government and the U.S. Dollar.

DOUBLE EAGLE ($20.00 GOLD PIECES) 1850-1933

2007-01-22T18:56:00Z

This largest denomination of all regular United States issues was authorized to be coined by the Act of March 3, 1849. Its weight was 516 grains, .900 fine. The 1849 double eagle is a unique pattern and reposes in the Smithsonian. The rarest date obtainable is 1884. The 1861 reverse design by Anthony C. Paquet was withdrawn soon after striking. Very few specimens are known.

Designer: James B. Longacre
Weight: 33.346 grams
Composition: .900 gold, .100 copper
Diameter: 34mm
Reeded edge
Mints: Philadelphia, Carson City, New Orleans, and San Francisco
Net weight: .96750 oz. pure gold

1. Motto Above Eagle, Value TWENTY D. 1866-1876

Standard same as previous issue.

2. Value spelled TWENTY DOLLARS 1877-1907

Standard same as previous issue.

3. SAINT-GAUDENS TYPE 1907-1933

This $20 gold piece designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens is considered to be the most beautiful United States coin. The first coins issued were 11,250 high relief pieces struck for general circulation. The relief is much higher than later issues and the date 1907 us in Roman numerals. A few of the proof coins were made using the lettered edge collar from the extremely high relief version. These can be distinguished by a pronounced bottom left serif on the N in UNUM, and other minor differences. High-relief proofs are trial or experimental pieces. Flat-relief double eagles were issued later in 1907 with Arabic numerals, and continued through

The field of the rare extremely high relief experimental pieces is excessively concave and connects directly with the edge without having any border, giving it a sharp knifelike appearance; Liberty’s skirt shows two folds on the side of her right leg; the Capital building in the background at left is very small; the sun, on the- reverse side, has rays, as opposed to the regular high relief coins that have only rays extending from the sun.

Designer: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Standards same as previous issue
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
Edge: E PLURIBUS UNUM with words divided by stars
One specimen of the high relief variety with plain edge is known.

EAGLES ($10 GOLD PIECES) 1795-1933

2007-01-22T18:53:00Z

Coinage authority including specified weights and fineness of the eagle conforms to that of the half eagle. The small eagle reverse was used until 1797 when the large, heraldic eagle replaced it. The early date variations in the number of stars, the rarest being 1798. Many of these early pieces show file scratches from the mint’s practice of adjusting weight. No eagles were struck dated 1805 to 1837. Proofs of some dates prior to 1855 are known to exist, and all are rare.

1. CAPPED BUST TO RIGHT, SMALL EAGLE 1795-1797

Designer: Robert Scot
Weight: 17.50 grams
Composition: .9167 gold, .0833 silver and copper; approx.
Diameter: 33mm
Reeded edge

2. CAPPED BUST TO RIGHT, HERALDIC EAGLE 1797-1804

Standards same as previous issue.

3. CORONET TYPE, No motto above eagle 1838-1866

In 1838 the weight and diameter of the eagle were reduced and the obverse ad reverse were redesigned. Liberty now faces left and the word LIBERTY is placed on the coronet. A more natural appearing eagle is used on the reverse. The value, TEN D., is shown for the first time on this denomination.

Designer: Christian Gobrecht
Weight: 16.718 grams
Composition: .900 gold, .100 copper
Diameter: 27mm
Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco

4. Variety 2 - Motto Above Eagle 1866-1907

Standards as before.
Mints: Philadelphia, Carson City, Denver, New Orleans, and San Francisco

5. INDIAN HEAD TYPE 1907-1933

Augustus Saint-Gaudens, considered by many the greatest modern sculptors, introduced a new high standard of art in United States coins evidenced by his eagle and double eagle types of 1907. The obverse eagle shows the head of Liberty crowned with an Indian war bonnet while an impressively majestic eagle dominates the reverse side. A departure from older standards is found on the edge of the piece, where 46 raised stars are arranged signifying the states of the Union, instead of lettered or reeded edge (48 stars 1812 and later).

The first eagles struck had no motto IN GOD WE TRUST as did the later issues starting in 1908. President Theodore Roosevelt personally objected to the use of the Diety’s name on coins. The motto was restored to the coins by an Act of Congress in 1908.

Designer: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Standards same as previous issue.
Edge 1907-1911: 46 raised stars; 1912-1933; 48 raised stars
Net weight: .48375 oz. pure gold
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

HALF EAGLES ($5.00 GOLD PIECES) 1975-1929

2007-01-22T18:46:00Z

The half eagle was the first gold coin actually struck for the United States. The $5.00 piece was authorized to be coined by the Act of April 2, 1792, and the first type weighed 135 grains, 916 2/3 fine. The Act of June 28, 1834 changed the weight to 129 grains, 899.225 fine. Fineness became .900 by the Act of January 18, 1837.

There are many varieties among the early dates caused by changes in the number of stars, style of eagle, overdates, and differences in the size of the figures in the dates. Those dated prior to 1807 do not bear any mark of value. The 1822 half eagle is considered the most valuable regular issue coin of the entire United States series. Proofs of some dates prior to 1855 are know to exist, and all are rare. Commemorative and Bullion $5 coins have been made at West Point since 1986 and 1994 respectively, thus this is the only U.S. denomination made at each of the eight mints.

1. CAPPED BUST TO RIGHT, SMALL EAGLE 1795-1798

This type was struck from mid-1795 to early 1798, when the small eagle reverse was changed to the large or “heraldic” eagle. Note that the 1795 and 1797 dates exist for both types, but the heraldic reverses of these dates were probably struck under emergency conditions in late 1798.

Designer: Robert Scot
Weight; 8.75 grams
Composition: .9167 gold, .0833 silver and copper, approx.
Diameter: 25mm
Reeded edge

2. CAPPED BUST TO RIGHT, HERALDIC EAGLE 1798-1807

Standards same as previous issue.

3. CAPPED BUST TO LEFT 1807-1812

Designer: John Reich. Standards same as previous issue.

4. CAPPED HEAD TO LEFT (Large Diameter) 1813-1829

Standards same as previous issue. Diameter approx. 26.5mm.

5. CAPPED HEAD TO LEFT (Reduced Diameter) 1829-1834

The half eagles dated 1829 (small date) through 1834 are smaller in diameter than the earlier pieces. They also have smaller letters, dates and stars.

Standards as before. Modified design by William Kneass. Diameter 23.8mm.

6. CLASSIC HEAD TYPE 1834-1838

As on the quarter eagle of 1834, the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM was omitted from the new, reduced size of the half eagle in 1834, to distinguish the old coins which had become worth more than face value.

Designer; William Kneass
Weight: 8.36 grams
Composition: .8992 gold, .1008 silver and copper, changed to .900 gold in 1837
Diameter: 22.5 mm
Reeded edge
Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte and Dahlonega

7. CORONET TYPE, No Motto Above Eagle 1839-1866

Designer: Christian Gobrecht
Weight: 8.359 grams
Composition: .900 gold, .100 copper
Diameter: (1839-1840) 22.5mm. (1840-1929) 21.6mm
Reeded edge
Net weight: .24187 oz. pure gold

8. Variety 2 - Motto Above Eagle 1866-1908

Designer: Christian Gobrecht
Weight: 8.359 grams
Composition: .900 gold, .100 copper
Diameter: 21.6mm
Reeded edge
Mints: Philadelphia, Carson City, Denver, New Orleans, San Francisco
Net weight: .24187 oz. pure gold

9. INDIAN HEAD TYPE 1908-1929

This type conforms to the quarter eagle of the same date. The sunken (incuse) designs and lettering make these two series unique in our United States coinage.

Designer: Bela Lyon Pratt
Weight: 8.359 grams
Composition: .900 gold, .100 copper
Diameter: 21.6 mm
Reeded edge
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, New Orleans and San Francisco
Net weight: .24187 oz. pure gold

FOUR DOLLAR GOLD OR “STELLA” ($4.00)

2007-01-22T18:44:00Z

These pattern coins were first suggested by Hon. John A. Kasson, then U.S. Minister to Austria; and it was through the efforts of Dr. W. W. Hubbell, who patented the goloid metal used in making the goloid metric dollars, that we have these beautiful and interesting pieces

There are two distinct types in both years of issue. Charles E. Barbar designed the flowing hair type, and George T. Morgan the coiled hair. They were struck as patterns in gold, aluminum, copper and white metal.

THREE DOLLAR GOLD PIECES 1854-1889 ($3.00)

2007-01-22T18:43:00Z

The three dollar gold piece was authorized by the Act of February 21, 1853. The coin was first struck in 1854. It was never popular and saw very little circulation.

The coin weighs 77.4 grains, .900 fine. The head on the obverse represents and Indian princess with hair tightly curling 0ver the neck, head crowned with a circle of feathers, the band of which is inscribed LIBERTY. A wreath of tobacco, wheat, corn and cotton occupies the field on the reverse, with the denomination and date within it.

Restrikes of some years were made at the Mint: particularly 1873 and 1876.

In the year 1854 only, the word DOLLARS is in much smaller letters than in years 1855 through 1889. The 1856 proof has DOLLARS in large letters cut over the same word in small letters.

Designer: James B. Longacre
Weight: 5.015 grams
Composition .900 gold, .100 copper
Diameter: 20.50mm
Reeded edge
Mints: Philadelphia, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and San Francisco
Net Weight: .14512 oz. pure gold

QUARTER EAGLES ($2.50 GOLD PEICES) 1796-1929

2007-01-22T18:27:00Z

Authorized by the Act of April 2, 21972, they weighed 67.5 grains, 916 2/3 fine until the weight was changed to 64.5 grams, fineness 899.225, by the Act of June 28, 1834. The Act of January 18, 1837 established fineness at .900. Most dates before 1834 are rare. The first issue was struck in 1796, most of which had no stars on the obverse.

Designer: Robert Scot
Weight: 4.37 grams
Composition: .9167 gold, .0833 silver and copper, approx.
Diameter: 20mm
Reeded edge

1. CAPPED BUST TO LEFT, Large size 1808

Designer: John Reich. Standards same as previous issue.

2. CAPPED HEAD TO LEFT 1821-1834

Those dated 1829 through 1834 are smaller in diameter than the 1821-1827 pieces. They also have smaller letters, dates and stars.

Standards same as previous issue. Diameter changed to approximately 18.5mm.

3. CLASSIC HEAD TYPE, No Motto on Reverse 1834-1839

In 1834 the quarter eagle was redesigned. A ribbon binding the hair, bearing the word LIBERTY, replaces Liberty cap. The motto was omitted from the reverse. In 1840 a coronet and smaller head were designed to conform in appearance of that of the larger gold coins.

Designer: William Kneass
Weight: 4.18 grams
Composition: .8992 gold, .1008 silver and copper changed to .900 gold in 1837
Diameter: 18.2 mm
Reeded edge
Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans

4. CORONET TYPE 1840-1907

Designer: Christian Gobrecht
Weight: 4.18 grams
Composition: .900 gold, 100 copper
Diameter: 18mm
Reeded edge
Net weight: .12094 oz. pure gold

5. CALIFRONIA GOLD QUARTER EAGLE

In about 1848 two hundred and thirty ounces of gold were sent to Secretary of War Marcy by Col. B. Mason, Military Governor of California. The gold was turned over to the mint and made into quarter eagles. The distinguishing mark “CAL” was punched above the eagle on the reverse side, while the coins were in the die. Two specimens with proof surface are known.

CAL above Eagle on the Reverse.

6. INDIAN HEAD TYPE 1908-1929

The new type represents a departure from all proceeding types in the United States series. Bela Lyon Pratt was the designer of this and the similar half eagle piece. The coin has no raised edge and the main devices and legends are incuse.

Designer: Bela Lyon Pratt
Weight: 4.18 grams
Composition; .9800 gold, .100 copper
Diameter: 18mm
Reeded edge
Mints: Philadelphia and Denver
Net weight; .12094 oz. pure gold

GOLD DOLLARS ($1.00) 1849-1889

2007-01-22T17:51:00Z

Coinage of the gold dollar was authorized by the Act of March 3, 1849. The weight was 25.8 grains, fineness .900. The first type, struck until 1854, us known as the Liberty Head or small-sized type.

In 1854 the piece was made larger in diameter and thinner. The design was changed to a feather headdress on a female, generally referred to as the Indian Head or large-sized type. In 1856 the type was changed slightly by enlarging the size of the head.

Designer: James B. Longrace
Weight: 1.672 grams
Composition: .900 gold, .100 copper
Diameter: 13mm Type One and 15mm Type’s Two and Three
Reeded edge
Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans and San Francisco
Net weight: .04837 oz. pure gold