I've just recently gotten into this whole collecting thing, so unfortunately I missed out on a lot and still have a TON to learn. I've already stocked up on a decent stack of bullion coins, but have also been getting more and more addicted to the 1oz coins from various countries. I already have some kooks and pandas which are really stunning. I've been looking at the Lunar series, and have heard only positive things about them. I'd really like to own them all as a set. So, looking around on the Perth mint website, it seems like they offer gilded versions of them. I have been looking all over the net, but can't really find much first hand information about them (or anyone but the Perth Mint selling them). Does anyone have these? Is there a reason they aren't talked about? Do most people see them as kind of a gimmicky thing not worthy of collecting? I realize that they might not be a good investment from a collecting or numismatic standpoint, but if they look stunning I'd be more than happy to drop the money on a set. Also, has anyone from the US ordered directly from the Perth Mint before? I know they do a currency conversion thing when you order, and it looks like shipping would be about $35 or more, but are there any customs fees or anything that have to be paid?
Howdy Phaz - Welcome to the Forum !! Bullion coins, although they are issued by mints all over the world, are largely ignored by most coin collectors. Yes, there is a segment that collects them. And if you like them by all means collect them yourself. But they arely if ever have any numismatic value, their primary purpose is as bullion. But even those who collect the bullion issues largely frown upon the plated & colorized versions. Plated and colorized coins are for the most part considered to be damaged goods. But again, to each his own, if that's what you like - more power to ya pal.
That is kind of what I figured, but it is nice for someone else to word it. I have certainly gotten that vibe from bullion stackers, who don't seem to care what kind of condition their SAEs are in, and really hate things like "first strike" A majority of collectors seem to go after the older coins as well, just looking at mintage numbers and ignoring most everything else. I guess that makes me kind of fortunate to be getting into it the way I am. I started buying just for bullion, but after seeing some of the nicer 1oz coins (ie SAE proofs and Kooks) it's really hard not to want more. I just got my 2008 Bald Eagle set (EA7) in today and love it. I guess I'll be a collector that does a little bit of everything, but leaning towards coins that are stunning to look at.
