Gold sovereign coins first made their appearance in the UK under King Henry the VIIth in the 15th century. Such coins are now rare and can fetch over $12,000US.

Fortunately modern Gold Sovereigns are available at a much more affordable price.

There are basically two types of Gold Sovereigns today. Australian and UK Sovereigns. The UK coins were usually struck in the Royal Mint although some have been struck in Canada and Australia. The Australian Gold Sovereigns were usually struck at one of the mints either in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth or Adelaide.

1887 M QUEEN VICTORIA AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE MINT GOLD HALF SOVEREIGN COIN Latest Price: US $557.86

1867 QUEEN VICTORIA AUSTRALIA SYDNEY MINT GOLD FULL SOVEREIGN COIN Latest Price: US $779.26

1893 M QUEEN VICTORIA AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE MINT GOLD FULL SOVEREIGN COIN Latest Price: US $517.86

BRAND NEW 2012 QE2 PROOF GOLD HALF SOVEREIGN BOXED COA Latest Price: US $439.95

1997 QE2 PROOF GOLD FULL SOVEREIGN As Struck FDC Latest Price: US $695.00

1984 QE2 PROOF GOLD HALF SOVEREIGN BOXED Latest Price: US $315.00

Many of these have a value over and above the value of the gold content due to their rarity and the regard people have for them. Early Australian Gold Sovereigns, for example, have increased in value almost 10 fold since 1977.

Both Sovereigns have had a similar history in that they have been struck initially, then production halted for a few years before being struck again, usually with different obverse and reverse details. This has improved their investment value which yearly continues to climb.

When choosing Gold Sovereigns important factors such as the date it was struck (or made), the condition of the coin, weight and the usual factors relating to gold coins should be looked at.

Sovereigns tend to be collected more for investment value than trade. The quality of the coin has become more important here with an attractive and perfectly minted coin having a much higher value than one which has been worn or chipped. It is important to be able to ‘grade’ the condition of gold coins when seeking coins for investment purposes.

Sovereigns are a useful source of portable money. Soldiers often carry Gold Sovereigns with them when going to war. Gold Sovereigns can be cashed in and are accepted just about anywhere.

Much better than savings in the bank, Sovereigns have continued to increase over the years and a good collection of Gold Sovereign coins can be expected to improve in value very nicely over the medium to long term.

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American Eagle Gold Coin is probably the most popular gold coin in the world. They are official legal tender gold coins in the US and, by law, are produced from gold mined only in the US. They are often considered one of America's most beautiful coins. Americans purchase more American Eagle Gold Coins than any other gold coin.

On the obverse (front) of each coin there is a graceful Striding Liberty design inspired by the Augustus Saint-Gaudens original design of the $20 Double-Eagle gold coins minted from 1907 to 1933. The reverse (back or flip side) of the coin displays a nest of American Eagles.

The coins are struck with 91.67% (22 Karat) fine gold. The total gold weight of the coin is stamped on the reverse of each coin. Special dies designed to show minute details of the coins, are used and this imparts the coins with a radiant golden shimmering glow in the light.

US Gold Coins 1795 1933 Circulating Proof Commemorative Latest Price: US $69.95

BETTER THAN GOLD LOT US JUNK SILVER COINS 1 LB PRE 1965 READABLE DATES FREE SH Latest Price: US $76.00

5 U S Gold Plated Presidential Coins in Case Latest Price: US $99.99

1987 US Constitution Coins Silver Dollar Gold Five Dollar Coin Proof Set Latest Price: US $350.00

2 1987 US Constitution 2 Proof sets w $5 dollar gold Silver Dollar Coins Latest Price: US $860.00

1987 US Constitution 2 GOLD coins 2 SILVER coins Could Be Worth A Lot Latest Price: US $1,099.00

All American Eagle Gold Coins are minted to exacting standards and are of the finest quality. They are available in 4 sizes, 1/10th, ¼, ½, and 1 ounce, suitable to fit any budget. As gold is a comparatively soft metal, most coins contain a very small amount of alloy of copper and silver, as well as the stated amount of gold, to improve hardness and resist scratching.

One unique aspect of American Eagle Gold Coins is that it is the only coin where the weight, gold content and purity are all guaranteed by the US Government, which means that investors can buy and own the coins with confidence knowing that they do truly own the stated amount of gold.

One can purchase American Eagle Gold Coins from most major coin dealers as well as brokerage houses and even banks.The American Eagle also the most traded gold coin in the US and one can just as easily sell as well as purchase American Eagle Gold Coins. They are easy to store buy and sell and many people keep them for a 'rainy day' or in case of severe hardship or economic duress.

American Eagles are also available in silver and platinum but, by far, it is the American Eagle Gold Coin that people love most of all.

Gold coins, next to silver, are one of the oldest forms of money known. The first recorded history of gold coins were those introduced by King Croesus of Lydia around 560 BC.

It is only recently, around 1933, that gold coins have stopped being used as currency. Despite this, many of the coins these days are still legal tender in the country in which they are struck.

There are many different types of gold coins and many countries produce gold coins for collectors and as an investment for people interesting in protecting themselves from variations and pressures economically

Gold coins are very popular among people who are keen to "hedge" against inflation or a store assets. The South African government introduced the Krugerrand in 1967 to cater to this very market. This was a boom to the American collector as, at that time, it was illegal for any US citizen to own gold, but owning coins of legal tender (which the Krugerrand was in South African) was not illegal. This enabled a US citizen to effectively own gold. At exactly one troy ounce. The Krugerrand was the first modern, low premium (i.e. priced only slightly above the bullion value of the gold) gold coin. Gold coins are also produced in fractions of an ounce – typically half ounce, quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce and , recently one twentieth of an ounce. Generally speaking, gold coins do not carry a meaningful face value, as their value is determined by their troy weight and the current market price of the precious metal. Where a face value is minted on the coin, it is invariably done for legal or other reasons and it is nearly always significantly less than the actual value of the coin.

These days one can buy gold coins from most countries. The design on the coins tend to remain constant, at least on one side where a particular individual is represented. In the UK it is the Queen, In the USA, usually a president. Almost all are proof coins. This means they have been struck a number of times to give that beautiful sheen and gloss that proof coins have. Such coins should not be touched by the naked hand. If one intends to handle gold coins, especially proof ones, then very soft gloves should be used but it is advised not to handle gold coins by hand at all actually.

When you buy gold coins they should come sealed in their own transparent plastic bubble. Always check to ensure the bubble has not been tampered with and is completely sealed. The coin should not be removed from the bubble at all as this can affect not just the surface of the coin but the value as well.

The value of a gold coin is determined by a number of factors, the condition of the coin, the rarity, its age and how many were minted. As an example just 5 years ago a very rare $20 1933 Double Eagle gold coin was sold at auction for over 7.5 million dollars.

Gold coins can also be very beautiful and many people will collect them for their beauty alone.