Half guinea or proof half sovereigns?

[Lea79]

Hi guys ?

Its that time of year where I get to buy myself a 'treat' coin.  The question is what do you guys think will be worth more in say 30 yrs? half guineas or proof alternate designs sovs? I have the 1989 half sov and have ordered the 2017.  So could start a nice little collection.  I also have a half guinea which is probably my fav coin.  Oh the decisions lol. Help!! 

[HawkHybrid]

I vote half guinea.

 

I don't own either but feel old circulation coins

have less chance of playing up compared to

coins that must be kept in proof condition to

retain their premium. proof coins have the

problem of aging well and adding character

over the years.

 

HH

[HelpingHands]

There will be fewer guinea collectors.  Either way you're probably looking at double spot for either options.

If I was you, I would keep my eye out for a bargain which ever it is.

 

[Lea79]

I do love the history a guinea has. Nothing like holding a 250 year old coin in your hand wondering what its been used to pay for or who else has held it.  

A proof has a nice look though and with it being the alternate designs can be quite sought after.  Like helping hands said the resale market is probably higher.  

[Roy]

A good question @Lea79!

Guineas are lovely aren't they?

I think you're referring to the 'special' issues, '89, '02, '05 and '12? What about proof sovs in general...hit or miss?

[HelpingHands]

You see the regular G&D design sovs in proof often around standard bullion price.

[Roy]

Indeed HH, and would you think that is a good buy?

Someone once said he'd rather buy a handled proof than an uncirculated.

I think Numi did a video on this? 

[Lea79]

I was a bit disappointed with the 89 proof to be honest.  There's so much hype about it being the most beautiful sovereign I think I expected fireworks and love at first sight ha ha.  

I dont own any g+d proofs ATM and the only 1 I was contemplating getting is a 2000 half if I start collecting the alternate design proofs.  Only so I then have all the different designs.  The only proof I have ATM is a silver proof coloured eagle.  Gone off silver big time though in favour of the yellow stuff.

 

If only I had enough cash for them all mwahahaha ? 

[Seasider]

What about small gold Britannias?  They come with more variations of design than the sovereigns.

[sovereignsteve]

I think you will decide this yourself, or already have

The chances are that the premium increase over the next 30 years will be similar for the 2 classes of coin you mention: half guinea and special design proof half sovereign, with a slight edge in my eyes toward the guinea. I think any premium is already built into the 1989, 2002, 2005 and 2012 proofs but scarcity of the guinea could easily tell especially if more collectors emerge. Buying the 2017 at issue price could be the best bet but could just as easily be the loser of the bunch as it's not cheap.

I would certainly recommend putting together one of each of the proofs mentioned, as well as an example of the G&D which is a nice design and looks great in proof.

The trouble is, it's difficult to appreciate the beauty of these designs in half sovs. They look a lot better in full size and doubles are even better. You say you're not impressed with the 1989 and this is possibly a lot to do with the size. It matters!

I agree with @HelpingHands, and would recommend you hold the money in hand and take your time finding the best deal, especially if you decide to go down the guinea route. Increase in value is clearly important to you so it's imperative you maximise the chances in the buying stage. You could easily make the most by buying the right half guinea at a bargain price. Top quality numismatic coins offer the best potential for large future gains.

 

[Lea79]

I do like the 2003 quarter brit.  Its a bit more bang for my buck.  What's the resale market like?

Im definitely leaning towards a guinea.  HH and Sovereign Steve, wise advice to hold on to the cash until a good deal comes up.  

 

[HelpingHands]

6 hours ago, Lea79 said:

 

Im definitely leaning towards a guinea.

Just be sure that it's not been soldered in jewellery.

Anyway, I thought you were saving up for a big piece of Mexican.

 

[Lea79]

Lol yeah that's not happening too many Kids with too many needs.  So do guinea's lose a lot of value if they've been ex jewellery pieces? 

[sovereignsteve]

26 minutes ago, Lea79 said:

Lol yeah that's not happening too many Kids with too many needs.  So do guinea's lose a lot of value if they've been ex jewellery pieces? 

any numismatic coin loses pretty much all it's premium if it's obviously been in jewellery, especially with soldering marks.

The guinea and fractions are probably the coins that suffer from this the most. It's surprising how many full guineas you come across with obvious (or not so) damage from mounting and it's not always pointed out, so it can be a minefield for buying.

I have a couple in my collection.

[Lea79]

The one I have has ex mount marks on the top.  Still a nice coin though.  Does anybody know of any books on guineas? Would b wise to do some research first. 

[sovereignsteve]

yes they are still nice and worth having if the price is right.

not aware of any specific literature, I just use Spink.