silversword

Under €20 seems like a good deal. I have a feeling it is a good idea to buy some now if you have spare cash, because these have one of the smallest production runs of current silver bullion coins: no guarantee how long they will be available, especially if silver prices stay low.

Under €20 seems like a good deal. I have a feeling it is a good idea to buy some now if you have spare cash, because these have one of the smallest production runs of current silver bullion coins: no guarantee how long they will be available, especially if silver prices stay low.

Silver price monitoring thread...

Discussion of StG could go in its own thread really

The price of silver next week will be determined by the big players in the market with their computer algorithms predicting a rise or a fall then placing huge margin bets on the change.  Their sole mission is to make quick money for their clients.
A genuine big industrial user of silver buying inventory will not even register on the daily charts, nor will a new mine opening with rich deposits.
 
Analysists will search for some world event and incorrectly link the two together.
The rest of us will carry on regardless.
Forecasting spot is as difficult as picking winning lottery numbers.
That's my view; perhaps not shared by others.

Well there are about 30 of us here that probably account for 1% of all silver coins sold in the UK, the other 99% has been bought by Keithoil. 

HT beat me to it, but yes, at current prices even a small order from STG will beat Atkinsons. I'd previously calculated a minimum of 6-7, but for best value and without paying silly money, 10-15 coins makes much more sense. Also STG orders go via UPS and their tracking is better than Royal Mail

It's handy having a drop in price just as the 2015 coins start to appear on the market.

Part 6 in the series, and now that the mere bullion is out of the way, it's time to get classy. Oh no, wait, we're off to Australia. Just kidding of course; the Perth mint certainly don't muck about when it comes to producing top quality silver coins and arguably the most famous is their long-running Kookaburra series.


2014 Kookaburra - designer unknown. Note the P Mintmark on the reverse.

Despite once being a subsidiary of Britain's Royal Mint, the Perth Mint has been fully independent to produce investment bullion since 1987 and could teach it's elderly relative (and others) a thing or two about producing coins. You'll not see too many milk spots or production damage like scratches on these little beauties. Each "kook" features crisp proof-like frosting contrasting with mirror-finished detail, and comes in it's own flush-fitting capsule as well. So, they're nicely made and well presented, but that isn't what has made it such a special collectible.

Since it's introduction in 1990 this coin has featured a new reverse design every single year. Many other coins claim to have changing designs but have sometimes re-used a previous one. Not so the Kookaburra. although no individual artist is credited with the ever-changing sculptures, each year's design is totally unique, showing the distinctive Australian bird either in flight or in it's natural habitat. The obverse has only seen one major change, with the original Raphael Maklouf portait of Queen Elizabeth II replaced by Ian Rank-Broadley's updated and familiar design in 1999.

Production has been especially limited, with maximum mintages (for the 1oz coin) of 300,000 each year, until a generous increase to 500,000 in 2010 which will likely continue for the foreseeable future. This is still dwarfed by the mintages on other popular bullion issues: Half a million Kookaburras still pales in comparison to 40m US Eagles. One year that became slightly easier to get hold of was 1992. The initial production had been some 100,000 coins short of the stated limit, and so (based on dealer demand) it was decided to re-mint up to the 300,000 maximum, which predictably caused quite a controversy amongst collectors worried about their precious premiums. Allegedly such re-minting happened for other years as well, but never exceeding the overall mintage limits, which are quite strict as it is.

In addition to the relative scarcity, the other aspect that makes these coins sought after is the ability to create interesting sets: the coins come in a range of sizes in addition to the standard 1oz, (2oz, 5oz, 10oz and 1kg, minted according to demand) and shapes. Yes thats right, different shapes. Coins are generally round, but a limited number of Kooks in the shape of a map of Australia were produced in 2012 as part of the very rare (and imaginatively named) "Australian Map Shaped Coin" range which has featured a different animal each year.

Then there are various finishes (either proof, high-relief, colourised or gilded) and a spread of years in which a limited number carried privy marks for special commemorations - in fact Perth Mint's first privy-marked coin was a 2oz proof Kookaburra. Collecting every single variation and size would be a challenge to test even the most ardent collector and the stoutest of wallets. If you think you're up to it, just try getting hold of the limited edition 2009 20th anniversary set with it's distinctive "P20" mintmark for starters.

So, apart from the contentious re-minting issue (which at least gives a few more people the chance to own a Kook), this is a truly classic coin series, one that dares to walk the line between bullion and numismatic and arguably succeeds. If £/oz is all you care about, you are catered for elsewhere frankly - this is not for you. But for those who want something a little bit special, something you can enjoy and admire, you could do a lot worse than pick up a Kook next time you are shopping.


 

Special bonus: Kookaburras 1990 - 2013 (the 2014 one is in the OP)
 

Special bonus: Kookaburras 1990 - 2013 (the 2014 one is in the OP)
 

The amount of slabbed stuff he buys, I would be better investing in plastics instead of silver.

Part 6 in the series, and now that the mere bullion is out of the way, it's time to get classy. Oh no, wait, we're off to Australia. Just kidding of course; the Perth mint certainly don't muck about when it comes to producing top quality silver coins and arguably the most famous is their long-running Kookaburra series.


2014 Kookaburra - designer unknown. Note the P Mintmark on the reverse.

Despite once being a subsidiary of Britain's Royal Mint, the Perth Mint has been fully independent to produce investment bullion since 1987 and could teach it's elderly relative (and others) a thing or two about producing coins. You'll not see too many milk spots or production damage like scratches on these little beauties. Each "kook" features crisp proof-like frosting contrasting with mirror-finished detail, and comes in it's own flush-fitting capsule as well. So, they're nicely made and well presented, but that isn't what has made it such a special collectible.

Since it's introduction in 1990 this coin has featured a new reverse design every single year. Many other coins claim to have changing designs but have sometimes re-used a previous one. Not so the Kookaburra. although no individual artist is credited with the ever-changing sculptures, each year's design is totally unique, showing the distinctive Australian bird either in flight or in it's natural habitat. The obverse has only seen one major change, with the original Raphael Maklouf portait of Queen Elizabeth II replaced by Ian Rank-Broadley's updated and familiar design in 1999.

Production has been especially limited, with maximum mintages (for the 1oz coin) of 300,000 each year, until a generous increase to 500,000 in 2010 which will likely continue for the foreseeable future. This is still dwarfed by the mintages on other popular bullion issues: Half a million Kookaburras still pales in comparison to 40m US Eagles. One year that became slightly easier to get hold of was 1992. The initial production had been some 100,000 coins short of the stated limit, and so (based on dealer demand) it was decided to re-mint up to the 300,000 maximum, which predictably caused quite a controversy amongst collectors worried about their precious premiums. Allegedly such re-minting happened for other years as well, but never exceeding the overall mintage limits, which are quite strict as it is.

In addition to the relative scarcity, the other aspect that makes these coins sought after is the ability to create interesting sets: the coins come in a range of sizes in addition to the standard 1oz, (2oz, 5oz, 10oz and 1kg, minted according to demand) and shapes. Yes thats right, different shapes. Coins are generally round, but a limited number of Kooks in the shape of a map of Australia were produced in 2012 as part of the very rare (and imaginatively named) "Australian Map Shaped Coin" range which has featured a different animal each year.

Then there are various finishes (either proof, high-relief, colourised or gilded) and a spread of years in which a limited number carried privy marks for special commemorations - in fact Perth Mint's first privy-marked coin was a 2oz proof Kookaburra. Collecting every single variation and size would be a challenge to test even the most ardent collector and the stoutest of wallets. If you think you're up to it, just try getting hold of the limited edition 2009 20th anniversary set with it's distinctive "P20" mintmark for starters.

So, apart from the contentious re-minting issue (which at least gives a few more people the chance to own a Kook), this is a truly classic coin series, one that dares to walk the line between bullion and numismatic and arguably succeeds. If £/oz is all you care about, you are catered for elsewhere frankly - this is not for you. But for those who want something a little bit special, something you can enjoy and admire, you could do a lot worse than pick up a Kook next time you are shopping.


 

Can't help but feel my Britannia is somewhat overshadowed by HH's one.
 
 

Can't help but feel my Britannia is somewhat overshadowed by HH's one.
 
 

Part 6 in the series, and now that the mere bullion is out of the way, it's time to get classy. Oh no, wait, we're off to Australia. Just kidding of course; the Perth mint certainly don't muck about when it comes to producing top quality silver coins and arguably the most famous is their long-running Kookaburra series.


2014 Kookaburra - designer unknown. Note the P Mintmark on the reverse.

Despite once being a subsidiary of Britain's Royal Mint, the Perth Mint has been fully independent to produce investment bullion since 1987 and could teach it's elderly relative (and others) a thing or two about producing coins. You'll not see too many milk spots or production damage like scratches on these little beauties. Each "kook" features crisp proof-like frosting contrasting with mirror-finished detail, and comes in it's own flush-fitting capsule as well. So, they're nicely made and well presented, but that isn't what has made it such a special collectible.

Since it's introduction in 1990 this coin has featured a new reverse design every single year. Many other coins claim to have changing designs but have sometimes re-used a previous one. Not so the Kookaburra. although no individual artist is credited with the ever-changing sculptures, each year's design is totally unique, showing the distinctive Australian bird either in flight or in it's natural habitat. The obverse has only seen one major change, with the original Raphael Maklouf portait of Queen Elizabeth II replaced by Ian Rank-Broadley's updated and familiar design in 1999.

Production has been especially limited, with maximum mintages (for the 1oz coin) of 300,000 each year, until a generous increase to 500,000 in 2010 which will likely continue for the foreseeable future. This is still dwarfed by the mintages on other popular bullion issues: Half a million Kookaburras still pales in comparison to 40m US Eagles. One year that became slightly easier to get hold of was 1992. The initial production had been some 100,000 coins short of the stated limit, and so (based on dealer demand) it was decided to re-mint up to the 300,000 maximum, which predictably caused quite a controversy amongst collectors worried about their precious premiums. Allegedly such re-minting happened for other years as well, but never exceeding the overall mintage limits, which are quite strict as it is.

In addition to the relative scarcity, the other aspect that makes these coins sought after is the ability to create interesting sets: the coins come in a range of sizes in addition to the standard 1oz, (2oz, 5oz, 10oz and 1kg, minted according to demand) and shapes. Yes thats right, different shapes. Coins are generally round, but a limited number of Kooks in the shape of a map of Australia were produced in 2012 as part of the very rare (and imaginatively named) "Australian Map Shaped Coin" range which has featured a different animal each year.

Then there are various finishes (either proof, high-relief, colourised or gilded) and a spread of years in which a limited number carried privy marks for special commemorations - in fact Perth Mint's first privy-marked coin was a 2oz proof Kookaburra. Collecting every single variation and size would be a challenge to test even the most ardent collector and the stoutest of wallets. If you think you're up to it, just try getting hold of the limited edition 2009 20th anniversary set with it's distinctive "P20" mintmark for starters.

So, apart from the contentious re-minting issue (which at least gives a few more people the chance to own a Kook), this is a truly classic coin series, one that dares to walk the line between bullion and numismatic and arguably succeeds. If £/oz is all you care about, you are catered for elsewhere frankly - this is not for you. But for those who want something a little bit special, something you can enjoy and admire, you could do a lot worse than pick up a Kook next time you are shopping.


 

Ah, you never forget your first Eagle

1999 Britannia, still sealed.
 
 
so very true...

Awe shit I'm turning into a hideous Stacklector.
 
For those of you who don't know, a Stacklecktor as the ancients say was a man who started out simply collecting silver bullion but as the dark forces raged within he turned and slowly the greed setting and he eventually gave into there demands and began paying huge premiums for the little bits of silver metal.

3 years too late but got one for the geekness.  The only other coin that I might get from this series is the Stormtrooper.

You're right, I was suckered by the ex-VAT price; buying from STG has clearly spoiled me! Good job landing it for £54.50

Decided I might collect the Royal Mint lunar series, and have got my 1oz Year of the Horse today.

If you look at my early posts, I was exactly like you, worrying about every single pence spot price went up, and having the fear that spot price will double next day e.t.c,

Now 5 months in to it and talking to OLD and EXPERIENCED stackers (shout out to danny boy) you should not worry about the price dips or rise. When the price does escalate you will be happy that you bought some in the first place. I just order my monthly purchases and do not worry about the spot price, until a few days before I order, to see what I can buy with my hard earned money. 

TLDR: Dont worry, Just Buy what you can, and Enjoy life. 

Exactly, I vaguely recall Craig doesn't buy silver in bulk anyway (nothing wrong with that, I rarely do either) so I mean it's really not worth fretting about the spot price of silver at the time of purchase. It's just causing stress for little to no real impact.

Judging by the past performance, £12.50 becomes 'high' in my book. But in a year or so that might be to us what the £11 was to us a few months ago. It's all a constantly shifting tide.

For me, when it goes up I think great, what I've got is worth more. When it goes down, I think yay I can buy more.

And if they wanted to buy some more, it's still great news. Low prices are bad only if you are wanting to sell. If not selling, it's not a problem.
 
Silver was still reasonable before the weekend and its gotten cheaper today. Gold was getting pricey and is now pretty cheap again. I don't have enough of either so I'm not complaining because I can now buy more.
 
Interesting bit of commentary from the market that last week's rally was driven entirely by speculative trading, but the lack of physical sales pretty much stalled it and people reconsidered their positions, taking quick profits and dumping a lot of contracts in the process. Remember my quote about all the traders using the same fundamentals? Well this is what happens when everyone hops on the bandwagon.

Great news for us who are only just starting out in silver stacking(i really do prefer the term stacker to prepper) to my mind prepper is quite a depressing word.I need to keep smiling