The Latin Monetary Union (LMU), a monetary alliance inaugurated in 1865, was founded upon coinage standards harking back to Napoleon’s era around 1800. Notably, one of the prominent coins originating from this epoch was the “Marengo,” minted to commemorate Napoleon’s triumph at the Battle of Marengo. LMU coins strike a harmonious balance between the realms of coin stacking and numismatic collecting. However, in the United States, procuring LMU coins in bullion-grade quality can be somewhat challenging, with the exception of the top 15 types, encompassing French, Italian, Austrian, Swiss, German, Belgian, and more.
Occasionally, encounters with Finnish or Greek LMU coins reveal staggering numismatic premiums, soaring as high as five times the intrinsic gold value. The quest for Latin American or Eastern European LMU coins, whether online or at local coin shops, has proved fruitless for many. Any advice to share? While instances of coins commanding five times their melt value do occur, they are exceedingly rare within the LMU realm. For instance, a Finnish 20 markkaa coin should ideally fetch around double its melt value.
One valuable resource to consider is MA-shops, akin to the “eBay of coins,” offering an extensive selection, though not always the most competitively priced. Most sellers on MA-shops also list their wares on eBay, often at more budget-friendly rates. Beyond that, you can embark on the traditional eBay treasure hunt. eBay provides a buyer-friendly platform with robust protection. While the occasional negative experience might arise, swift resolutions are typically the norm, with numerous successful transactions bearing testament. Fakes do exist, primarily from sellers with minimal feedback, usually discernible enough that bids fall below the gold melt value. These replicas, often imitating roosters and 20 zlotych coins, tend to emerge from the UK and Russia/Ukraine and are usually associated with reputable coin dealers. Coins acquired from eBay have, in most instances, passed authenticity tests with flying colors.
Formally, the LMU enlisted countries like France, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Spain, Venezuela, and others. Several nations either adhered to the LMU standard (e.g., Finland, Poland, Serbia) or emulated it (e.g., Argentina, Russia). By the onset of World War I, the LMU’s coinage encompassed the majority of continental Europe, with the exception of German states and Scandinavia, as well as numerous colonies and overseas territories. The LMU initially functioned on a bimetallic system with a gold-to-silver ratio of 15.5.
As per the LMU’s stipulations, gold coins were minted at a fineness of 0.9 (equivalent to 21.4 karats), adhering to the following standard:
1 ducat 1915 restrikes, great for stacking.
Reasonably priced and quite captivating, the 1915 ducat re-strikes are exceptional pieces. As a fan, I’ve amassed a collection of these coins. Just to clarify, the 1915 ducats are indeed restrikes, and remarkably, they are still being produced today, bearing the same 1915 date. There’s no cause for concern regarding their authenticity or quality. These ducats are widely accepted, trusted, and hold their liquidity. Today, we delve into the fascinating world of Austrian coins, specifically the renowned 2 Ducat pieces. These coins carry a rich history, making them of utmost significance to both collectors and fractional stackers alike. While the conversation in the precious metals realm often centers around American Gold Eagles, Krugerrands, Britannias, and Philharmonics, the 2 Ducat coins should not be overlooked, especially by those with a penchant for fractional gold.
Today, modern re-strikes of these coins come in one and four Ducat denominations. The one Ducat coin weighs 3.49 grams and contains 3.44 grams of pure gold, maintaining the hallmark 98.6% gold purity. The four Ducat coin, on the other hand, boasts a weight of 13.96 grams and a fine gold content of 13.77 grams, preserving the same 98.6% pure gold composition.
Now, what makes these re-strikes particularly appealing to fractional stackers?
It’s a matter of cost-efficiency. For instance, the one Ducat coin, with its 0.11 grams of gold, can be acquired for 224.37 euros, whereas a 1/10 ounce Gold Philharmonic comes in at 213.15 euros. When comparing the cost per 1/10 ounce, the two Ducat coin comes out at 203.97 euros, while the Gold Philharmonic stands at 213.15 euros. In terms of the price per full ounce, the two Ducat is priced at 2039.73 euros, while purchasing 10 1/10 ounce Gold Philharmonics would total 2131.50 euros. This means you could save approximately 4.5% to 5% by choosing two Ducats over Gold Philharmonics, offering an excellent alternative for fractional stackers.
But not so interesting for US Buyers.
I acknowledge that the premium on these coins from APMEX may be on the higher side, but my primary question revolves around whether Austrian 1 Ducats would be a worthwhile investment if acquired from alternative sources. I find these coins to be visually stunning. It’s somewhat disheartening to note the substantial premium they command, as my instincts tempt me to acquire multiple pieces, possibly four or five, though I’d be venturing into deep waters. Nevertheless, I don’t have immediate plans to sell, so who knows what the future holds. Perhaps i could assist in sourcing them at a more favorable price. Thank you for your response. I was uncertain if these coins were treated similarly to sovereigns, with multiple local coin shops advising against them. Personally, I don’t quite understand the rationale behind such advice. They may be more popular in Europe, but they certainly hold value commensurate with their weight. Additionally, I neglected to mention that these coins are favored due to their slightly greater weight than a typical 1/10th ounce coin. their weight is nearly that of 1/9th of an ounce, and they used to be priced in a manner similar to 1/10th ounce bullion, particularly in Europe a few years ago. With a gold purity of .986, they contain a higher gold content than Krugerrand and American Eagles.
In the United States, the concluding remark becomes the foundation for my assertion that one-tenth-ounce gold coins are overpriced. Another instance where a more economical choice, at least up until recent months, was the half sovereign. It’s evident that the premiums attached to fractional gold ounces primarily serve as a means of capitalizing on profits, and this practice adversely affects those with limited financial resources, which raises ethical questions. I can readily locate one-ounce gold bars with more competitive price margins right here in America, although it’s undeniable that the allure of these coins lies in their exquisite aesthetic appeal.
There are also original versions of these coins, but they are typically not available at bullion prices.