The gold trade was a central driver of medieval trade between West Africa, North Africa, and Europe. It fuelled the exchange of salt, ivory, spices, slaves and luxury goods.
It was a powerful force that made sub-Saharan West African states such as the Ghana Empire famous. Their leaders accumulated wealth through careful production and trading, using native gold to supplement imported imports such as silver, copper and salt.
Precious Metals
Precious metals like gold and silver are used for jewelry, industrial applications, and as investment vehicles. They are chemically inert and rare, so they have high economic value.
However, they may be soft, easily bent or scratched by normal wear and tear, so most precious metal jewelry is a mixture of alloys comprised of other stronger metals. This increases its durability.
Gold can be plated with other precious metals, such as palladium or platinum. Other common metals used in alloys include nickel, tin, and zinc.
These non-precious metals are used to add different colors and properties to the final product. They also increase the strength and ductility of the gold.
In the past, gold and silver were the standard money for all societies. These precious metals were not only useful as a means of payment, but also as a store of wealth that could be trusted during times of monetary instability.
In addition, they are excellent investments that protect you against inflation. They can also help you diversify your portfolio and build a solid financial foundation for the future.
Numismatic Coins
Many people who wish to invest in gold and silver buy bullion coins like American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs or Philharmonics. The base value of the precious metal remains the same no matter what form the coin takes.
In contrast, numismatic coins typically contain an additional value that exceeds the base value of the precious metal. This added value may be due to rarity, historical significance or production technology.
Numismatic coins can be found in a variety of forms, but most are characterized by their unique designs or special markings. These factors add to the coin’s numismatic value and make them highly sought after by collectors.
These coins can be categorized into three groups: numismatics, semi-numismatics and proof coins. The latter is a special category that includes coins produced in limited runs by some of the most popular mints and precious metals brands.
Collectible Coins
Collectible coins are a great way to add beauty and value to your collection. They can also be a great investment.
In the case of collectible coins, their rarity and history play an important role in their value. Rare coins are often worth more than common ones, and the fewer examples of a coin that are available, the higher its collector value.
Another important factor in a coin’s value is its condition. A high-quality coin with little wear is usually worth many times more than a poor one.
Sahara Gold and Coin is a company that offers numismatic and bullion products. However, it does not offer gold IRA services and is not a custodian of any IRAs. You should look for a specialized firm if you want to invest in a gold IRA.
Bullion Coins
Bullion coins are a great way to invest in precious metals and build your portfolio. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and denominations, which makes them accessible to many people.
Gold and Silver bullion coins are typically sold at a premium over the market price of the underlying precious metal. This premium varies depending on the coin’s type, weight, and precious metal.
These coins are also available in fractional ounces, like half-ounce, quarter-ounce, and one-tenth-ounce. These smaller sizes are perfect for beginners or those who may not want to commit to a large investment in bullion.
Several nations offer their own Gold and Silver bullion coins. Some of the most popular include the South African Krugerrand, American Buffalo, Chinese Panda, and Canadian Maple Leaf coins.
