Legal tender gold coins and currency ownership

Discussion in 'General Precious Metals Discussion' started by Slam, Oct 12, 2012.

  1. Slam

    Slam Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Quick question,

    I recall reading that the Australian government owns the actual currency that we hold and trade around daily. All a sovereign body really owns is the value behind that currency.

    Does this mean that the gold coins we hold belong to the government as well, since its also legal tender?

    Appreciate comments and opinons.

    Thanks,

    Slam
     
  2. goldpelican

    goldpelican Administrator Staff Member

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    http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ca1965120/s23.html

    Currency determinations for Perth Mint bullion coins fall under this act.

    Think it's been worked out before that silver bars are the only form of gold or silver that don't have existing legislation (suspended or otherwise) that would allow the government to take possession of them without new laws being passed.
     
  3. bullionfrog

    bullionfrog New Member Silver Stacker

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    So is that mean Aussie guys should buy ASE coin, and people in China should buy Aussie coin then everybody safe?

    How to setup a melt down department at home than? (just in case, make my own bar from all those coins) LOL
     
  4. fishball

    fishball New Member Silver Stacker

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    It's illegal to melt most if not all Australian coins in Australia.

    I guess it's ok if you melt them in China :p
     
  5. bullionfrog

    bullionfrog New Member Silver Stacker

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    :rolleyes:
     
  6. Jislizard

    Jislizard Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    It is probably illegal to send them to China for melting.

    This is the only reason I can think of for the ridiculous face value of $1 on $30 worth of metal. It is just the government calling 'dibbs' on your coins.
     
  7. Big A.D.

    Big A.D. Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Blowtorch + crucible + graphite mould.

    An el-cheapo torch with enough heat to turn a round silver disc into a shapeless silver blob will cost you about $40 from Bunnings. Allow another $40 for the other stuff.

    Don't bother buying foreign coins because Australian coins can theoretically be recalled. It's just as easy for the government to pass a new law to confiscate foreign currency (and just as easy to pass a new law to confiscate your new blob for that matter too).
     
  8. Big A.D.

    Big A.D. Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    There is that, but also by valuing precious metals downwards they can value cupro-nickel and polymer upwards without any net change in the value of currency in circulation.
     
  9. aleks

    aleks Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    When ever this topic comes up I keep thinking Scarface..... SAY 'ALLO TO MY LILL' FRREIIND
     
  10. Jislizard

    Jislizard Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Would you bother?

    It might take a little longer but a piece of sandpaper will do the job just as well. You lose silver when you melt and pour and you lose a bit when you sand.

    I would just remove the top detail and if I could be bothered I would collect the dust with a view to melting it one day. Even a couple of days in a tumbler would do the trick and you can batch them up as well.
     
  11. Eureka Moments

    Eureka Moments Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Can gold nuggets be confiscated?
     
  12. renovator

    renovator Well-Known Member

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    Thats a bit labour intensive .The grinder or a file would be easier
     
  13. Smoothcriminal

    Smoothcriminal New Member Silver Stacker

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    I think anything can be confiscated if the government wants it badly enough - having said that I doubt confiscation of any PM's will take place anytime soon and if it does we're likely to be to busy dodging excrement from the rotational air displacers.
     
  14. Eureka Moments

    Eureka Moments Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    ^^^ I meant can gold nuggets be confiscated under current legislation (suspended or otherwise)?

    Not do the Gubmint own all of our arses and can do whatever they like?
     
  15. Dan Unda

    Dan Unda Member Silver Stacker

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    If you're this way inclined,

    Anvil & sledgehammer.. (a 4lb lump hammer would no doubt do the job)

    Quicker & easier, & no dust to collect.... (YMMV) :D


    :)
     
  16. Jislizard

    Jislizard Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    And it becomes a wrought metal item and no longer subject to confiscation, maybe...
     
  17. Big A.D.

    Big A.D. Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    See: Wrought Metal Confiscation Act 2014 (Cth)
     

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