G’day Stackers, I have 1987 & 1988 (1st & 2nd years) 1/4 oz gold proof Britannias. I can’t find much info on them. If anybody can offer info & what they might be valued at I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
KM#951 Issuer United Kingdom Queen Elizabeth II (1952-date) Type Non-circulating coin Years 1987-1989 Value 25 Pounds (25) Currency Fine Gold, Britannia series (1987-date) Composition Gold (.9167) (copper alloy) Weight 8.51 g Diameter 22 mm Shape Round Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑ The 1987 strike was issued in the 4-coin Britannia Gold Proof sets. Issue Limit: 10,000 (10,000 sales), the 2-coin set with an issue limit of 12,500 (11,000 sales) as well as individually with Issue Limit: 3,500 (3,500 sales) The 1988 strike was issued as part of the 4-coin Britannia Gold Proof sets. Issue Limit: 6,500 (3,305 sales) and 2-coin set with issue limit of 7,500 (894 sales). The 1989 strike was issued as part of the 4-coin Britannia Gold Proof sets. Issue Limit: 2,500 (2,268 sales) and 2-coin set with issue limit of 1,500 (451 sales). Link https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces97388.html
Mintage was 3'500 for the 1987 quarter + additional sets in several thousands. The 1988 was issued in two sets, combined in the tune of 4'400 so neither are scarce but '88 has lower mintage. They are 22ct and quite nice coins imo, but the special design years Brits seem more popular. I only have the 2019 Spink as reference, which quotes GBP350 / ea as value - based on GBP900/oz gold spot. Graded on flawless condition PF70 I have seen the 1987 go for as high as GBP460 (incl premium). In PF70 grade the '88 would be 5x scarcer coin than the '87.
They might be ok in a Brit colony... that is your best bet to possibly find a buyer who will bite on numismatic aspect. Those have very high premium 50-100% to find a buyer anywhere else. USA buyers probably won't touch them since 1/4oz gold eagles have much lower markup (although some proofs are listed at similar price... doubtful they sell for that or sell quickly, though). Even in the UK countries, you're likely to have a hard time competing with sovereigns, etc with much lower premiums for the similar gold content - yet still many numismatic options there. You are obviously banking on the little gold Brit's numismatic element when trying to get around $800usd or more for a coin with around $400 melt gold value. I like the deign also and will buy the silver Brits 1oz bullion when they are a fair price, but their premium is reasonable, low, and in line with their peer silver bullion coins. I would list yours at double their melt/spot (approx equivalent of $800usd for the 87 and maybe 80% spot aka $700usd for the 88), and then lower the ask prices a bit every month or two if there are no takers? Numismatic is obviously very subjective and dependent on finding a buyer... pawn shops say they are worth melt, some coin shops probably offer you 1.25x melt or less yet ask 4x melt if they sell the same coin, some rare individual buyer collecting proof Brit 1/4 gold might pay you 3x melt if you luck out. You never know with numi.
Very Interesting as I have these 3 coming to me from the USA Any extra Info would be appreciated. Regards Bigfella
