RARE COLLECTOR'S SILVER COINS
February 2019 Update

Note that some of the items marked SOLD may be replaceable
Please contact me at wso@megaweb.co.za to confirm availability

Please note that all prices are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR)

**Also see my notes (bottom of page) regarding international price comparisons**

Important information regarding Collectable Silver Coins

As promised, here is a fresh update of all items currently in stock (and quantities available). You will notice that I have changed my policy dramatically regarding collectable silver coins. In the past I used to buy (and sell) 'pretty and popular'. I now attempt to buy the 'very best and rarest'. I found that you don't have to sell these - they sell themselves! And what is more, they are never influenced by a drop in the silver spot price. The funny part is that when the silver price goes up, they also go up. When the silver price drops.. they keep going up! It's all about supply and demand in this case. Having said that, although none of the items below are common, I will always list a few items that are more affordable for the beginners. It is estimated that there are more than 5 million coin collectors worldwide. If only 300,000 of a certain coin is minted, it is simply not enough as is clearly evident in the case of the 2012 1oz Australian Year of the Dragon. The release price at Perth Mint was $45. One year later, it is already selling for up to $145. Now if only 5000 coins are minted, you can imagine the scramble between numismatists! That's the kind of stuff I'm buying at the moment. You will also notice a total absence of standard silver bullion in my list. Why? Because of the current 'suppressed' price of silver, this is a time to buy, and not to sell. So yes - I am buying at present, and I advise you to do the same ;-)
 

Note that any coin with a mintage below 500,000 is generally accepted as Scarce. This is clearly illustrated by the 2012 1oz Australian Dragon mentioned above! Anything below 50,000 mintage should therefore be seen as Very Scarce and is normally a good investment. Any coin with a mintage lower than 10,000 is considered Rare and should be seen as a "must have" by serious investors. By comparison, anything below 5000 is without any doubt Super Rare. In the case of coins with a mintage of 1000 or less, we are entering the "crazy" zone known as ULTRA RARE. For example, a mintage of 500 is simply ridiculous and should be considered SUPER ULTRA RARE! These are seldom on offer to the public as they are usually snatched up by 'informed' dealers, and very often even before their official release by the mint. In all cases, the value of a collectible coin will therefore be measured by its rarity, and not metal purity. However, there are certain rare exceptions where a coin with a mintage of 5,000 will out-perform a coin with a mintage of 1,000. Why? Nobody knows.. but it happens as is clearly evident in the case of the 2012 Mongolian 1 oz Hedgehog, the 1 oz 2011 Ural Owl and the 2012 Papua New Guinea Spiny Anteater. The demand (and the prices) are simply 'wild'. The Mongolian 1 oz 2011 Ural Owl is already selling for $1,500, and the Mongolian 2012 Hedgehog for $899!
 
I have numbered the items for easy reference. Note that all items are .999 pure silver, unless stated otherwise. There are a few items that are sterling silver .925, but in nearly all cases there is a valid reason for using .925 rather than the softer .999 fine silver. But the item description should clarify that.

Please contact me directly via email to check availability of any of the items in this list, as most of them are fast movers that are not freely available in South Africa. I have numbered the items for easy reference.  >>>>>        wso@megaweb.co.za

1 oz 2011 Silver + 24kt Gold clad China Panda

The Gilded Panda is a limited release item with a very low mintage.
Anyone who has seen/bought Pandas before will know they are definitely of
superior quality and in my opinion, the texture of the satin finish is finer than
any other silver coins I have compared it to. What makes Pandas so very
special is that each year a new unique design is released - making them
a very popular collector's item. It is also worth mentioning that almost
85% of all pandas minted are sold in China. That obviously means that only
a small percentage ever reaches the West.

Encapsulated .999 Fine Silver + 24kt selective gold plating

Price:   R 1,100 : 00 + shipping

½ oz Silver + 24kt Gold clad Mexican Libertad

These are very scarce items and highly sought after. In fact, all Libertads
(even the straight bullion) are high demand items that come at a premium.
Stunning design and a real asset to any serious numismatist's collection.

The ½ oz is the scarcest and sells for almost the same price as the 1 oz.

Encapsulated .999 Fine Silver + 24kt selective gold plating

Only sells as a set with the 1 oz and 2 oz (see price below)

1 oz Silver + 24kt Gold clad Mexican Libertad

Not quite as rare as the ½ oz, but still hard to get.
Stunning design and real asset to any serious numismatist's collection.
All Libertads are high demand items

Encapsulated .999 Fine Silver + 24kt selective gold plating

Only sells as a set with the ½ oz and 2 oz (see price below)

2 oz Silver + 24kt Gold clad Mexican Libertad

A limited mintage item to display with pride.
Stunning design and real asset to any serious numismatist's collection

Encapsulated .999 Fine Silver + 24kt selective gold plating

Replacing individual coins in this range is extremely difficult and for
that reason I can only sell it as a set with the ½ oz and 1 oz above

Price of set (½ oz, 1 oz and 2 oz) :   R 4,150 : 00 + shipping

2 oz .999 silver USA Year of the Dragon - Type 2

This is a Year of the Dragon coin released by Northwest Territorial
Mint in the USA. A nice addition for those who collect the "Dragon"
coins of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The Dragon seems to be the
most popular in the range as is evident by the large variety minted
by a number of countries worldwide.

Exact mintage not known to me, but certainly not common.

Price:  R 1,400 : 00 + shipping

Canada - 1 oz slabbed Maple leaf with Dragon Privy

- VERY Scarce -

Graded and slabbed as Reverse Proof "SP GEM" by PCGS, this is a truly
beautiful item. The Canadian Royal Mint prides itself in producing the purest
silver in the world, namely .9999, and the frosting in the background is
nothing short of exquisite.

Total mintage: 25,000

Price:  R 1,600 : 00 + shipping

2012 1 oz Australian Dragon - PCGS MS70 First Strike

- RARE -

The highest quality you can get - for those who only invest in the best.
Any coin graded as MS70 is like a flawless diamond - faultless! In this
case, it is the rare 1 oz Australian Dragon (first edition). The standard
 first edition is already hard to find, so you can just imagine how scarce
they are in slabbed MS70 top grade.

A must-have for the serious "Dragon" collector/investor.

Price:  R 2,000 : 00 + shipping

2012 1 oz 24kt Gilt Australian Dragon - NGC MS70

- RARE -

Similar to Item #015 above, but with 24kt Gold application. Clearly
it will be at least as scarce as Item #015 - if not scarcer. The Perth
Mint issued 50,000 of the gilded edition of the 1 oz Dragon. It is
however difficult to determine how many were officially graded,
and especially how many made the top grade (MS70). Once again,
highly recommended for the serious "Dragon" collectors/investors.

Price:  R 2,200 : 00 + shipping

2012 1 oz Liberty Eagle - NGC MS70 First Releases

- RARE -

Gold Star edition Struck by West Point Mint (Certified)

The bulk of American silver Eagles are struck by the Washington mint.
This limited edition was struck at the West Point Mint. (scarce in MS70) 

.999 Fine silver MS70 graded and slabbed by NGC

Price:  R 1,900 : 00 + shipping

Mexican Aztec Calendar

- Very Scarce -

one tenth ounce
(reverse is blank)

In my humble opinion, one of the
most beautiful series from Mexico.
The tenth oz is particularly scarce.
Due to the difficulty in replacing
individual items, this item is only
available as part of the set.

(See others below)

Mexican Aztec Calendar

- Scarce -

one half ounce

Note that these items were issued
as medallions and not coins, as they
were never intended for currency.
Therefore the total absence of a denomination like 1 Peso, etc.

(See others below)

Mexican Aztec Calendar

- Scarce -

one ounce

The Casa de Moneda de Mexico is
the oldest and most experienced
mint in the Americas. After more than
450 years, that is probably the main reason why their minting quality is
virtually unsurpassed. All Mexican
coins are in very high demand.

(See others below)

Mexican Aztec Calendar

- Very Scarce -

two ounces

In my humble opinion, one of the
most beautiful series from Mexico.
Due to the difficulty in replacing
individual items, this item is only
available as part of the set.

Set of 4 items (18a, b, c, d and e)
 R4,250 : 00 + shipping

Tuvalu 2012 1 oz Dragons of Legend - St George

- RARE -

RARE Item - Boxed + Certificate of Authenticity

Sold out in 2 hours, this series is very popular with collectors.
This is Part 3 of the series. Part 1 (Welsh Red Dragon) is already
selling for $380! Part 4 (Bulgarian 3-headed Dragon) has just
been released. These are extremely high demand items.

 Mintage: Only 5000!

Price:  R 1,800 : 00 + shipping

2012 1 oz Australian Opal Series

- RARE -

Part 2 of series - Opal Wombat - Certified

An extremely popular item that sold out on the first day.
This is Part 2 of the series. Part 1 (Opal Koala) is already
selling for up to $400! Genuine Australian Opal centre
plus a unique feature that includes a 'hi-brite' LED in the
lid of the box to illuminate the opal image on the coin
when you open the lid.

 Mintage: Only 8000!

Price:  R 2,150 : 00 + shipping

2013 Canada Year of the Snake

- Very Scarce -

.9999 ¼ Ounce Specimen Quality

With a very high denomination ($20) and
a low mintage, this Boxed and Certified coin
is already a high demand item. All the C.O.A's are individually numbered (serialized).

A good investment at this low price

 R 1,100 : 00 + shipping

Rare 2012 Republic of Niue 1 oz Feng Shui Koi

- RARE -

.999 silver boxed & certified

Comes in a stunning elaborate ornate Chinese lacquered box
plus Certificate of Authenticity. Very attractive item all round.

 Low Mintage: Only 8000!

Price:  R 1,500 : 00 + shipping

Item # 051

2014 Mongolia 1 oz Chinggis Khaan

- Super RARE -

1 oz (33.1g) .999 silver

A very attractive and hard to find coin minted in Poland
Encapsulated & Certified

 Low Mintage: Only 1000!

Price:  R 1,200 : 00 + shipping

Item # 024

20 Rubles 2003 Belarus Olympics 1 oz Tennis

- RARE -

33.9g .925 silver (contains 31.1g pure .999 silver)

A very attractive and hard to find coin minted in Groznak, Moscow

 Low Mintage: Only 7000!

Price:  R 850 : 00 + shipping

20 Rubles 2004 Belarus Olympics 1 oz Rowing

- Super RARE -

33.9g .925 silver (contains 31.1g pure .999 silver)

A very attractive and Super Rare Belarus coin minted in Poland

 Very Low Mintage: Only 3000!

Most were sold in Russia, with only a few reaching the West

Price:  R 1,200 : 00 + shipping

Item # 026a

Republic of Belarus - Wolf

- RARE -

Endangered Wildlife Series

Depicts a Single Wolf with Swarovski crystal insets in the eyes.
These items are very hard to come by as the bulk are sold mainly
in the East Block (Belarus, Poland, Hungary, etc). Only a very small
percentage make their way to the West. Unfortunately these are
only illustrations released by the mint as I haven't had a chance yet
to take proper photographs. I can assure you that these coins are
much more lustrous and attractive than these 'dull' illustrations.
Once again, due to the difficulty of replacement of individual coins,
I can only sell these as a set of 2 (see Price below)

_______________________________________________________

Item # 026b

Republic of Belarus - Wolves

- RARE -

Endangered Wildlife Series

Depicts two Wolves with Swarovski crystal insets in the eyes.
These items are very hard to come by as the bulk are sold mainly
in the East Block (Belarus, Poland, Hungary, etc). Only a very small
percentage make their way to the West. Once again, due to the
difficulty of replacement of individual coins, I can only sell these
as a set of 2 (see Price below). Boxed with C.O.A

______________________________________________________

 Low Mintage: Only 7,000 of each - which means there are
probably less than 2000 in the West.

Illustration left: Coat of Arms of Belarus that appears
on the Obverse of all the Belarus Endangered Animal coins

Price per set (Item # 024a & 024b):  R 3,400 : 00

Republic of Belarus - Owl (Bubo Bubo)

- RARE -

Endangered Wildlife Series

Depicts a Single Owl with Swarovski crystal insets in the eyes.
These items are very hard to come by as the bulk are sold mainly
in the East Block (Belarus, Poland, Hungary, etc). Only a very small
percentage make their way to the West. Unfortunately these are
only illustrations released by the mint as I haven't had a chance yet
to take proper photographs. I can assure you that these coins are
much more lustrous and attractive than these 'dull' illustrations.
Once again, due to the difficulty of replacement of individual coins,
I can only sell these as a set of 2 (see Price below)

_______________________________________________________

Item # 027b

Republic of Belarus - Owls (Bubo Bubo)

- RARE -

Depicts two juvenile Owls with Swarovski crystal insets in the eyes.
These items are very hard to come by as the bulk are sold mainly
in the East Block (Belarus, Poland, Hungary, etc). Only a very small
percentage make their way to the West. Once again, due to the
difficulty of replacement of individual coins, I can only sell these
as a set of 2. Boxed with C.O.A.           Mintage: Only 7,000 of each

2011 Republic of Belarus - Hedgehog
 
Endangered Wildlife Series

- Super RARE -

Depicts a Single Hedgehog with Swarovski crystal insets in the eyes.
These items are very hard to come by as the bulk are sold mainly
in the East Block (Belarus, Poland, Hungary, etc). Only a very small
percentage make their way to the West. Unfortunately these are
only illustrations released by the mint as I haven't had a chance yet
to take proper photographs. I can assure you that these coins are
much more lustrous and attractive than these 'dull' illustrations.
Once again, due to the difficulty of replacement of individual coins,
I can only sell these as a set of 2 (see Price below)

_______________________________________________________

Item # 028b

2011 Republic of Belarus - Hedgehog + babies

- Super RARE -
 
Endangered Wildlife Series

Shows Hedgehog with babies with Swarovski crystal insets for eyes.
These items are very hard to come by as the bulk are sold mainly
in the East Block (Belarus, Poland, Hungary, etc). Lowest mintage of
the series. Due to the difficulty of replacement of individual coins,
I can only sell these as a set of 2. Boxed with C.O.A.
Mintage: Only 4,000 of each (Hot Items!)

Price per set (Item # 026a & 026b):  R 3,600 : 00

Kazakhstan - 1 oz Tiger + 24kt Gold + Diamonds

- RARE -

Genuine Diamond eye insets

A scarce and very attractive set with an extremely high demand.
These items are very hard to come by as the bulk are sold mainly
in the East Block (Kazakhstan, Belarus, Poland, Hungary, etc). Only
a very small percentage make their way to the West. Once again,
due to the difficulty of replacement of individual coins, I can only
sell these as a set of 2 (see Price below)

_________________________________________________

Item # 029b

Kazakhstan - 1 oz Caracal + 24kt Gold + Diamonds

- RARE -

Genuine Diamond eye insets

A scarce and very attractive set with an extremely high demand.
These items are very hard to come by as the bulk are sold mainly
in the East Block (Kazakhstan, Belarus, Poland, Hungary, etc). Only
a very small percentage make their way to the West. Once again,
due to the difficulty of replacement of individual coins, I can only
sell these as a set of 2 (see Price below)

Low Mintage: 13,000 of each. (Sold out at Mint!) The demand for
these items are exceptionally high and the mintage was clearly
way under the mark.

Illustration bottom left: Coat of Arms of Kazakhstan
that appears on the Obverse of all the Kazakhstan 'Wild Cat' coins

Weight: 31.1g (1 Troy oz)
Metal: .925 Sterling silver**

**The choice of Sterling silver was deliberate to strengthen the setting clasps of the two 1mm diamonds as .999 would be too soft.

Price per set of 2 (Items # 029a + 029b):  R 3,300 : 00

Fiji 2012 Queen Nefertiti of Egypt Silver Proof

- Ultra RARE -

20g .999 silver boxed & certified

Pure fine silver + 24kt selective gold application

Recent release (1 month ago) 
SUPER RARE: Only 999 pieces minted! I recommend that you get at
least one of these while they're still available (and affordable)

Price:  R 1,350 : 00 + shipping

Fiji 2012 King Tutankhamun of Egypt Silver Proof

- Ultra RARE -

20g .999 silver boxed & certified

Pure fine silver with 24kt selective gold application

Recent release (1 month ago) 
SUPER RARE: Only 999 pieces minted! I recommend that you get at
least one of these while they're still available (and affordable)

Price:  R 1,350 : 00 + shipping

1 oz Fiji 2012 Gilded Double Dragon + Genuine Pearl

- RARE -

One of the most beautiful Dragon coins released in 2012
- No.1 of Series -

Pure fine .999 silver with 24kt selective gold application
including a genuine white pearl mounted in the center

RARE: Only 8,888 pieces minted! No.1 of a new series.
Comes in a beautiful ornate box with Certificate of Authenticity

Price:  R 2,200 : 00 + shipping

1 oz Fiji 2013 Gilded Snake + Genuine green Pearl

- RARE -

No.2 of Series
- Highly Recommended -

Pure fine .999 silver with 24kt selective gold application
including a genuine green pearl mounted in the center

RARE: Only 8,888 pieces minted! No.2 of a new series.
Comes in a beautiful ornate box with Certificate of Authenticity

Price:  R 2,000 : 00 + shipping

20g North Korea 2013 Lilith Year of the Snake

- Ultra RARE -

.999 Silver + 2D Nickelshim embedded Hologram (a world first)

Very high demand item - Sold out at Mint before its release!
Image depicts Lilith, mythological first wife of Adam.
Watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFnmBKYVBiE

Ultra Rare: Only 1000 pieces minted! No.1 of a new series.
Comes in a beautiful ornate box with Certificate of Authenticity

Price:  R 2,620 : 00 + shipping

2012 Cameroon 20g Dragon - Only 500 minted!

- Super Ultra RARE -

Probably the lowest mintage of all Dragon coins in 2012!!

Very high demand item - Sold out at Mint before its release!
.999 Silver Embedded with a genuine Zircon Crystal gemstone.

Super ULTRA RARE: Only 500 pieces minted!
Comes in a beautiful wooden box with Certificate of Authenticity

Price:  R 2,650 : 00 + shipping

2012 Cameroon 1 oz Dragon - Only 500 minted!

- Super Ultra RARE -

Probably the lowest mintage of all Dragon coins in 2012!!

Very high demand item - Sold out at Mint before its release!
.999 Silver Embedded with a genuine Russian Diopside gemstone.

Super ULTRA RARE: Only 500 pieces minted!
Comes in a beautiful wooden box with Certificate of Authenticity

Price:  R 2,900 : 00 + shipping

2011 Laos 2 oz Gilded Rabbit with Burmese Jade

- Super RARE - RED HOT -

SUPER RARE item for the serious collector/investor!

No.1 of this series, this fabulous item comes in a stunning box with
double certification. One certificate for the .999 silver, and another
for the authenticity of the Burmese Jade inlay.

Ultra Rare: Only 2,888 pieces minted! Already selling for up
to $900 on eBay, this coin is now almost impossible to find at
a reasonable price.

Price:  R 7,600 : 00 + shipping

2012 Laos 2 oz Gilded Dragon with Burmese Jade

- Super RARE -

SUPER RARE item for the serious collector/investor!

No.2 of this series, this fabulous item comes in a stunning box with
double certification. One certificate for the .999 silver, and another
for the authenticity of the Burmese Jade inlay.

Ultra Rare: Only 2,888 pieces minted! Already selling for up
to $400 on eBay, this coin is bound to take off after the release
of later issues in the series (Snake, Horse, etc).

Price:  R 4,200 : 00 + shipping

2013 Laos 2 oz Gilded Snake with Burmese Jade

- Super RARE -

SUPER RARE item for the serious collector/investor!

No.3 of this series, this fabulous item comes in a stunning box with
double certification. One certificate for the .999 silver, and another
for the authenticity of the Burmese Jade inlay.

Ultra Rare: Only 2,888 pieces minted!

Price:  R 3,700 : 00 + shipping

Ivory Coast 40g Patinated Mecca Qibla Compass

- Super RARE -

Voted 2012 COTY Coin of the Year!

SUPER RARE item for the serious collector/investor!

A unique and rare item. This innovative design is something to behold. The spoon shaped magnet is a Chinese invention that dates back to 200 BC. The coin is divided into 36 segments, each number representing a city. The 'tail' of the magnetic spoon will always point south. By turning the coin until the corresponding city you are in aligns with the magnetic tail of the spoon, the 2 minarets will point in the direction where Mecca lies.
The use of patinated (antique finish) Sterling silver is to toughen the surface to prevent marking by the magnetic spoon. Because of the low mintage and being coin of the year, the demand for this item has now made it virtually impossible to find. Also note that it weighs 40 grams, which is 9 grams more than a Troy ounce. Comes in a beautiful wooden box with full certification.

Ultra Rare: Only 2,500 pieces minted!

Price:  R 3,100 : 00 + shipping

2012 1 oz Spiny Anteater with genuine Diamond eyes

- Ultra RARE - RED HOT! -

ULTRA RARE item for the serious collector/investor!

Issued by Papua New Guinea, this is currently one of the hottest items on the coin market. Has already more than doubled in price since it's release, and still
going up! Minted in Sterling silver to accommodate the two
genuine black diamonds used for the eyes. Highly recommended!

Ultra Rare: Only 1000 pieces minted!

Price:  R 4,200 : 00 + shipping

2012 Fiji - 2 oz Jewels of Egypt - Nefertiti

- Super RARE -

.999 Silver + 24kt Gold + Palladium + Lapis Lazuli gemstone!

No.1 of this stunning series, this was definitely one of the most attractive
coins to be released in 2012. With 3 precious metals plus a semi-precious
gemstone, this will be hard to beat. Comes with frame and Certificate.

Super Rare: Only 2000 pieces minted!

Price:  R 4,200 : 00 + shipping

2012 Fiji - 2 oz Jewels of Egypt - Tutankhamun

- Ultra RARE -

.999 Silver + 24kt Gold + Palladium + Carnelian gemstone!

No.2 of this stunning series, this was definitely one of the most attractive
series to be released in 2012. With 3 precious metals plus a semi-precious
gemstone, this will be hard to beat. Comes with frame and Certificate.

Ultra Rare: Only 999 pieces minted!

Price:  R 4,550 : 00 + shipping

2012 Fiji - 2 oz Jewels of Egypt - Cleopatra

- Ultra RARE -

.999 Silver + 24kt Gold + Palladium + Onyx gemstone!

No.3 of this stunning series, this is an absolute beauty. With 3 precious
metals plus a semi-precious gemstone, this will be hard to beat.
Comes complete with frame and Certificate.

Super Rare: Only 999 pieces minted!

Price:  R 4,100 : 00 + shipping

2012 Fiji - 2 oz Jewels of Egypt - Hatshepsut

- Ultra RARE -

.999 Silver + 24kt Gold + Palladium + Jaspis gemstone!

No.4 of this stunning series, this is an absolute beauty. With 3 precious
metals plus a semi-precious gemstone, this will be hard to beat.
Comes complete with frame and Certificate.

Super Rare: Only 999 pieces minted!

Price:  R 4,100 : 00 + shipping

2012 Fiji - 2 oz Jewels of Egypt - Horus

- Ultra RARE -

.999 Silver + 24kt Gold + Palladium + Obsidian gemstone!

No.5 of this stunning series, this is probably the most beautiful of the series
so far. With 3 precious metals plus a semi-precious gemstone, these
items are hard to beat. Comes complete with frame and Certificate.

Super Rare: Only 999 pieces minted!

Price:  R 3,950 : 00 + shipping

2012 Fiji - 2 oz Jewels of Egypt - Akhenaten

- Ultra RARE (hard to find) -

.999 Silver + 24kt Gold + Palladium + Heliotrope gemstone!

No.6 of this stunning series, this is yet another beautiful issue. With 3
precious metals plus a semi-precious gemstone, these items are
hard to beat. Comes complete with frame and Certificate.

Super Rare: Only 999 pieces minted!

Price:  R 4,200 : 00 + shipping

Understanding premium charges on international (imported) coins

It is important that collectors must always keep in mind that due to the weak Rand, exchange rates are not currently favourable to South African buyers. Also, when you see any of these coins on international sites (eBay, etc), some items may appear slightly cheaper than my current listed prices. The reason for this is that you have to add PayPal's international money transfer fees, shipping costs + insurance (in $ or €), and the minute they land here in South Africa, Customs will add their 14% VAT. That is unfortunate, but there is also a sunny side - It is always worth remembering that every time the Rand devaluates, your coin's value increases (in Rand) - as international collector's coin values are coupled to the dollar! It is therefore an excellent hedge against local inflation.