I am having trouble validating this set of coins that I got at the Pearl Harbor Memorial that was produced by the Honolulu Mint in 2004. At the time of purchase, I was told they were solid 1 troy oz 24kt gold each. They were sold on site in conjunction with the park, to raise funds for the Pearl Harbor Memorial, I believe. They came in a nice presentation case and a Hawaii $20 bill. Does anyone know more about these coins and whether they are what they were presented as? I am having trouble finding information online since the mint changed hands several years ago. I am having trouble getting insurance value and possible interest from local dealers due to a lack of information. At a minimum, I would like to validate bullion value for the coins. Thanks! -Frank
Since you purchased these yourself from the shop in 2004, you should have a good idea if you paid a premium to their then possible bullion value. Gold was around $400 or so an ounce in 2004 and if you have two troy ounces you would have had to pay at least $800 for this set. If you paid less, then you have your answer that they are not each one troy ounce 24K gold. Also, they would/should have their finess (0.999 fine gold) within the design or stamped on the edge of each. If they do not, then they are likely brass.
Well, I know that I did pay a premium. As you say, over $800 for the set at the time. There is nothing stamped on the coins stating the gold content. The reeded edge has a section stamped A00038 which I believe is the serial number for the coins. This is one of the problems. I know the expected value based on what I paid, but I cannot get insurance or 3rd party dealers to validate this value based on the information I currently have. I am told the weight is good (1 troy ounce) but it is almost impossible to verify that it is fully 24kt gold or just thick clad (plating). I am hoping there is someone here that has some knowledge of the Honolulu Mint and its offerings and has information to verify the original claims that I can use to support the coins' veracity and their value.
If the weight is a troy ounce then you may want to go to a shop that is willing to perform a specific gravity test for you. If the specific gravity checks out as 24K gold then they may buy the pieces at a few percent back of spot. The lack of a certificate of authenticity and markings on the pieces makes it easy for others to believe they are plated with 24K gold over tungsten or some similar metal.
Have you tried the website? This is from best I can tell is your set here. If you click on the various sets, most are sold out and there is however a phone number you can call to see if you can get a COA... http://www.storesonline.com/site/580760/page/45031/Chinese Zodiac
Yes. I went to the website. My set is there, but since it is sold out, there is no picture or detailed information. Also the company went through bankruptcy with a new owner. I contacted him and while he has given me some information, there are no COAs available. My best bet is to find historical documentation with images and other people who can corroborate the set's history and information. I really like the idea of having a specific gravity test done. I need to see if there is a place in the Wilmington, NC area that can do that and provide a report of the final assay. This is the link to the set I actually got: http://www.storesonline.com/site/580760/page/133121/Chinese%20Zodiac
Hi Frank, I'm performing research on the Honolulu Mint issues and saw your question. Does this information help? http://wp.me/a3eNTe-rQ http://wp.me/a3eNTe-rR My blog Hawaii coins, medals, and token blog is at http://thehawaiiananumismatist.com/
Some coin shops have those fancy scanners that can till you the composition of the coin with out damaging it.
DrDarryl, This is similar to information I found, though the set I have is with 2x 1 troy oz. 24kt gold coins and a $20 Hawaiian overprint. Note that I saw the set you link when I was there, but opted for this one (I also purchased a 2x 1 troy oz *silver* gold select set with a $1 Hawaiian overprint as well. I was also given a GBA (God Bless America) 1 troy oz silver medallion that was just minted and not publicly released yet. PM me if you want more details and we can exchange information.
http://royalhawaiianmint.com/ Telle Presley Co-Founder & CEO Aloha@RoyalHawaiianMint.com 808-922-6468
This looks exactly like what I have from the description. I also note that line item 1) in that image is the other set that I purchased back in 2004. I do not currently have the documentation that goes with the set, so I do not have any serial numbers or other marks beyond the A00038 stamped along the edge of each coin. It is possible I have the paperwork stored somewhere, but after several moves, it has been hard to locate it.
I have my means to data mine information off the internet. My last image was back in March 2004. Spot gold in 2004 was about $400 an ounce. The premium noted from spot to sold price is for a limited edition set. Part of the proceeds in the sale of the set was a donation... "The Arizona Memorial serves to commemorate and honor valiant Americans, who made the ultimate sacrifice, in preserving the freedom of our nation. The Arizona Memorial Fund was created by the National Park Foundation, to raise $10 million dollars, in an effort to preserve this historic site, for millions of visitors who come from all over the world to visit Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Honolulu Mint offers a wide selection of Commemorative Coins for the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. The Honolulu Mint is a proud sponsor of the Arizona Memorial Fund. A percentage of the proceeds go to the Arizona Memorial Fund. Each coin is struck in mint proof quality with a numbered certificate of authenticity. " I would expect a tax write-off from the donation...
https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=9738 Donations are great. This was my donation to Fort McHenry museum. These are the only NGC "release ceremony" designated 2012 Star Spangled Banner gold coins in existence. I was at the release ceremony and made the purchase. US Mint director signed/dated its COA. I fought tooth and nail to get these rightfully designated for my donation. They now reside at Fort McHenry museum.
