| Country | Coin | Current Price | Past sell price low | Past sell price high | Past sell Average | Graded MS70 | Percent Increase | |
| 10 | Austrian | Philharmonic | $21.82 | $25.00 | $30.00 | $27.50 | $40.00 | 26.03% |
| 9 | Armenian | Noah's Ark | $20.83 | $25.00 | $30.00 | $27.50 | $50.00 | 32.02% |
| 8 | Mexican | Libertad | $22.95 | $25.00 | $40.00 | $32.50 | $150.00 | 41.61% |
| 7 | US | American Silver Eagle | $22.45 | $30.00 | $40.00 | $35.00 | $50.00 | 55.90% |
| 6 | Canada | Maple Leaf | $21.66 | $30.00 | $60.00 | $45.00 | $60.00 | 107.76% |
| 5 | Australian | Lunar | $32.30 | $35.00 | $100.00 | $67.50 | $200.00 | 108.98% |
| 4 | Australian | Kookaburras | $23.65 | $30.00 | $80.00 | $55.00 | $90.00 | 132.56% |
| 3 | Great Britain | Britannia | $21.91 | $25.00 | $130.00 | $77.50 | $200.00 | 253.72% |
| 2 | Chinese | Pandas | $27.50 | $30.00 | $200.00 | $115.00 | $300.00 | 318.18% |
| 1 | Somalia | Elephant | $22.25 | $25.00 | $170.00 | $97.50 | $175.00 | 338.20% |
Above is my top 10 list of coins that I will be investing in, in 2017. These coins seem to have the best RIO as they get older and seem to hold a good value with low premiums. Other than the number five Perth Mint Lunar series I would say that every stacker / investor should have these coins in their collection this year.
Here is a brief history of the TOP THREE coins.
Since 2013 the silver coins have been produced with a millesimal fineness of .999 (99.9% silver). Mass 31.21 g and Diameter 38.61mm.
From 1997 to 2012 the silver coins had a millesimal fineness of 958 (95.8% or Britannia silver). Total mass 32.45g, Diameter 40.00mm.
Silver Britannias have been released each year beginning in 1997, when a silver proof set was offered. In 1998 and in all subsequent even-numbered years the reverse design has depicted a standing Britannia figure. Beginning in 1999 and continuing in odd-numbered years, a series of alternate, non-repeating depictions of Britannia have replaced the standing figure on the reverse. Starting in 2013, the proof versions of the coin will feature a different design each year, while the bullion version of the coin will always feature the classic standing Britannia. While mintage was limited prior to 2013, in 2013 and after mintage of the bullion version of the coin is unlimited based on demand.
Some 2014 silver Britannia coins were struck with the incorrect obverse as there was a mix up during the manufacturing process with the ‘Lunar’ Year of the Horse coins from The Royal Mint, as both coins were to the same fineness and specification, and similar but not identical obverse sides. It is thought that there are around 17,000 examples with the mis-strike, which have been dubbed the ‘Mule Britannia’ These coins have fetched substantial premiums on online auction sites.
The first Silver Panda coins—issued in 1983, 1984 and 1985—were proof quality, with a precious metal content of 27 grams of 0.900 fine silver and a diameter of 38.6 mm. Mintages were only 10,000 for each year. No Silver Pandas were issued in 1986. The 1987 Silver Panda coins were minted in proof quality from 1 troy oz. of sterling (.925 fine) silver, with a diameter of 40 mm. There are several mints that produced Silver Panda coins over the years, including: Shanghai, Shenyang and Shenzhen. Unlike coins made by US mints that carry mintmarks to distinguish their origin, Chinese mints generally do not carry mintmarks. In certain years there are minor variations in the coin design—such as the size of the date, and temple. That allow the originating mint to be determined. An example is 1996 where different mints produced coins with minor variations in the font size of the date on the obverse side of the coins. In 2015 both the Gold and Silver Panda coins no longer list the metal fineness and weight much to the dismay of collectors.
At first glance, Silver Elephant coins appear to be of African origin. Each coin’s obverse includes the year of issue, the coat of arms and the denomination: 5,000 Kwacha (Zambia, 1999-2003); 1,000 Shillings (2004-2006); 100 Shillings (2007-date). Coins starting in 2004 feature the Somali coat of arms, depicting two leopards supporting a shield and five-pointed star. Beneath the leopards appears a ribbon draped over two crossed lances and two crossed palm fronds.
But despite their imagery, these coins are produced by the Das Bayerisches Hauptmünzamt Mint, or Bavarian State Mint, in Germany. This has undoubtedly contributed to the coin’s popularity as the Bavarian State Mint is known worldwide for exceptional quality control. Minting coins since 1158, it is the oldest company in Munich.
Between 1999 and 2003, African Wildlife series coins included the legend of Zambia, a landlocked country in Southern Africa. In 2004, however, the Bavarian State Mint transferred the series’ legend to the Somali Republic, a coastal nation on the Horn of Africa. Some experts, however, have cast doubt on whether authorization from the Somalian government is sufficiently documented by the Bavarian State Mint.
There is no evidence to suggest that Somalia has ever recognized Gold or Silver Elephant coins as legal tender. Coins in the African Wildlife series are not distributed by the Central Bank of Somalia. Any actual connection between the coins and Somalia is unclear due to political turmoil, ongoing civil war and battling factions throughout the country. Somalia remains in the process of building a federal parliamentary republic.
Despite tensions in Somalia, the African Wildlife series showcases the country’s beautiful landscape and living resources.