"Want to Buy Rare Gold Coins?" Surge in Gold Prices Draws Japanese Youth, Housewives, and Office Workers

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As gold prices continue to hit record highs day after day, antique gold coins with historical value are emerging as a new investment destination in Japan, according to a report by TV Asahi on the 15th (local time).

The outlet visited an antique shop in downtown Tokyo. Inside the shop, customers were carefully examining the coins on display. A male customer in his 50s said, "I had no idea about this, but a friend told me about antique coins. I invest in stocks and bonds, but I was looking for something a bit more stable." Antique coins refer to old currency that is over 100 years old. Due to their rarity and historical value, they have long been popular as collectibles.

A shop representative introduced a sovereign gold coin from the era of Queen Elizabeth I of England (a legal tender issued by the country), saying, "This gold coin was minted between 1592 and 1595, during the lifetime of the English playwright Shakespeare, and is priced at a whopping 35 million yen (about 33 million won)." He added, "The 1908 Austrian '100 Corona Gold Coin,' which features a goddess floating above the clouds, is being sold for 3.8 million yen (about 3.57 million won). It is not uncommon for prices to increase tenfold over a decade." There are also coins at more accessible price points, such as the Indian rupee silver coin used by the British East India Company in 1840, which is priced at 35,000 yen (about 330,000 won), making it easier for beginners to approach.

On February 18, 2025, at the Jongno headquarters of Korea Gold Exchange in Jongno-gu, Seoul, a monitor displays a notice of gold bar sold out amid soaring gold prices and a shortage of gold bars.

The outlet reported, "Whereas coin collecting was once considered a hobby for the wealthy, it is now gaining popularity as an investment vehicle and attracting a broad range of people." A shop representative also said, "Compared to ten years ago, inquiries have increased by dozens of times. Recently, even young people, housewives, and office workers have been showing interest and visiting the shop."

Experts analyzed that antique coins are attracting attention alongside the recent surge in gold prices. As of September 12, the domestic gold price in Japan reached a record high of 19,144 yen (about 180,000 won) per gram. Since many antique coins are made of gold, their rarity adds to the investment value of the gold itself, making it possible to expect even greater capital gains (profits from price increases), which is boosting their popularity. However, it is a misconception that antique coins never lose value. In some cases, their value can drop significantly, and there are many points to be cautious about when investing. A shop representative also noted, "Coins without a certificate of authenticity are called 'naked coins,' which means there is a higher possibility that they are counterfeit."