CoinNews

The British Royal Mint has produced a series of 18 sterling silver proof coins commemorating the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I. The coins are issued under the authorities of Alderney, the Cayman Islands and the Solomon Islands and have a total collection limit of just 5,000.

According to the Mint, the commemorative themes were "designed by the Royal Mint Design Team, drawing inspiration from the art and literature of those who experienced the war first hand and from their own visit to the battlefields of France and Belgium."

The collector's eye is scanning for scarcer gold and platinum coins to purchase after the United States Mint's announcement on Monday to slash future coins from its numismatic portfolio.

With 22 collector American Eagle and Buffalo gold and platinum coins to face elimination in 2009, opportunities have improved for several to rise in value based on that alone. And even more so for others after comparing their prices and sales figures.

But how did we get to this point? Also, what collector bullion coins are the best buy?