The History of CIT: A Journey Through Numismatic
Innovation
If you're a passionate coin collector, you've likely come across the exquisite creations of Coin Invest Trust (CIT). The history of this renowned company is not just a tale of coins; it's a journey filled with passion, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
The Early Days: Dr. Günter Gruber's Discovery
Our story begins in the 1960’s, with Dr. Günter Gruber, a commercial traveler with an insatiable passion for coins and banknotes. Dr. Gruber delighted his friends with the treasures he brought home from his travels, sparking a fascination that would eventually lead to the establishment of CIT.
Setting Up CIT: From Hobby to Career
In 1970, in the picturesque Liechtenstein capital of Vaduz, Günter Gruber founded CIT, initially focusing on the wholesale coin business in Europe. Quickly gaining prominence, CIT became the exclusive distributor for prestigious institutions like the US Mint and the British Royal Mint.
After a few years, Michael Vogt, a true all-rounder whose contributions ranged from warehouse management to sales and accounts, entered the picture. His versatility became integral to CIT's early growth and success. The year was 1978.
First Project: Swiss Shooting Thaler
By the early 1980’s, CIT began hitting their stride. Teaming up with Hermann Häberling from Antiqua Trading, CIT embarked on its first project – a range of platinum and palladium medals known as the Swiss Shooting Thaler. This project not only showcased CIT's dedication to innovation but also laid the foundation for their future endeavors in crafting unique and memorable coinage.
The Early 1990’s: The Team Grows
In 1990, Heimo Steriti, originally CIT’s advisor at its house bank, joined the small team led by Günter, Veronika, and Michael, contributing to the company's expansion. Around this time, CIT embraced technology, acquiring its first computer, an Intel 80286 with a 20 MB hard drive, marking a significant milestone in the company's IT journey. This enabled them to expand their capabilities, and CIT began Pioneering techniques and the future of their business.
This was also a time of change for CIT. In 1990, Günter and Veronika Gruber retired, passing the baton to Michael Vogt as the new owner and CEO, leading CIT into a new era of innovation and growth.
1991, CIT introduced the "Marine Life Protection" coin series in collaboration with the Republic of Palau. This series featured the world's first color coin and became one of the longest-running coin series globally, lasting 25 years.
The Early 2000’s - Innovations Galore: The Tiffany Coin and Smartminting®
CIT's innovative spirit shone brightly with the launch of the Tiffany Coin, featuring a glass inlay – a series that continues to captivate collectors. Each Tiffany Coin featured a meticulously embedded glass piece, elevating the coin's aesthetic appeal and setting it apart from conventional numismatic offerings. This innovation made CIT a leader in their industry.
In 2015, CIT introduce another innovation. The company also introduced smartminting® technology, a groundbreaking milestone in the coin market. This technology allows unbelievably intricate design elements and control for coin designers to realize their full artistic vision.
Celebrating 50 Years of Dazzling Coin Enthusiasts
In 2020, CIT celebrated its 50th anniversary, and the company's innovations had become industry standards. Some of their masterpieces found a place in prestigious institutions like the British Museum in London.
Today, as CIT Coin Invest AG, based in Balzers, Liechtenstein, the company continues to shape the future of coin collecting. With a rich history, a commitment to innovation, and a legacy of excellence, CIT stands as a beacon for numismatists worldwide. Explore their collections, embrace the stories behind each coin, and join the journey through the fascinating history of CIT.
We here at Minted Assets are a proud partner of CIT, and we invite you to shop our catalog to see their incredible pieces.