Thread: Does collecting Bullion make sense?

it really doesn't have a numismatic value does it? i was thinking of collecting silver bullion from around the world

Some of the older pandas bring in a good premium. Same with the Britannia's. Bullion coins can have a numismatic value

It makes a lot of sense if you like it. And your collection will probably hold substantial value compared to other collectibles. Everything is collectible.

I agree. Its a great idea. If you want to invest in PM, why not ALSO get collecting enjoyment out of it. Its the same reason people collect by year bullion ASE's and AGE's. The only danger is, if you are in it for the bullion play, do not get sucked into paying increased premiums too far removed from the PM value. This is where you start crossing over from PM investing to collecting. If you simply make a rule, "I will only ever pay $5 over melt for any coin", then I think its a wonderful way to invest in bullion.

Yes; it definitely makes sense. People collect bullion for a number of reasons: possibility of price appreciation, fear of an upcoming Thunderdome scenario and as Cloudsweeper mentioned, because they like it. I fall into the latter group. I love it and collect bullion from mints all over the world. I don't really collect it based upon rarity, mintage or that sort of thing. My primary criteria are whether I like the design of the coin and if it has great eye appeal, historical significance or personal meaning for me.

I especially like the world bullion coins that change the reverse annually like the britannia, kookaburra, panda, koala and lunar. Not only is the variety a nice change of pace, but the finish on these coins is proof-like. I like ASEs also, but I don't consider them a collection vehicle; they are a stacking medium. Let's face it; they are nicely designed and produced, but they are very boring. The U. S. Mint also produces the 5-ounce nature-themed bullion coins with 5 different designs each year. I have some of them and really like some of the designs, but the finish is really lacking, in my opinion obviously. You have your choice between the aluminum foil looking bullion and the matte collector's version. I feel both of those finishes are lacking. A proof finish (mirrored background and frosted foreground) would have been the way to go to make them stunning. Alas, it was not to be.

I pretty much echo Treehugger to the letter. I would just add that I did not get into numismatics until I already had my core position in generic bullion. I love collecting numismatics a lot more than regular bullion, but I look at it as more of a hobby that isn't throwing my money away as opposed to purely wealth preservation which would be more practically done without the numismatics. If I did not have any I would focus more on ASE's, CML's, and privately minted silver.

Thanks for the replies. I have my eyes on one of those AGE proof sets. Dont know if i should pull the trigger. i guess i'll let gold calm down some before i do. On another note...do you guys have your bullion certified and slabbed? or is that just wasteful?

Originally Posted by Mcreagin

do you guys have your bullion certified and slabbed? or is that just wasteful?

Depends. Generally I would say wasteful of both money and so of storage space. However, if you can get graded coins for cheap when they first come out they will typically increase in premiums over time. I am not a fan of slabbed in general, but fakes are a real concern these days so if you've bought from questionable sources it may be worth getting it certified.

Originally Posted by Mcreagin

On another note...do you guys have your bullion certified and slabbed? or is that just wasteful?

Bullion? No. Waste of good money.

As for collector's coins I will only buy coins that are already slabbed if it makes sense to have the coin in question, slabbed. This works best if the coin is still being sold by the Mint. If I buy a raw collector's coin from the mint, then I will leave it in the OGP.

Originally Posted by Cloudsweeper99

Everything is collectible.

Yup, my 6 year old once had a nice "magic nose gobblin" collection going on his wall near his bed until we discovered it and made him stop collecting such things.

Please do not put me in 1 of those god-awful plastic coffins, Sir! That's no life for a beautiful coin like me.

I see alot of them slabbed on ebay. I guess it is a nice way to keep it safe. i would say better than stacking in a tube. I guess a 2x2 would work. how do you guys store your bullion?

It make sense if you buy them for spot price unless you are good at flipping i would not recomment buying bullions with high premiums'. It is too late to jump on panda bandwagon.

Originally Posted by Mcreagin

Thanks for the replies. I have my eyes on one of those AGE proof sets. Dont know if i should pull the trigger. i guess i'll let gold calm down some before i do. On another note...do you guys have your bullion certified and slabbed? or is that just wasteful?

I think it's good to buy the coins already slabbed, but not worth it to slab them yourself. Avoid the PF70 coins. They are overpriced and there is no such thing as a 70 anyway.

yes it is well worth it..