mill rat41

I'm kinda at a dead end for coin collecting. I have a nice example of the coins that appeal to me, and I have no desire to complete any sets (morgan dollars, wheat cents, ect). Most of the nicer coins I can afford are common dates - that pretty much just follow the path of bullion. So, I've been considering just buying 90% silver and maybe a little gold.

I have a CD coming due soon and instead of rolling it over for a whopping 1.75% (less income taxes), I've been considering a "face bag". With the recent dip in silver prices, is this a good move? Anyone else in the same boat?

Yankee

I already took a good portion of my CDs and converted to gold eagles and Pamp gold bars. Banks pay nothing on CDs in interest of coarse gold doesn't pay interest either but I like having less paper money. I hope the gold price drops down into the 800s this summer an I will buy more!

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andrew289

Yeah, dropping 10 grand on a $1,000 face value bag sounds like a lot of fun.

With 10 grand though, I'd just buy a green monster box of ASE's or 6 100 oz bars.

I just dropped 4 grand of some AGEs when gold dipped to $912 last week. Now I'm waiting for the next dip.

Cloudsweeper99

For me, collecting ASEs and other bullion coins today is much like people collecting Morgan and Peace dollars when they were issued. I don't have much interest in bags of junk silver. ASEs cost a bit more, but have a hidden numismatic potential. Someday the US Mint will stop making ASEs, and almost immediately the series will begin to develop [possibly significant] numismatic value because the supply will be fixed but demand will continue. It wouldn't surprise me if common uncirculated ASEs sold for $10 or more over spot a year after they are discontinued.

AdamL

I don't think its a bad idea. Alot of people prefer the Eagles. But I like the 90% bags myself. Less of a premium over spot.

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andrew289

That would be a nice world if that was true but sadly no ..past year BU ASEs are only worth a couple dollars over spot just like the current year issues. It brings folks back to reality real fast when they realize that they are bullion and not Morgan or Peace dollars.

https://www.apmex.com/Product/23331/...irculated.aspx

Argento

I am generally an exclusive collector (not investor, big difference) of bullion coins, specifically US coins but Mexican as well. What few non-bullion pieces I do collect are the 90% silver proofs and the occasional commemoratives.

In the end, it's the raw beauty of coins that hook me and the US Mint's bullion products are among the greatest designs on earth for my tastes.

Gotta go with what appeals to you in this thing.

chip

argento said, "In the end, it's the raw beauty of coins that hook me"

I agree, and I noticed that you collect mexican coins, I think that the silver libertad is one of the most beautiful designs ever.

mill rat41

Hmmm, thanks for the ideas. I really haven't considered the ASE, because of the higher premiums over spot. I think the idea of a $500 face bag to sift through seems kinda fun.

Argento

I agree, she's a real piece of art.

danisanub

I do a little bit of both, but I'm mostly into the bullion collecting as a form of investment. Plus I like the canadian maples and the mexican libertads, so I try to collect them

krispy

"It wouldn't surprise me if common uncirculated ASEs sold for $10 or more over spot a year after they are discontinued."

I also forsee the potential of the US bullion coin programs hidden value as well. A lot of people think slabbed MS bullion ASEs or slabbed Gold Eagles, Commems, etc. are a waste. I don't because I don't look at them for slab value and grades with premiums, but in time and esp. if these coin programs are stopped, changed or bullion becomes unavailable, I think the hidden numismatic value will blossom overnight.

I collect (never hoard) old coins not for investment but for personal aesthetic, historical and intrinsic value to me. I buy US bullion and commem. coins for the same reasons, appreciating design and quality. I don't foresee making a shift from collecting to bullion buying. They are not the same thing to me. I typically buy a couple of each gold and silver coin design from the US Mint in Proof state but I personally don't place any importance or value in PR coins, esp. when 'slabbed and slapped' with a premium. There have gotten to be just too many PR coins out there to make these special to me. I buy US bullion in their unc. state for bullion value/investment because they hold that value and are graced with excellent designs that are pleasing to me while holding them for investment or collecting them. There's nothing wrong with holding foreign bullion, bars, nuggets, etc. It's just up to you what you love/want/need/use/choose. I will buy coins when I find nice attractive ones that I want to own and keep buying bullion at a normal pace.

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Cloudsweeper99

I agree completely. Many people can't seem to make the mental jump from what is to what could or will be. Bags of junk silver will always be junk, but ASEs have a hidden numismatic potential that is difficult to comprehend because it currently doesn't exist. There will be a rush to buy them when they are discontinued, and the nicest specimens will command a premium to the dinged up bullion.

Joshycfl

didn't people use to call G-VG barbers as "junk silver" some years back? now they are worth $7-$12 each in G-VG. So I don't really believe in the "junk silver" will always be "junk silver".

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1970 Silver Art

I like the image from the years 1996 to present date.