How should I handle modern "investment coins" from the US Mint

Don't waste your money on modern coins!

 

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I used to think that proof sets ALWAYS went up.

 

They do, but it is usually to the attic!

Chris

 

Nine out of ten (or more!) people who try this loose money, including yours truly. And I have been at it a very long time. As far as holding ten years? I recommend 30 years, which seems to be the cycle for the metals lately. Even thirty years doesn't do it for some, or fifty years either.

Take a look at 1950D nickels, for example. In the late 50's and very early 60's they where wholesaling on the "investment" market for about $1200.00/roll. The highest buy that was recently offered me for five BU original rolls was $295.00/roll.

 

OGP stands for original government packaging which is how the product came from the mint. Most of us, who purchase moderns, like to leave the item in the OGP. There are some, however, who like their moderns slabbed and that's OK too.....just gonna cost you more. Decide what you want to do and heed some of the advice given to you in the above post. These guys know their stuff.

 

Let's make a list of stuff that has done well, long term.
Gold from 30 years back.
The 95W silver eagle but it was free.
Maybe one or two of the first silver proof state quarter sets.
What did I miss?

 

2001 Buffalo (silver) commem........(still waiting for the price to drop on these)

 

It boils down to what you consider an appropriate timeframe for "investment." If you choose to think no more than 5 years out, these "coins" might be a worthwhile course. If you plan to flip quickly and can ride the wave of popularity with non-experts better than the other eleventy-bazillion people who are doing the same thing.

Otherwise, the things which create value with numismatic people who get it - genuine rarity, historic significance as circulating coinage - simply don't apply here. None of the features which make a Morgan a worthwhile investment for me exist here. There is no factual, reality-based appeal, just aesthetic. They're lumps of metal with additional value simply because the buyer thinks they have that value. The rarest of Modern issues - NIFC or not - would be a pretty hefty production issue for most Classics. It's taking a big chance to bet on the continued existence of a market large enough to maintain demand for so many examples, and an even bigger chance to believe that ephemeral market will be here at all in any "long term" sense. So many Mints in so many countries are exploiting this market that I'm minded of Beanie Babies. What happens when people finally realize that there's more than enough for everyone?

 

Don't expect the Truman coin and chronicles set to go anywhere but up! Leave the set ungraded in the original packaging.

 

I forgot about that one.
Also forgot about the 1995 and 96 Olympics Commemorative coins.
That puts us at 4 or 5 items that have done well long term.
Please add to the list.

 

They do seem to command more money in OGP.

 

You forgot every regular non-silver proof set made between 1968 and 1999! Those have been real hits! Lol

 

Now name all the losers...

 

If you buy anything at retail not wholesale its pretty tough to realize a profit,coins,guitars whatever it is.....

 

Absolutely!

Instead......waste your money on Classic collectible Coins! I did..........you can to!




The reality of the situation is that money CAN be made in the Modern Coin Arena.

BUT

It takes knowledge, money, guts, a venue for selling, buyers who believe in YOU, and persistence.

Very few US Mint products over the past 15 years have had sustained aftermarket prices. Those that have, are long gone for "new folks". What this means is that those 1998 Kennedy Special Mint Set coins "were" a good investment purchase when they were initially sold but are now "NOT" a good investment since it's doubtful that prices will ever go up to what the "were" when they were hot.

99% of US Mint Proof and Uncirculated sets are currently available for LESS than what they originally sold for and you CANNOT take that to the bank.

To handle Modern Coin "investment Coins" from the US Mint, you have to dump them as quickly as possible "when the market is hot" because if you don't, then you'll be stuck holding a plastic bag of ice cubes on a 98 degree day. The longer you hold onto that bag, the few ice cubes you'll have.

 

It doesn't sum up any better than this.

 

Modern coins are very nice as collectibles, if you like them. I happen to collect high grade ones, and enjoy them very much. In terms of investment value, unless one wishes to flip them immediately, very few moderns have investment potential. The exception to this is certain series with very low populations (e.g. certain dates of high grade Kennedy halves with very low populations--specialized collectors like me go for them). Moderns should be for one's own enjoyment, and not for investment potential.

 

I feel it can go lower.......just bidding my time.