Retirement......numismatic coins saved....

Coins provide an enjoyable hobby, pure and simple. Keep it on those terms -- along with personal affordability -- and I don't see how one can go wrong. Stocks, bonds and other forms of investment don't even fit in the same paragraph with coins.

And those who suggest that all forms of investment are equally speculative don't have a clue of what they are talking about.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

I will say that most of us (hopefully) are not too leveraged in our numismatic purchases...

It is a bit scary how flimsy all investment classes are in reality. It could all come crashing down easier than a lot of people realize.

 

"Huge losers".....some coins , yes; but if one is careful purchasing numismatic coins, they could make a profit.

 

Except in isolation, nobody really knows who owns what and their financial circumstances. I believe (but do not actually know) that coin collectors on average are more financially conservative than others and in a better financial position but under renewed adverse economic conditions, many will become forced sellers again.

During 2008-2009 in the worst of the financial crisis, most who afford to do so presumably just waited it out since the financial stress was temporary. The more expensive coins are probably and usually owned by "stronger hands" than cheaper ones but not always.

I try to obtain the best value for my coin purchases but concurrently, only use discretionary income that I (hopefully) won't need for other purposes. I only buy out of current income.

Financially, buy what you can afford and don't mind if it loses value. If it gains value fine but if it doesn't and you don't care, you can't go wrong.

 

"...But man is a flightly, deplorable creature, and, like a chess player, he may be fond only of the process of achieving the goal, rather than the goal itself. And who knows (no one can vouch for that), perhaps the only goal towards which mankind is striving on earth consists of nothing but the continuity of the process of achieving-in other words, of life itself, and not the goal proper, which, naturally, must be nothing but two times two is four-in other words, a formula; and two times two, gentlemen, is no longer life but the beginning of death...."
Notes From The Underground
Fyodor Dostoevsky

 

Since you same numismatic coins do this - go buy 10k in numismatic coins and 10k in mutual funds(spread it out to 3 or 4 funds in different markets). Then report back in 1 yearly increments. Just a suggestion on how you can determine which might make more money. I do agree with conder and his posts.

 

If you can predict this, you should incorporate.

 

Four pages later of people, most of them much smarter than myself, telling you that coins are not an investment. I, for one, give up.

 

Note that word "could". Yes they could, but even if you get lucky and they do, often times that profit (unless it is a short term blip in the market and you did a quick flip, or you got lucky enough to buy just before the market jumped) when compared against the rate of inflation during the time held turns out to not be a profit in terms of constant purchasing power.

 

Well...after all this, I really don't think purchasing numismatic coins is the answer for a retirement where one can be financially "comfortable". But I can't understand why analysts and experienced coin buyers are so excited about buying numismatic coins. They say they love the coins, and are stocking up on some really good numismatic coins to make a profit in the future. I have some good numismatic coins....but for retirement purposes, one cannot rely on them as being the answer.

 

No, I definitely don't have that "power" (ha,ha)....it's a nice thought though if gold and silver start doing really well, like back in the late 80's.

 

You are absolutely right, if silver goes to $50, you could do great with bullion...OTOH, if it goes to $7, you could be an unhappy camper. Numismatic items are at least a little protected.

 

So...seriously, why do people purchase numismatic coins if not for "investment purposes". Just so they can have a "collection" ....or so they can give the coins to their kids or grandkids? There must be something else to why people purchase gold and silver numismatic coins? They don't think of it as an "investment" ever? A collection, a hobby.....it can be a costly one. Sure people have expensive hobbies.....but a lot of people do think about money. It's like now, after this thread: "what's all the "hype" about" in purchasing numismatic coins? Does it make one feel wealthy or what? Sure it's kind, and considerate in thinking of friends and relatives if one is purchasing numismatic coins to give away....great, and also great if one has enough money just to have a hobby in coin collecting...if that's what they want to do. But other than these reasons, I'm beginning to wonder what all the "hype" is about?

 

It's like any other type of investment.
Some are good, some are bad.
Some years it's good, some years it's bad.
The more knowledgeable buyer one is the more likely it can be good. The less knowledgeable, the more likely it may not be good.

It just doesn't matter. vintage cars, houses, coins, vintage teapots, etc.
It all depends upon the economy and how that "market" is doing. Some markets die off, are cyclical, etc.

And it depends upon the term you are looking for it as an investment. Quick flipping, 5 yrs, 10 yrs, 40 yrs ? And if the economy is good and coinage isn't made illegal in the future then all is well (might as well add a doomsday to it !!).

I for one buy for the enjoyment of it. I prefer higher grade coins which more likely will increase in value (with a positive economy).

fyi, how is that cabbage patch doll investment going, or GoPro stock ?

FYI, I like to collect and mostly collect coins with various Eagles on them. But I also like to fill in the different variety of coins, if anything for my own interest and for my kids to look at.

 

So when one has a hobby like this, great ! Does one ever think about the value of it also.....like an all-around possibly "win-win" situation...Not only do you get enjoyment from collecting, but also the value it might make if one has to sell (I mention this, because that is what I think it might be..."an all-around "win-win" situation". Who knows...no one can predict the future, and coin collecting is a luxury.

 

Banter for the investor:

 

If the day ever comes when paper is worthless, then there will only be a tiny amount of tangible wealth to go around. If you couldn,t trade your precious metals for paper, you will most likely be plundered or killed anyway. There are NO winners in a society without paper assets.

 

"If the day ever comes...." well, as you probably know many people believe that day is coming very soon. If that should happen , a lot of people can't live...they are struggling as it is now to survive financially, and "tuck" money away.

 

I haven't time to read all the replies but this is my take........


I don't make money selling coins. I make money BUYING coins. If I buy a coin that I can sell for $1000 for $600, I will make money. If I buy the same coin for $1200 I am not going to make money.

I am appraising a collection for a gentleman that have his purchase invoices included. For example, he bought )from a telemarketer) a Cleveland commemorative half dollar in NGC MS 65 for $1595.00. the coin bids currently at $150.

Not a profitable buy.


If you want to know what your coins are worth, try selling a few.