For example, I figure if I wanted Morgans (since they seem quite popular), I could buy 4 or 5 at a decent grade. Alternatively, I could buy 1 or 2 higher grade coins. With silver so low, I think I should probably go for the multiple coins, at least at G or VG. Am I right or is it a matter of opinion?
1. Unless you have enough cash stashed to live for 6 months without income, don't invest. 2. In general, coins are a very poor investment.
If you want silver or gold them bulk. But if you want other coins them 1 or 2 nice high grade or rare ones.
I have to disagree with # 1 there. I know this is thrown around quite often that you should build up your reserves first, but the reality is for many folks, the ONLY way to build up six months of reserves is TO invest. I do agree though you most likely won't get there if your "investment" is coins. Mike
I hear what you are saying Mike, but I still think its possible to save up a good nest egg. Problem is usually people do not want to sacrifice consumption today in order to get there. To the OP, sorry but I think you are confusing investing with your hobby. "Investing" and buying coins usually ends very badly. If there is any chance you will NEED that $100 in the next decade put it in the bank. I see this all of the time, people "investing" in coins but 5 years later need to sell. Usually they get 50 cents on the dollar if they are lucky.
If you are just going for silver then buy as much as you can get for your money, in which case you'll probably have to sacrifice quality if you're dead set on Morgans. If you're purpose for buying is for collecting and the enjoyment of the coins you'll be much happier in the long run with a few nice pieces rather than a bunch of junk.
The thing is, if you are hit with some kind of emergency, do you want to have to sell your "investment" right now because you need money right now? The hyenas magically appear when one of the herd comes up lame. Hence, my six months' cash advice.
Best option: find a couple really nice coins at close to bulk prices. This option takes more work, but will work out better in the long run. I think quality over quantity would be my choice, too...if it were limited to only those two choices, which it isn't.
Morgans are probably the single most counterfeited item coming out of Asia. Make sure you know what your buying if you plan on investing in them.
I'm like a lot of people here and think that unless you have a good understanding of the coin market it's best not to invest in them. We hear stories of collectors who make a ton of money auctioning off their collections but this is not the norm. If it was me, I'd find the nicest example of a coin I liked. Think DesertGem got it right.