Since you mention "short term investment" bad idea. They will fluctuate with the price of gold. For short term investment: use the stock market. But, you did not define 'short term'. For me, under five years in coins is short term.
Hmm....the $5 Indian? No, I agree that it is a great design, just that the 'short term' part of your question threw me.
The bid/ask spread on coins is too large for short term investing. Bullion coins are the closest thing to a real investment in the coin world. Most other coins are purely for enjoyment of the collecting hobby.
Define short term ..and with these you have to buy certified coins ..which will negate any short term profit. There are way to may fakes out there.
I was refering to the price of gold these days. Even a lowly Charlottte mint mark commmands high dollar.
The Market is not a good investment in any way. Bullion PM's or Online Poker Tournaments are your best bet (Unless you suck at poker).
PM = Price Match. If the price of your bullion drops within 30 days, just go back to your dealer for a price match As I'm not looking to complete any collection right now, I only buy silver/gold coins when I can get them for less than melt value.
There are no coins, short of bullion coins bought for near spot, I would consider short term investments. Unless you think you're a good enough grader to play the crackout game, or a good enough doctor to play that game. Otherwise, stick to real investments, not coins...Mike