l have an offer from Lear Capital to buy the silver coins at around $40. Considering the spot market on silver is around $16.35 an oz., that equals about $24.52 per coin. My question, is the numismatic value worth the added cost to buy them? Also what has been you experience with Lear Capital? Good or bad?
My opinion is no, in the future you would be offered spot price (or less). Of course you could sell for a premium on eBay, but after fees from eBay, PayPal, and shipping, you'd be closer to spot. And that's without putting a value on your time ( taking pics, listing, taking offers, packing, drive to Post Office, etc.) Don't get me wrong, they are beautiful, and a quick online check says that people are buying them... However, your odds of making a profit are small. With such a large premium the spot price would have to rise significantly.
I would suggest you check out some of the Canadian auctions, your dollar has a great exchange rate, At times I have seen very nice silver items go for about the same number in the US and in Canada, and at almost 30% you can gain by purchasing some of the items in Canada because of the dollar .Shipping is more but if you were purchasing enough the spread over a number of items reduces the final cost by a fair amount. If you want a few names of Reputable auctions, message me, and I will give you some of the places I buy at. You have a good advantage over the Canadian bidders , and this could get you the items your looking for at a much better price.
Premium is too high. But item is much cheaper at all the big bullion places (Apmex, Provident, etc.). It is cheapest (just over $32) at JM Bullion. https://www.jmbullion.com/2016-1-5-oz-canadian-silver-falcon-coin/ https://www.apmex.com/product/96416/2016-canada-1-5-oz-silver-8-white-falcon-bu https://www.providentmetals.com/2016-1-5-oz-silver-snow-falcon-royal-canadian-mint.html
You have to weigh the fact that anything over spot is going to be a crap shoot To get a return on that premium, on silver i would try and stay under $20 if at all possible from a possible investment standpoint however if you like the the coins and dont really care about that aspect, i always say buy what you like