I have scanned most markets that I have stock in or trade in. The U. S. Dow and Nasdac are a traders place giving little to the average investor over the last seven years. Much wealth was acquired very quickly before 1999. The dollar is down against most major curriencies, so buying at home is a must. Realestate went crazy but it has before gone through cycles but not to this extent. It looks shakey for the near future to buy into larger homes with more taxes, or income property. Cash is Ok but it is buying less. Gold is doing ok but the whip saw is profit taking from the trading markets, but it looks like 600.00 might be a floor. Rare coins are expensive so the focus on what to buy is all important. Timing is not in the cards as you never know what pops up. Mr. Joe gold is buying yellow and paying more then he should but still may be ok as it may not break him with a drop but give him a bit of a hair cut. The knowledge of the coin market for collectors I would say is paramount to use your collection to hedge what ever you have as investments. The gold industrys Dehedging of billions, in futures contracts is a big bet. If they feel that strongly that the crushing of futures contracts builds a bottom in the industry. Gold and silver are not in short supply.More production is on line and more is in the wings. Coins that are of quality are what is in short supply. It looks like buy quality . Have fewer but premium quality. Information received here in, from the knowledgeable ones is all important. Oil is maybe going to be 100.00 a barrel before we see 60.00 again but that may be a quarter toss. It has had an effect of great magnitude on discreationary income.The bridge gap to our oil dependence is not far away but politics make ethanol wrong in using corn as the basic product for production. Green waste as Brazil uses is the proper way to make this work.Glucose is glucose and green waste is everywhere. It is an emission neutral conversion. If it sets and rots it poduces an emiission. If it goes out the tail pipe of a vehicle it has the same emmission. Each and every vehicle in the U.S. can burn up to 25% Ethanol. After that we require higher compression and usually forged crankshafts to handle additional stress. I was involved in this project through an AG school in Fresno CA in the 80s. Yes this does ultimateley have an impact on the value of your collection and what you shoud buy. I do not have a lot of coin knowledge, but metals are in my portfolio. I now am starting to look at high quality coins as a safe refuge and a long term experience of having art in the palm of my hand............. Be well Floyd
Thanks for the news Floyd. Pretty deep, but interesting stuff you shared. I must say that I agree with everything written here, good enough to be published in a magazine or newspaper, I think.
I think that makes a LOT of sense, Pepperoni. I know you're approaching it from an investment perspective, but for me "Fewer but premium" is also more enjoyable from a hobby / aesthetics perspective.
With the latest increases in gas for your car I would suggest an investment in a buggy whip company. I forsee horse drawn buggies coming back real soon. For real I've noticed an increase in Bikes around here lately. Perhaps an investment in a Bike company would be wise at this time. I'm fearfull coins will deminish soon similar to stamps, beanie babies, baseball and football cards, hot wheel and matchbox cars and a whole slew of other collectibles. They will always be worth something but just as with the antique roadshow constantly saying "at an auction JUST for that item you MAY get as much as ___" Even now I've noticed many dealers turning down purchasing coins from people. By the way it is a complete falicy that all cars can burn 25 % Ethanol. This is a usual misguided survey that leaves out numerous trucks, high performance auto engines, any auto prior to 1975, motorcycles, lawn mowers and on and on and on. For instance in Illinois there are polution test for autos and a separate test is required for 1968 to 75, 1976 to 80, 1981 to 2000, etc. Note that engines prior to 75 require lead or a lead substitute for the valves. 25 % Ethanol would wipe out the valves in short order. I have several of these auto and no way would I distroy the engines with Ethanol. Studies like this are like the ones that say the world is coming to an end. Probably will some day also.
