Why are fractionals so popular

One product that seems to be selling like hotcakes are 1/10 ounce fractionals. The other day a family in a shop I was at and asked for tubes of them (which they were out of stock) even though there was clearly a bowl of Roosevelt pre-65 dimes. What do you guys think? For me I'll keep stacking Silver dimes (with a lower premium) that I would fractionals (although you can get some really interesting designs). Do any of you collected 1/10 ounce fractionals and if so do you prefer them to silver dimes?

 

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I assume you are talking about 1/10 ounce gold's. Two totally different monsters, silver and gold. The small gold's are popular and least expensive way of adding gold as a collectable, which is one reason they sell so well. Another reason is that people, some at least, are hedging against a possible crash in the markets or adding to their 401K's. Many reasons really, maybe just eye appeal, trying to complete a less expensive collection of gold. I personally only have a few older pieces and am stacking silver as a hedge. If the market plummets in stocks and silver bolts, I will sell out and start again later.

 

Hi tommy,
I was actually talking about the silver since we can buy pre-65 dimes for their silver value but many just want the fractionals.

 

Ah, ha! My oops. I've seen them a lot but do not buy them actually as it costs more than buying by the ounce, in the end. I've been stacking silver Eagles and name brand rounds for about two years now as my Ebay sales allow.

 

That's what I am perplexed about. They have such a high premium and silver is not too expensive.
Gold I understand because 1 ounce of gold is $1150 but 1 ounce of silver is $16-17. I am just curious is it my location or is their popularity elsewhere in the US. Or is it people who want silver but don't collection coins buy them? I just think it is interesting

 

because it's affordable and because they can sell some them off and keep some.

 

Good question. My guess has been just novelty. If you can't afford to by silver at least by the ounce then why are you buying silver in the first place.

 

I imagine it also has something to do with how many different varieties are being made also, kind of like collecting Zombuck copper ounces. With copper currently in the toilet so to speak, the premiums sellers are getting for these are way out of sight. Lot's of different ones out there if you collect them for fun but not as an investment for sure. There is a fellow in Rhode Island who sells copper rounds for less than a dollar each that are numismatic in theme and I think he currently has close to 80 different. It can be a nice side bar collection if you like them. He advertises weekly in Numismatic News.

 

My guess is they are popular with those who can't do basic math.

 

It's awesome how many of you make judgement of those buying. It's interesting that you don't take a look at the mindset of the buyer. I'm not 100% sure why they buy in fractional amounts, but it might have something to do with them being .999 instead of 90%. It also might be due to the premiums that 90% was commanding recently, or they just don't want the smell of 90% wafting about. Who knows, but to each their own....

 

I don't think we're making a judgement of those buying. We are making assumptions on why people are buying fractional silver. My assumption is that some of the people buying may not know anything about coins but have a family member who is into coins and so buying fractional may be an inexpensive way to get a nice gift without having to research much about coins. Again just my assumption.

 

The only time I've ever bought fractional silver was to fill out a minimum order requirement. In the past I did buy fractional gold because, if I wanted any gold at all, I had absolutely no other choice due to finances, regardless of the higher premiums. I do like the fractional silver Mexican Libertads, though, and I try to fill out minimum order requirements with those if I can.

 

The reason why there so popular is that there not popular. So the mintages are really small

 

I like the silver fractionals and I usually buy from apmex because I like their .999 1/10th silver rounds and besides I have alot of silver dimes anyway.

 

chuckleheads think they are going to be buying bread with these in end times.

 

I think the "chuckleheads" will be the ones without any silver. I also like gold and platinum fracts.

 

right. when the power goes out, people will just respect you and your coins.

 

I say bring it on, cause I'm ready. Silver, gold, platinum, lead and brass.

 

how many firefights do think you will survive?

 

I don't know, I suppose you do. Let's get back to discussing coins and I'll try to help all I can.