Coin Collecting Advice

Consider Your Potential Investment Purchase Very Carefully

Many newly minted coins are marketed through advertisements and direct mail pieces as semi-numismatic coins or private rarities. Usually these take the form of commemorative coins struck for a special event or to honor a specific political or folk her. They are often packaged in a special presentation box and come with a certificate of authenticity or some other variety of credibility. These pieces are often touted as good investments because of their theme or restricted low mintage. While it is true that an occasional piece such as the U.S. Olympic gold coin from the San Francisco Mint or a set such as the French Mint's Statue of Liberty centennial issues does become a true rarity and may appreciate dramatically in price, many modern issues end up being worth little more thantheir bullion value, leaving the buyer holding an expensive, worthless presentation box and certificate. The U.S. bicentennial coin sets are an example of this.