What is a better investment/collector item/whatever?

nwcs

I've been thinking. Bad sign. What is a better item to have, a gold coin that may be somewhat common or a silver coin that may be somewhat uncommon? For example, would you go for a common date MS-62 St. Gaudens for $400 or a better date, decently nice grade Morgan dollar like an 1891O in MS-64 (or whatever is in that price range)? I've got my toned beauties this weekend and will get them certified next month when I have some money to spend, but I've been thinking that maybe collectible gold would be a great area to play in as a 90% collector/10% seller.

Any ideas?

Neil

jtryka

I am biased since I specifically collect Saints, but here are my thoughts. Why buy a total common date Saint (like a 1924) when you can get a better date for only a slight premium? In browsing the completed eBay auctions, there are lots of dates, like 1915-S in MS-63 for around $500. Or you could probably go MS-62 on some of the scarcer P-mints from the early teens. Would I spend the money on a better date silver coin? Probably, if I liked the coin, but my point is you phrased the question as a binary decision between common date saint or better date silver/base metal, when in reality there are other options. Put it this way, if you could get a better date Saint, or a better date base metal coin, does the decision process change? In my mind it would, and despite my bias, I'd pick a better date Saint over a better date silver coin any day if the prices were the same!

kieferscoins

A better date gold coin in MS-62 will be alot better than a MS-65 in the long range even though they are around the same price now.

Cameron Kiefer

nwcs

Sort of the way I'm thinking about is an either/or type thing. I just thought of a better way to re-phrase my question:

If you have limited funds and want to both maximize collecting pleasure and future realized gains on a coin, which is a better way to go: gold coins as you can get them or silver coins that are a bit rarer (but are same price or cheaper than the gold)?

kieferscoins

Silver coins that are rarer for a type set are my opinion then, but like jtryka, I collect type coins - but so do alot of other people. Bottom line: collect what you like and the gain in value wil be an added bonus years later.

Cameron Kiefer

rkfish

1st....you gotta collect what you like!

Then I think about the investment side! I try and buy the highest grade/lowest pop of the particular date/mm of interest within ny budget! And the coin has to meet my standards for grade, eye appeal, etc.


And to answer your question......definitely a SILVER DOLLAR!

mr3holesinone

If you're looking at this purchase as an investment why not go for a key date-collected coin? For not a whole lot more, you could get a 1909-S VDB penny in VF or XF. OR if you want to keep with silver, a
1932-D Washington Quarter in a MS (60-62) slab would be nice. These are just two examples that I can think of where you will ALWAYS have demand for your holding. There are plenty of commems that may do pretty well in the long run too.

roadrunner

The potential for a sustained rally or boom market in gold is higher than now any time in the last
22 years. I'd take the 62 Saint.

roadrunner

UncleJoe

Regardless of series, always go for the better date.

Historically better dates have maintained or appreciated faster than common dates with few exceptions.

Joe.

dram

It seams that the price for MS coins are higher than PR coins,Is there an explanation for this or are the PR coins just not sold as often.just asking,

mr3holesinone

One reason you'll often see higher prices for MS coins vs PR coins is that the PR coins are minted especially for collectors. Thus, the proof coins are often saved in pristine condition compared to the coins that are released for circulation purposes.

MrKelso

common date MS-62 St. Gaudens Since i am biased towards Gold i would go for the common date gold over the better date silver.

michael

of the two i personally likem the saint better just get one with nice eye appeal and no spots or streaks if there is such a thing as that in a 62!

sincerely michael

stman

My sig line says my feelings.

CharlieB

Roadrunner just spoke for me. I am in total agreement,
considering the potential for gold. Like an Olympic
competitor I'd go for the gold now, not the silver or bronze.

MacCoin

the magic word here is collectible. for me at least gold wold be an investment. (I know a lot of people can afford gold for fun) I'm a firm beleive in buying the best grade you can afford. good luck with the toned beauties next month