I wonder if @winesteven keeps track of his melt value?
I see this is not a serious question, but I don’t. I have about 16 or so gold coins, all numismatic. Despite silver being near all-time highs, the melt value of my silver coins is minuscule compared to market value. Similar for my gold.
Yes, stackers have done phenomenally well, and I’m happy for them!
Steve
A day without fine wine and working on your coin collection is like a day without sunshine!!!
As one who was taught at an early age the value of saving for the future by parents who lived through the depression, I actually found it interesting to read the different perspectives as to whether coin collecting is a hobby or an investment.
@Barberian said:
About 25% of my worth is in coins. I'm white knuckling it.
25% is aggressive to be sure, but some perspective is in order.
Most people don't even have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses or a temporary job loss.
If you have $1 million and $250k is in coins, or $4 million with $1 million in coins, you aren't exactly hurting.
Coins usually lose 10-20% the minute you "drive them off the lot" but the better coins (key dates, early type) tend to appreciate mid-single digits, say 5% per year.
Compare that to stocks which have averaged nearly 10% per year, and coins are a bad investment. Real estate often returns 7-10% per year if you are a pro renting it out to someone else, but the returns for owner-occupied homes are typically lower single digits, 2-5% per year, plus the joy of living in the home.
Many people buy houses or vacation properties that are way too big for their needs, and end up with mediocre returns. Buying rare coins is in the same category. How much do you enjoy them, and can you afford the lower returns vis-a-vis stocks or managed real estate?
As long as it's not interfering with your other obligations in life (family, home, retirement) who really cares?
@pcgsregistrycollector said:
I seem to have offended people with my thread. That was not my intention. I was just simply curious as to the opinions of others.
I forgot what I all have so it's hard to put a percentage on it. Should have eaten less and bought more when it was cheap
As long as it's not interfering with your other obligations in life (family, home, retirement) who really cares?
That is exactly my situation - I have a significant amount tied up in my ongoing collection of National Bank Notes but the house is paid off, the kids have their own homes, no other debt, and thanks to a Tier 1 Pension from New York State - a healthy income and paid medical insurance for the rest of my life. At 75, I'm still working almost full-time and putting a good chunk of it in the hobby and having a ball.
@DisneyFan said:
Earlier this year I posted a poll and 76 forum members anonymously participated.
In that poll 94% of our members spend more than $1,000 per year on coins. Of that group, the majority, 59% spend over $5,000. And 36% spend more than $25,000.
Based on the above, I think the percentage of total assets tied up in coins is much higher than many posters want to publicly admit. Particularly when referring to it as only a hobby. Either that or those polled collect coins for only a few years and then move on to other interests.
I suggest a truer reading of the amount of assets in coins could be obtained by creating an anonymous poll.
I don't think these two things are mutually exclusive. I have not been collecting nearly as long as I have been investing. When I first started (2020), I probably spent 10% of my income (not assets) and the second year, I think I did the same.
My spending is now going down, and I have not bought a coin all year (I did trade for one). Why? Two reasons... 1) the coins I want have continuously gotten more expensive and 2) my collection has grown that the cumulative spend over the years might represent 1-2% of my total total liquid investments (not including real estate, 401K, or other property) . While, I consider this a hobby (not an investment), I do look as what I have as a total of my holdings to assess whether I am being responsible in the hobby. I love coins, so I could get carried away if I didn't think this way.
I am a newer collector (started April 2020), and I primarily focus on U.S. Half Cents and Type Coins. Early copper is my favorite.
If you have $1 million and $250k is in coins, or $4 million with $1 million in coins, you aren't exactly hurting.
Big difference between those two examples IMO, but it still depends upon the person's overall financial situation. $1MM isn't actually that much in 2025 even liquid, but it goes a lot further if the person has low or no debt with above average to large vs. most people discretionary income.
Coins started out as a hobby, but I had a couple huge buying opportunities that allowed me to accumulate a very large collection at a very affordable price. Currently coins are maybe 10% of my net worth, but it was not intentional.
Rare coins return 7-8% annually, but it is important to buy good coins and not overpay. Not so rare coins return less. In the end though, it is all about demand, so who knows how the return will play out. Personally I think early American is a good investment, and also 20th century silver, because people will continue to melt as silver escalates.
Coins are still a hobby for me, so I don't see them as an investment, nor do I need them as an investment. But, I view coins as a great hobby that pays. My friends have hobbies that do not pay, but I have one that does. At the end of the day I have a nice collection to pass on to my coin collecting son. And I have a blast. And there is always something to learn. And I have made some nice friends. And I have been able to help a lot of people out, fairly and honestly.
Collector of Victoria, Edward VII, George V and George VI Canadian; and most anything U.S. I am currently looking for early Lincolns, raw in XF or better.
Since I don't own real estate, or shares, or any other "assets" apart from the car and the money in the bank, I'd have to put my figure at around 70%.
My collection is purely for non-investment purposes. The only coins I've ever sold have been duplicates I've unintentionally acquired. The collection is not for sale, for any price, so it's current value is largely irrelevant to me.
Not really, no.
Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one. Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, "Meditations"
Not necessarily imho. I have about the same-about 50/50 coins/bullion. I am retired and debt free. I look at it as insurance that one doesn't have to bite the big one to collect if one so chooses. The past year or so it sure is a good felling to have the bullion and I relly enjoy the coins even though they haven't had as good a 'performance.'
Not necessarily imho. I have about the same-about 50/50 coins/bullion. I am retired and debt free. I look at it as insurance that one doesn't have to bite the big one to collect if one so chooses. The past year or so it sure is a good felling to have the bullion and I relly enjoy the coins even though they haven't had as good a 'performance.'
I am not retired but am debt free. When I came into some inheritance, I paid off the trailer we live in, the land it sits on, all the car notes, and daughter’s education. THEN I allowed myself to splurge on coins. My assets are modest but they’re free and clear, at least. It might have been smarter to invest more in other things, but coins are what I know and am passionate about.
Collector since 1976. On the CU forums here since 2001.
FWIW, I worked in a couple of Private Banks and some portfolio options included 5% in precious metals for most HNW individuals. That figure might be higher today since gold has done much better in recent years.
When money market and bond yields were higher (like they are today, after ZIRP ended), the opportunity cost of holding PMs/gold was higher so you'd make sure someone could hold an asset that doesn't pay interest or dividends.
5.45%. Yea, I know where every penny, 'er cent, is. It's a bit more than a hobby but I'm not quite sure how to describe it. It started with family so it's sort of like family and I'm responsible to build upon it.
"... I'm still working almost full-time and putting a good chunk of it in the hobby and having a ball."
I can relate to this. My income from my job and social security allow me to enjoy my hobby like never before in my life.
I've been blessed with good health, a great family, and steady lifelong employment and am able to enjoy this hobby as my physical limitations to other hobbies have increased. I'm around 10% yet I am very comfortable with it.
Comments
I see this is not a serious question, but I don’t. I have about 16 or so gold coins, all numismatic. Despite silver being near all-time highs, the melt value of my silver coins is minuscule compared to market value. Similar for my gold.
Yes, stackers have done phenomenally well, and I’m happy for them!
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
To paraphrase Blind Willie Johnson: It's Nobody's Fault but Mine...and Nobody's Business but Mine.
And Led Zeppelin!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
As one who was taught at an early age the value of saving for the future by parents who lived through the depression, I actually found it interesting to read the different perspectives as to whether coin collecting is a hobby or an investment.
So true about Zed. PRESENCE is my favorite Zed album. James
25% is aggressive to be sure, but some perspective is in order.
Most people don't even have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses or a temporary job loss.
If you have $1 million and $250k is in coins, or $4 million with $1 million in coins, you aren't exactly hurting.
Coins usually lose 10-20% the minute you "drive them off the lot" but the better coins (key dates, early type) tend to appreciate mid-single digits, say 5% per year.
Compare that to stocks which have averaged nearly 10% per year, and coins are a bad investment. Real estate often returns 7-10% per year if you are a pro renting it out to someone else, but the returns for owner-occupied homes are typically lower single digits, 2-5% per year, plus the joy of living in the home.
Many people buy houses or vacation properties that are way too big for their needs, and end up with mediocre returns. Buying rare coins is in the same category. How much do you enjoy them, and can you afford the lower returns vis-a-vis stocks or managed real estate?
As long as it's not interfering with your other obligations in life (family, home, retirement) who really cares?
I forgot what I all have so it's hard to put a percentage on it. Should have eaten less and bought more when it was cheap
Where's Russ?
"TMI"
😅
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
As long as it's not interfering with your other obligations in life (family, home, retirement) who really cares?
That is exactly my situation - I have a significant amount tied up in my ongoing collection of National Bank Notes but the house is paid off, the kids have their own homes, no other debt, and thanks to a Tier 1 Pension from New York State - a healthy income and paid medical insurance for the rest of my life. At 75, I'm still working almost full-time and putting a good chunk of it in the hobby and having a ball.
Member ANA, SPMC, SCNA, FUN, CONECA
I don't think these two things are mutually exclusive. I have not been collecting nearly as long as I have been investing. When I first started (2020), I probably spent 10% of my income (not assets) and the second year, I think I did the same.
My spending is now going down, and I have not bought a coin all year (I did trade for one). Why? Two reasons... 1) the coins I want have continuously gotten more expensive and 2) my collection has grown that the cumulative spend over the years might represent 1-2% of my total total liquid investments (not including real estate, 401K, or other property) . While, I consider this a hobby (not an investment), I do look as what I have as a total of my holdings to assess whether I am being responsible in the hobby. I love coins, so I could get carried away if I didn't think this way.
I am a newer collector (started April 2020), and I primarily focus on U.S. Half Cents and Type Coins. Early copper is my favorite.
correction - I bought a coin last week for $50. I like the coin, but that spend is not meaningful in a % of income or assets conversation.
I am a newer collector (started April 2020), and I primarily focus on U.S. Half Cents and Type Coins. Early copper is my favorite.
Big difference between those two examples IMO, but it still depends upon the person's overall financial situation. $1MM isn't actually that much in 2025 even liquid, but it goes a lot further if the person has low or no debt with above average to large vs. most people discretionary income.
I am a long term holder of coins I buy .
Anywhere from 7 to 17 years .
Net net I I made maybe 5-7% over time .
Coins make up maybe 15% of my over holdings
They are sort of my choice of “ private equity “.
That said coins are a hobby first and foremost.
If I literally lost all my coins I could still live relatively well.
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
This... if all my coins were lost, I'm still doing fine. I'm not reduced to eating Ramen noodles and fighting the cat for dinner...
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
There is still time. And the 3 legged should be easy to " catch". Should not be able to outrun you, what with only those 3 legs.😀
BTW welcome "Home"
Should I include my big glass jug of cents in the breakdown?😀
Let’s just call it, an “irresponsible” amount. Ask me the same question about my bicycles, and you’ll get the same answer.
Empty Nest Collection
Coins are a poor investment for most collectors, but I try to keep 10% in mostly bullion-type coins.
The thought makes me almost as uncomfortable as “how much do you spend annually on golf trips?” 😉
Fraction of 1%
Accumulation of knowledge and the cherry chase has always been my goal.
As I transition into full retirement in coming months, plan is to concentrate selling on EBAY?
5% allocated and reinvestment of any profit.
BST: KindaNewish (3/21/21), WQuarterFreddie (3/30/21), Meltdown (4/6/21), DBSTrader2 (5/5/21) AKA- unclemonkey on Blow Out
Coins started out as a hobby, but I had a couple huge buying opportunities that allowed me to accumulate a very large collection at a very affordable price. Currently coins are maybe 10% of my net worth, but it was not intentional.
Rare coins return 7-8% annually, but it is important to buy good coins and not overpay. Not so rare coins return less. In the end though, it is all about demand, so who knows how the return will play out. Personally I think early American is a good investment, and also 20th century silver, because people will continue to melt as silver escalates.
Coins are still a hobby for me, so I don't see them as an investment, nor do I need them as an investment. But, I view coins as a great hobby that pays. My friends have hobbies that do not pay, but I have one that does. At the end of the day I have a nice collection to pass on to my coin collecting son. And I have a blast. And there is always something to learn. And I have made some nice friends. And I have been able to help a lot of people out, fairly and honestly.
Collector of Victoria, Edward VII, George V and George VI Canadian; and most anything U.S. I am currently looking for early Lincolns, raw in XF or better.
Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, "Meditations"
Apparently I have been awarded the DPOTD twice.
🐬 so funny & kind of you BB!
to me it's just a hobby and i have a set limit to what i spend on coins
and i still buy whatever catches my notice within the budget
graded silver coins for sale at link below
https://photos.app.goo.gl/hq75uTUJfQEfPnwR9
.
Edit: 16.1% bullion. What a difference a day makes. lol.
PKR!
The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.
BOOMIN!™
Wooooha! Did someone just say it's officially "TACO™" Tuesday????
Way too much. Maybe 30-40%.
Collector since 1976. On the CU forums here since 2001.
Not necessarily imho. I have about the same-about 50/50 coins/bullion. I am retired and debt free. I look at it as insurance that one doesn't have to bite the big one to collect if one so chooses. The past year or so it sure is a good felling to have the bullion and I relly enjoy the coins even though they haven't had as good a 'performance.'
As others have stated I don’t consider my coins assets but I suppose between 1% and 2% if forced to!
Casual collector: Morgans & Peace Dollars & 20th Century Type Set. Successful BST transactions with ProofCollection, Morgan13, CoinFinder, CoinHunter4, Bretsan.
I am not retired but am debt free. When I came into some inheritance, I paid off the trailer we live in, the land it sits on, all the car notes, and daughter’s education. THEN I allowed myself to splurge on coins. My assets are modest but they’re free and clear, at least. It might have been smarter to invest more in other things, but coins are what I know and am passionate about.
Collector since 1976. On the CU forums here since 2001.
FWIW, I worked in a couple of Private Banks and some portfolio options included 5% in precious metals for most HNW individuals. That figure might be higher today since gold has done much better in recent years.
When money market and bond yields were higher (like they are today, after ZIRP ended), the opportunity cost of holding PMs/gold was higher so you'd make sure someone could hold an asset that doesn't pay interest or dividends.
The answer would be quite different if I used an actual number as opposed to what I tell my wife.
Basically on plan.
I operate off an inventory plan number but it is classified.
Always the wife.....
Proud follower of Christ!
5.45%. Yea, I know where every penny, 'er cent, is. It's a bit more than a hobby but I'm not quite sure how to describe it. It started with family so it's sort of like family and I'm responsible to build upon it.
USAF veteran 1984-2005
"... I'm still working almost full-time and putting a good chunk of it in the hobby and having a ball."
I can relate to this. My income from my job and social security allow me to enjoy my hobby like never before in my life.
I've been blessed with good health, a great family, and steady lifelong employment and am able to enjoy this hobby as my physical limitations to other hobbies have increased. I'm around 10% yet I am very comfortable with it.