A "safe" coin as an investment?

[Mongo 1]

(Please excuse the long winded post!)

I only have a small budget to build my collection with, which is fine, as I can find many coins I like at reasonable prices.

At the moment, I am thinking of purchasing a coin which I would consider expensive, this will be done using some of my personal savings. As such, I would be happier purchasing a coin that would not depreciate in value, "investment" is not really as important, but it would be nice if the coin had a chance to increase in value too (long term).

This coin would be the "Star" of my collection! (I hope), so my question is...

Are there any coins, that you experienced collectors would say are a "safe" investment? I know nothing is guaranteed, and what I like about the coin would also add value for me personally. I am seeking advice really, on a type of coin that has a low chance of losing me money. I will not be buying the coin to make a quick profit, but If times get hard, I would like to be secure in the knowledge that I could sell it.

I am in no rush to chose a coin, so will take a month or two to be sure I am happy with my decision.

I have my eyes on some 18th Century Gold Guineas, early 19th Century Soveriegns and 17th Century Shillings, as these have much eye appeal to me.

I am also aware of the fact, that the price I can aquire the coin will be important too.

Thanks forum!

Over to the experts!.....

[azda 979]

(Please excuse the long winded post!)

I only have a small budget to build my collection with, which is fine, as I can find many coins I like at reasonable prices.

At the moment, I am thinking of purchasing a coin which I would consider expensive, this will be done using some of my personal savings. As such, I would be happier purchasing a coin that would not depreciate in value, "investment" is not really as important, but it would be nice if the coin had a chance to increase in value too (long term).

This coin would be the "Star" of my collection! (I hope), so my question is...

Are there any coins, that you experienced collectors would say are a "safe" investment? I know nothing is guaranteed, and what I like about the coin would also add value for me personally. I am seeking advice really, on a type of coin that has a low chance of losing me money. I will not be buying the coin to make a quick profit, but If times get hard, I would like to be secure in the knowledge that I could sell it.

I am in no rush to chose a coin, so will take a month or two to be sure I am happy with my decision.

I have my eyes on some 18th Century Gold Guineas, early 19th Century Soveriegns and 17th Century Shillings, as these have much eye appeal to me.

I am also aware of the fact, that the price I can aquire the coin will be important too.

Thanks forum!

Over to the experts!.....

I think it would depend on the budget. Many will give their own personal opinions on what YOU should buy, so i'm only going to give mine on the subject. Silver would be a commonwealth Halfcrwon or Shilling, Gold, anything earlier than Victoria, just make sure they are in decent grades, as beaten and worn won't reap rewards later

Edited June 16, 2012 by azda

[Boomstick 0]

From what I've picked up during my limited collecting career thus far, The important things seem to be:

Top grade stuff will always find a market

Nice eye appeal - toning, no dents or scrapes, no verd

Larger coins seem to be more popular (sorry you farthing boys)

Key dates in a series (eg 1905 Halfcrown)

I guess it depends on what you are prepared to spend. Scarborough siege pieces seem to be doing well if you have £50k!

[argentumandcoins 70]

Chris the big problem is that none of us have crystal balls or we would all be extremely wealthy!

The best investment you can make is buying something that you like in the best grade that you can afford. If that happens to be a Queen Anne Guinea or a George I Halfcrown it does not matter. As long as you like the coin you will never lose on it.

The best guide to buying anything in the antiques/collectables world is eye appeal. If you like it the chances are that somebody else will and when the time comes to move it on it should go at a decent price.

[Red Riley 2]

A little further down the scale I reckon wreath crowns should at least hold their own (but beware of Chinese fakes) and shouldn't bust the budget at £250-£300.

I am always a bit chairy of gold as so much is tied up in the price of the metal and to be honest the later sovereigns and half sovereigns are a bit boring and frequently badly produced. Guineas and their fractions/multiples have some appeal and you are paying more for the numismatic value rather than the metal.

I would say that bronze pennies are now probably past their best in investment terms (which begs the question of why I have so many in stock...) but rarity is always worth investing in, even if by its very nature is hard to get hold of.

Oh, and anything BIG excepting cartwheel twopences and Churchill crowns...

[Mongo 1]

Thanks for the tips guys!

I will take my time with this one, and be sure that I do not rush into it. From what you have said, It seems it would be the best option to stick with a coin that has nice eye appeal, and also to go for a coin in the best grade possible. I think I am turning into a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to grade, so I guess that is a good thing!

I will continue to buy my little £10-£50 coins, as that gives me alot of enjoyment. At the same time, I can keep an eye out for that "special" coin. I am sure it is out there somewhere!

[TomGoodheart 400]

You don't say what your budget is Chris, but generally coins with some provenance will retain their appeal. Of course, that's not the end of it, since even the best known collectors may well have owned some poor coins and a dog with, say, a Lockett ticket is still a dog ... but for the most part, well known collectors tried to get the best they could find and even though better may have come to light since, that's still a benchmark.

My only other advice would be, avoid micro varieties/ rarities. While some fetch very good prices, the fact is they are of interest to a smaller market; ie the specialist collectors. Disappointing though it is to me, unusually good condition common coins will almost always beat a lesser graded one, even if that coin is rare. And not rare as in a few hundred either, I'm talking about coins for which there are only three or four known specimens. Yes, there are exceptions, but 9 cats out of 10, grade wins.

With hammered as you mentioned 17th century shillings, remember eye appeal. Round full flan, central even strike are the things to look for. This for example, while a common enough coin, its condition is uncommon and hence it wasn't cheap. Which is not to say it's perfect, but as an example of that type, it's as good as you'll find. And it will keep its value over a lesser coin any day.

Oh, and remember, you can always check with people here before handing over your money and we will give you our opinion. Just remember, you're the one that has to live with the coin. Pick one that calls to you.

Edited June 16, 2012 by TomGoodheart

[Mongo 1]

Thanks Tom.

My budget is anything up to 2500, but I will not go top end of that just for the sake of it. If I find a beautiful coin for 500 quid then that will be just as special to me!

Good idea about asking here for opinions before I part with any money, If i find a coin I am seriously considering I will be sure to do that.

[azda 979]

Just to add 2 other coins to the list, a Gothic Crown and a Northumberland shilling, loves those myself, but buy from a reputable dealer because there are fakes out there,

[TomGoodheart 400]

Just to add 2 other coins to the list, a Gothic Crown and a Northumberland shilling, loves those myself, but buy from a reputable dealer because there are fakes out there,

Which reminds me of the other point I was going to make which is that, for me, such a venture would have been impossible because what I started collecting bears little resemblance to what I now collect. I had a very nice Northumberland which I sold for £550 many years ago and had I kept it would (along with the first bust 1663, the Elizabethan shillings etc..) have proved a very decent investment. But my interests changed before prices and I just about broke even.

So while I agree that buying a 'star' coin will pay off long term, do bear in mind that none of us know what our interests (or budget!) will do over the next few years. Plus there is always the risk that a really special coin will make others in our collections look ... less. I know I regularly review my coins. Some days I feel pleased. Others .. I just want to upgrade all of them and wonder what possessed me to buy such tat. Particularly when I add a new coin that I am newly pleased with .. it somehow takes the (metaphorical) shine off the others!

That's the trouble with women coins. Can't live with them, can't live without them!

[VickySilver 830]

Hmm, quite a diversity in coins available. One thing I can say in general is that if you buy one, you will be ready to get yet another before long! I find myself needing a "fix" fairly regularly.....

[Paulus 1,975]

Hmm, quite a diversity in coins available. One thing I can say in general is that if you buy one, you will be ready to get yet another before long! I find myself needing a "fix" fairly regularly.....

I can vouch for that! I think high grade Edward VII silver can be attractive and will hold its value

[pies 33]

Hmm, quite a diversity in coins available. One thing I can say in general is that if you buy one, you will be ready to get yet another before long! I find myself needing a "fix" fairly regularly.....

I can vouch for that! I think high grade Edward VII silver can be attractive and will hold its value

I hope so

[SEnumis 0]

Am in a bit of a similar dilemma myself but firmly committed to keeping investment and collecting as far away from each other as possible. In fact I don't regard my collection as an investment. My view would be to go for something BU or better that you can look at for many years and derive joy from it, whether it costs you 50p or £500. And I'm sorry but that isn't a good investment strategy. Hope this helps.

[1949threepence 3,367]

(Please excuse the long winded post!)

I only have a small budget to build my collection with, which is fine, as I can find many coins I like at reasonable prices.

At the moment, I am thinking of purchasing a coin which I would consider expensive, this will be done using some of my personal savings. As such, I would be happier purchasing a coin that would not depreciate in value, "investment" is not really as important, but it would be nice if the coin had a chance to increase in value too (long term).

This coin would be the "Star" of my collection! (I hope), so my question is...

Are there any coins, that you experienced collectors would say are a "safe" investment? I know nothing is guaranteed, and what I like about the coin would also add value for me personally. I am seeking advice really, on a type of coin that has a low chance of losing me money. I will not be buying the coin to make a quick profit, but If times get hard, I would like to be secure in the knowledge that I could sell it.

I am in no rush to chose a coin, so will take a month or two to be sure I am happy with my decision.

I have my eyes on some 18th Century Gold Guineas, early 19th Century Soveriegns and 17th Century Shillings, as these have much eye appeal to me.

I am also aware of the fact, that the price I can aquire the coin will be important too.

Thanks forum!

Over to the experts!.....

It really is very difficult to say, Mongo. This is trying to predict the market, and it doesn't matter how well informed you think you are, some unexpected factor or development will always take you by surprise.

If I had to advise, I'd say rare gold in high grade.

Which reminds me of the other point I was going to make which is that, for me, such a venture would have been impossible because what I started collecting bears little resemblance to what I now collect. I had a very nice Northumberland which I sold for £550 many years ago and had I kept it would (along with the first bust 1663, the Elizabethan shillings etc..) have proved a very decent investment. But my interests changed before prices and I just about broke even.

So while I agree that buying a 'star' coin will pay off long term, do bear in mind that none of us know what our interests (or budget!) will do over the next few years. Plus there is always the risk that a really special coin will make others in our collections look ... less. I know I regularly review my coins. Some days I feel pleased. Others .. I just want to upgrade all of them and wonder what possessed me to buy such tat. Particularly when I add a new coin that I am newly pleased with .. it somehow takes the (metaphorical) shine off the others!

That's the trouble with women coins. Can't live with them, can't live without them!

Very very true, Tom. When you look at your collection in its entirety, you realise the coins which have fallen into your lap as a relative gift, and the ones you know, sadly, you have been totally ripped off on, but didn't see it at the time, because you were being carried along on a wave of enthusiasm.

With regard to upgrading, we all do that up to a point. But some coins in the collection become super attractive to you, and they are therefore "golden" in the sense that they become immune from changing to a higher grade.

[Peckris 579]

(Please excuse the long winded post!)

I only have a small budget to build my collection with, which is fine, as I can find many coins I like at reasonable prices.

At the moment, I am thinking of purchasing a coin which I would consider expensive, this will be done using some of my personal savings. As such, I would be happier purchasing a coin that would not depreciate in value, "investment" is not really as important, but it would be nice if the coin had a chance to increase in value too (long term).

This coin would be the "Star" of my collection! (I hope), so my question is...

Are there any coins, that you experienced collectors would say are a "safe" investment? I know nothing is guaranteed, and what I like about the coin would also add value for me personally. I am seeking advice really, on a type of coin that has a low chance of losing me money. I will not be buying the coin to make a quick profit, but If times get hard, I would like to be secure in the knowledge that I could sell it.

I am in no rush to chose a coin, so will take a month or two to be sure I am happy with my decision.

I have my eyes on some 18th Century Gold Guineas, early 19th Century Soveriegns and 17th Century Shillings, as these have much eye appeal to me.

I am also aware of the fact, that the price I can aquire the coin will be important too.

Thanks forum!

Over to the experts!.....

I haven't time to read all the other posts here. But my advice I hope will regarde widely as sound.

First, decide on something you LIKE, that you would glow with pleasure and pride to see at the centre of your collection.

Second, having identified the type of coin you love best, go for an example in the highest condition you can afford - those hold their value best. Don't worry about gold vs silver vs copper - metal content isn't important to this decision. You're a collector not an investor.

Third, if you can afford one of the rarer examples of your chosen type, so much the better, but condition is more important.

Fourth, find a good reputable dealer to buy from, and avoid eBay.

It only remains to say good luck, and once you've answered the first point, come back for more advice on your chosen type or series if you would like to.

[choolie 0]

You should also bear in mind that there are risks associated with coins as as there are with other investments but which are different. If you have a high value coin it could get damaged or stolen, you can insure against this and use careful storage but this will add to the cost of the investment. Fakes have been mentioned already and if there are a lot of fakes around of a coin it can make purchasers more wary and make even the good coins more difficult to sell and this can lower the value. This will be less of a problem with lower value coins since nobody will bother to make counterfeits. Provenance and thorough record keeping are probably also more necessary at the higher end.

[Peter 615]

Don't disregard quality farthings.They are the size of sovereigns.Buy a quality piece pre 1775 and you won't lose.The price variation between dealers is massive.Most of my quality coins have come from dealers not specialising in copper.Before you buy anything just know your market.

[pokal02 44]

My top-performing coin (as a % of price paid) is a 1662 crown (s3353) in F, paid £32 for it in the 1980's, Spink price now £250. I would never have predicted that!

I think that anything that ticks both 'rarity' and 'excellent condition'will continue to do well, so on a budget of £2500 I'd be looking at a 1665 or 1697 crown in AVF-VF (if I could find one), or perhaps a nice Edward VI /Richard III groat. It's only my opinion though!

[TomGoodheart 400]

Something like this might look nice. Of course, you'd need to buy a cabinet to put it in. Plastic flips just wouldn't do it justice I don't think ...

Edited June 17, 2012 by TomGoodheart

[pies 33]

FWIW here's my 2p

Buy coins you like and enjoy, this should be above way above all else

Buy high grades only unless very rare

An expensive coin can drop along way in value aswell as rise and the value could already be in the coin so potential to rise (above inflation)is weak, where as moderatly priced coins cant fall as much but have potential to rise further

[TomGoodheart 400]

Personally, I don't particularly go for 'perfection', but eye appeal. This may not be as good as they get, but I'd rather a couple of coins like this than one amazing one.

In the end, it all comes down to what appeals to you!

[Peckris 579]

FWIW here's my 2p

Buy coins you like and enjoy, this should be above way above all else

Buy high grades only unless very rare

An expensive coin can drop along way in value aswell as rise and the value could already be in the coin so potential to rise (above inflation)is weak, where as moderatly priced coins cant fall as much but have potential to rise further

My points exactly.

(BTW you forgot to attach pictures of your 2p )

[Mongo 1]

Thanks for all your advice! It is most helpful.

I think I may have come accross a bit wrong... until now I have only purchased coins that I like, and that is what I intend to do with this purchase too. I am not looking to buy a coin for a quick profit! What I was more concerned about, was losing BIG on my first expensive coin, should I have a rainy day and need to sell it on.

From all your advice, it seems that I can not go too wrong if I stick to a coin with good eye appeal, the best grade I can afford, and to make sure the price I buy it at is a good one!

For this purchase, I may actually go the old fashioned route and visit a coin or antique shop! That way I can see it up close and personal before I commit.

[Coinery 1,152]

Personally, I don't particularly go for 'perfection', but eye appeal. This may not be as good as they get, but I'd rather a couple of coins like this than one amazing one.

In the end, it all comes down to what appeals to you!

Very nice Richard, I'd be happy with this one, though a bit of a side-step from your usual Charlies, however!