It’s hard to put a price on peace of mind, which is why a great many experienced investors prefer to pay the slightly higher premium that certified gold and silver coins command. Investors can log onto www.pcgs.com, or www.ngccoin.com, for retail prices, buying options, and other research links to assist them. The numismatic value that rare coins possess generally tends to appreciate over time, and investors in certified gold and silver can rest easier, knowing that the inherent numismatic value of their precious metal investment is validated. There are two companies that are globally accepted rare coin assayers, the PCGS, (Professional Coin Grading Service), and the NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). Both of these companies evaluate rare coins, and assigns each coin an official mint state grade, which designates its’ numismatic value.

Mint state grades for investment quality rare coins usually range between 61 and 66, with a grade of 70 being the highest. Some of the more popular certified gold and silver items include 22 Karat gold Double Eagle coins like $20 Lady Liberty’s, and Saint Gaudens. These items could possibly be diversified with certified Morgan Silver Dollars, or Peace Dollars. Investors can comparison shop on www.bloomberg.com, or www.Kitco.com, for various denominations of Lady Liberty coins, which are offered in $2.5, $5, and $10 denominations, to accommodate a wide range of budgets. Gold Indian coins are also available. Investors are advised to avoid paying retail prices, by consulting a reputable, large-volume precious metal exchange. These types of dealers can customize investors’ specific financial needs, and also provide institutional discounts to household investors.

Paul Mattias