We have been in business for 38 years in South County and look forward to working with you in helping to complete your collection whether it is for early copper half cents to California gold coins. We been helping collectors to diversify their holdings to include some of the finest coins to complete their sets.

We carry an assortment of coins from the Lincoln cent to Morgan and Peace silver dollars. We have at any time an array of type coins, gold coins, silver dollars, buffalo nickels, V nickels, barber dimes, quarters, and halves. We have Mercury dimes, Walking Liberty halves, Franklin halves, Indian cents, Lincoln cents and Copper Large Cents.

Rare Coins as an Investment

Investing in rare coins can be a rewarding experience for anyone who approaches the calling armed with the right attitude and background knowledge about this exciting field. It can just as easily become a costly mistake for anyone who attempts to profit from coins without giving serious thought to the idiosyncrasies of this unique market.

The best advice given to anyone considering investing in rare coins is to use common sense. No thinking person would expect to buy a genuine diamond ring from a street peddler, or an art masterpiece at a garage sale. It is just the same with rare coins, and the more careful you are in selecting a qualified dealer and making an educated evaluation of the coins you purchase, the greater will be your chance of making a profitable investment.

The opportunity for successful collecting and investing in quality numismatic items are as great today as at any time in the past. Inexperienced buyers can now purchase coins that have been graded and authenticated by top-rated third- party services to assure the quality of each item.

Coins that are independently graded by these professional services are sealed in plastic holders, called slabs, to identify and protect them. There is also more written information available for beginners than ever before. The pricing of rare coins is very competitive in today’s widespread market, where profit margins are often lower than in the past.

The shift in emphasis from the collecting to investing has created a new market and demand for coins, resulting in more stringent grading methods and in pricing geared to the perceived rarity of coins in various levels of uncirculated perfection.

Coins in high grades of condition that have been certified and encapsulated (“slabbed”) may be valued at multiples of similar coins that have not been so treated. For hundreds of years, rare coins and precious metals have proven themselves to be an excellent hedge against inflation and a source of ready money in times of disaster. There is little reason to think that this will change in the future. Gone are the days when coin collecting was only a passive hobby for those who would study the history and artistry of these enjoyable objects. The activity has grown to the point that speculation on the future demand for rare coins has made them a part of many investment portfolios.

With this change in attitude about collecting has come a measure of concern for those who purchase coins without the background or experience necessary to avoid costly mistakes. The buyer must beware of overpriced or over graded coins that simply are not worth what is charged for them. This is especially true of coins that are offered for sale or at auction over the internet, where it is often not possible to examine the items carefully enough to determine authenticity or grade. Extreme caution is advised for anyone considering an investment in expensive coins. Investigate the person or firm with whom you

are dealing with. Seek professional, unbiased help with grading determinations. Satisfy yourself that the coins you select are selecting are authentic and are not priced considerably higher that is being charged by other dealers.

Protecting valuable coins from deterioration is an important part of investing. They should also be insured and kept in a secure place. The best protection for keeping coins pristine is to store them in inert, airtight plastic holders and away from paper products, cigarette smoke, wood, natural rubber, paint, and textiles such as wool or felt. Humidity greater than 75% can also be harmful and should be avoided.

Collectors and investors alike can profit by investigating the background and history of the coins they buy. Coins are a mirror of history and art, telling the story of mankind over the past 2500 years and reflecting the economic struggles, wars, prosperity, and creativity of every major nation on earth. We are but the custodians of these historical relics; we must appreciate and care for them while they are in our possession. Those who treat rare coins with the consideration and respect they deserve will profit in many ways, not the least of which can be in the form of a sound financial return on one’s investment of time and money.