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SPRING 1998 ISSUE SPRING 1999 ISSUE Don't even think about buying coins from a TV pitchman until you read this article. And if you know anyone who buys off of TV, make sure they read it too. Based on reviewing hours of videotaped shows, numerous telephone interviews with hosts from three different shopping networks, and comparisons of TV prices vs. what you can expect to pay at coin dealers, this no holds barred article shows you how to avoid many "tricks of the trade." It will save you money and aggravation! Learn that "going, going, gone" doesn't necessarily mean that you won't be able to order than same item weeks or even months later! Learn that grading doesn't mean much unless it comes from an independent unbiased source. And learn that you should take everything said by a TV salesman with a grain of salt. This article also reveals how to get a free booklet listing hundreds of reputable dealers around the country. That way, whenever you hear a special offer on TV, you can call one of these dealers and find out if it is indeed a bargain.
This is the most concise, clearly written history of the coin market that has ever been published! If a coin collector in the 1960s were suddenly transformed to 1998, he wouldn't know what's going on! Certified coins ... slabs ... numerical grading system ...buying coins sight unseen ... rare coins as investments ... and so on. Unfortunately, many of today's investors and collectors don't know (or care) how, over the past quarter century, the rare coin market has been transformed from one for pure collectors to one for people with a combination of collecting and investing interests. Ignorance may be bliss, but it can lead to costly mistakes Ð now or in the future. In addition to technical changes, the coin market has passed through several boom and bust cycles. Whether you consider yourself a collector or investor or a combination, whether you are a novice or an expert, this article Ð by an industry insider Ð is must reading. Stock market investors will appreciate the comparison of a 10-coin type set of US Gold Coins vs. the Dow Jones Industrial Average; it's an eye-opener!
How many times have you heard that CDs, bonds and many stocks pay interest or dividends ... but gold, silver and platinum don't? Wrong! The Chief Bullion Trader of a major company tells you what your stockbroker won't (and probably doesn't even know) -- how to earn money by leasing your precious metals.
A long time collector/investor tells how he went from "trying to fill up various albums by pushing US coins of each date and mintmark into holes," to selling "a couple of treasures every few months ... bringing about ten times the original cost." The retired engineer credits his coin purchases with allowing him to now "travel in style, get good seats at the opera, and buy nice gifts for his grandchildren."
Nominated as The Most Beautiful Coins of the Century(r) are the uniquely shaped 1996 "Bermuda Triangle" and the bi-metallic (gold and silver) 1994 "Andorran Constitution" commemorative. After 10 coins have been nominated, everyone will be able to vote for their favorites by mail or on our web site www.coinmag.com.
This folksy story is fun to read and has more than a kernel of truth about one of the greatest silver dollar hoards in history. It also gives a keen insight into how numismatics will continue to interest future generations. It's written with such a flare that you'll be surprised to learn that the author is only 16 years old! But you won't be surprised to learn that it won her a $5,000 scholarship in the 1998 Professional Coin Grading Service Young Numismatists Essay Contest.
How can you profit from chaos in Russia? Sell-offs in the stock market? Booming consumer confidence? A distinguished economist indicates that platinum is the alternative investment that offers substantial protection and growth.
Ed Trompeter proved that even late starters (he was 60) to the rare coin market Ð in contrast to Louis Eliasberg and John Pittman, who began in the good old days of the 1940s Ð can earn dramatic profits. He built America's greatest collection of proof gold coins, consisting of fewer than 250 pieces, that was recently sold for over 15 million dollars Ð the first 8-figure private transaction in numismatic history.
What does today's stock market have in common with the mid-17th century Dutch tulip market? The chapter Ð Tulipomania -- from the classic 150 year old book, "Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds," should be compulsory reading for any investor Ð whether in stocks or Beany Babies!
In addition to featuring a catalog of products and news of coming attractions, the US Mint's redesigned web site at www.usmint.gov will use coins and medals in lessons, games, contests and online discussions to teach youngsters math, American history, art, etc.
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