Why Everyone Should Save Their Coins and Currency as an Investment

Introduction

In a world where investment options range from stocks and real estate to cryptocurrency and commodities, one of the most underrated yet valuable investments is rare coins and currency. Many collectors begin their journey as hobbyists, only to later discover the wealth-building potential of numismatics. Unlike stocks that can crash overnight or digital assets prone to volatility, coins and currency have historical, tangible, and intrinsic value that often appreciates over time.

The Historical Value of Coins & Currency as an Investment

Coins have been used as a store of value for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations. Today, many rare coins have not only held their worth but have significantly appreciated. For example:

• The 1933 Double Eagle (Gold Coin) was originally worth $20 but sold for $18.9 million in 2021 at auction. (Source: Sotheby’s Auctions)
• 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Penny – Initially worth just one cent, this coin now sells for up to $100,000+ in mint condition. (Source: PCGS Price Guide)
• 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – Sold for a record-breaking $10 million in 2013. (Source: Stack’s Bowers Auctions)

These examples highlight how coins gain value over time due to scarcity, historical significance, and collector demand.

How Coins & Currency Appreciate in Value

There are multiple ways coin investments can grow over time:

1. Scarcity & Rarity

Coins are not printed indefinitely like paper money. Many older coins have been melted down, lost, or hoarded, making certain pieces extremely rare. The rarer the coin, the higher the price collectors will pay.

🔹 Example: The 1943 Copper Penny – Originally a mistake, only a handful exist, and one sold for $1.7 million at auction.

2. Metal Content & Precious Metals

Some coins have intrinsic metal value due to their gold, silver, or platinum composition. Even if a coin is not rare, the value of the precious metal inside can drive up its worth.

🔹 Example: American Gold Eagles & Silver Dollars

• If gold prices rise, gold coins appreciate in value.
• A 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (90% silver) was worth 50 cents in 1964, but today its melt value alone is around $10+ due to silver price increases.

(Source: U.S. Mint, Apmex Gold & Silver Prices)

3. Collector Demand & Historical Significance

Coins tied to major historical events or minted in limited quantities can skyrocket in value.

🔹 Example: Morgan Silver Dollars (minted in the 1800s) have gained value simply because collectors love their history and beauty.

4. Inflation Hedge & Economic Protection

Rare coins and bullion coins serve as a hedge against inflation. When paper money loses value, gold, silver, and rare currency tend to hold or increase in worth.

🔹 Example: During the 2008 Financial Crisis, gold soared from $700 per ounce to over $1,900 per ounce in a few years, benefiting gold coin investors. (Source: Federal Reserve Bank)

How You Can Start Investing in Coins & Currency

1️⃣ Start Small – Begin with historical coins, silver dollars, or commemorative sets.
2️⃣ Buy from Trusted Sources – Use PCGS, NGC, Coin Collector’s Inc., and reputable dealers to avoid counterfeits.
3️⃣ Diversify Your Collection – Invest in rare numismatic coins AND bullion coins for steady value growth.
4️⃣ Store Coins Properly – Use graded slabs and protective cases to maintain value.
5️⃣ Research & Track Values – Use PCGS Price Guide, Heritage Auctions, and Numismatic News to monitor market trends.

Final Thoughts

Coin and currency investments have outlasted centuries of economic shifts, making them one of the most reliable long-term assets available. Whether you're a beginner collector or a serious investor, rare coins can add diversification, historical appreciation, and inflation protection to your portfolio.

If you're looking to buy or sell rare coins, check out Coin Collector’s Inc., where collectors and investors meet to find, trade, and grow their numismatic assets.

📍 Start your coin investment journey today!