| Coin collecting as a hobby has been around for | | | | metal. It is natural that once an investor holds a |
| some time. As more people decide to become | | | | quality coin, the collecting interest mat be stirred, |
| collectors, the demand on collectable coins can | | | | resulting in a new numismatist. These new |
| increase. The typical collector holds onto coins, and | | | | collectors might collect only bullion coins at first, or |
| may only sell to upgrade a collection. This is the | | | | may fully enter the hobby. |
| normal behavior of many collectors, known as | | | | There seem to be quite enough numismatists that |
| numismatists. | | | | prices are somewhat stable, but the variety of |
| In difficult times, people who might otherwise not | | | | coins on can purchase is rather high. Some short |
| consider parting with any part of a collection may | | | | series, such as the Canadian aviation series, |
| find that selling coins can help them get through | | | | consist of few enough coins as to be fully |
| the economic downturn. The result is coins that | | | | obtainable. There are many short series of quality |
| were unavailable just a few years ago are finding | | | | coins that can currently be found with enough |
| their way into the marketplace. Coin availability | | | | perseverance. Many of these series originated at |
| during difficult times increases as more people | | | | the Perth Mint, the Royal Australian Mint, the New |
| liquidate their collections. | | | | Zealand Mint, and the Royal Canadian Mint. The |
| Coins, like any other commodity, are priced by | | | | coins produced by these mints, in particular, are |
| supply and demand. With fewer people buying, | | | | inscribed in English. Collectors generally prefer coins |
| and more people selling, the time may be right to | | | | with readable inscriptions. |
| pick up some real gems at affordable prices. Of | | | | There is no guarantee in the pricing of numismatic |
| course this stimulates interest, and more people | | | | products, nor in their availability. One should |
| become numismatists, so the prices have not | | | | become a numismatist out of interest, not an |
| fallen too much. | | | | expectation of making a fortune. The main point |
| Others who are investing in bullion find that coins | | | | of this article is that coins seem to be more |
| have guaranteed amounts of precious metals, and | | | | readily available, and prices have not dropped |
| well established purities. This makes liquidation in | | | | radically. |
| the future easier than liquidating bars of precious | | | | |