Available mainly in older American coins.
These coins are graded by independent third parties,
NGC or PCGS, sonically sealed in a plastic holder for
protection and serialized. Coin grades range from MS-60
through Proof Quality. Certified coins respond quite
well to changing market conditions. They currently
sell for 20-30% of historic high values. They provide
the investor with some leverage and should represent
10-15 % of a portfolio.
Proof - A
specially made coin distinguished by sharpness of detail
and usually with a brilliant mirror-like surface. Proof
refers to the method of manufacture and is not a condition,
but normally the term implies perfect mint state unless
otherwise noted and graded as below.
Mint State - The
terms MintState (MS) and Uncirculated (Unc.) are interchangeably
used to describe coins showing no trace of wear. Such
coins may vary to some degree because of blemishes,
toning or slight imperfections as described in the
following subdivisions.
Perfect Uncirculated
(MS-70) - Perfect new condition, showing
no trace of wear. The finest quality possible,
with no evidence of scratches, handling, or contact
with other coins. Very few regular issue coins
are ever found in this condition.
Choice Uncirculated
(MS-65) - An above average Uncirculated
coin which may be brilliant or lightly toned and
has very few contact marks on the surface or rim.
MS-67 through MS-62 indicate a slightly higher
or lower grade of preservation.
Uncirculated
(MS-60) - Has no trace of wear, but
may show a number of contact marks, and surface
may be spotted or lack some luster.
Circulated
Available in both older American and Foreign
coin form. Circulated coins are graded at the wholesale
level. Any reputable dealer will recognize coins graded
and sold by them at the time of liquidation. The three
most co0mmon grades are:
Choice About
Uncirculated (AU-55) - Barest evidence
of light wear on only the highest points of the
design. Most of the mint luster remains.
About Uncalculated
(AU-50) - Has traces of light wear on
many of the high points. At least half of the mint
luster is still present.
Choice Extremely
Fine (EF-45) - Light overall wear shows
on highest points. All design details are very
sharp. Some of the mint luster is evident.
Extremely
Fine (EF-40) - Design is lightly worn
throughout, but all features are sharp and well
defined. Traces of luster may show.
Choice Very
Fine (VF-30) - Light even wear on the
surface and highest parts of the design. All lettering
and major features are sharp.
Very Fine (VF-20) - A
moderate amount of wear on the highest points of the
design. All major details are clear.
Bullion
The most common forms of bullion are bars
and coins. Both are purchased strictly for their gold
content.
Bars range
in size from 1 Gram (.03215 troy oz.) to 1 Kilogram
(2.68 Pounds Troy). Fineness ranges from .900 to 1.000.
Bars are serialized to match assayed documentation.
Coins range
in size from 1/10 oz. to 1 oz. Fineness ranges from
.900 to 1.000. Coins are minted in various countries
and are available at all times. Bullion should represent
10-15% of an overall portfolio. Value is based on the
gold content.
Silver Bullion is
available in 1 oz. coins. It is sold also in bag form
containing quarters and dimes of 90% silver content.
Each bag contains $1000.00 face value of silver coins.
