Modern Commemorative Market

I think I would prefer an original Saint Gaudens over a High Relief Double Eagle. Because in the end, the former is a real piece of history whereas the latter is a modern gimmick.

I started collecting the modern commemorative silver/clad proof coins a few years back. I enjoy the diverse designs on the coins, and of course they are silver. Meaning the one dollar commemoratives have a numismatic value and/or a silver value. I buy the half dollar clad proofs just to complete a year's set. I don't have every year's set but will eventually when I find the right deals. I also buy more than one years issues, proof or UNC, for their silver content if the price is right. I have picked up several of the 1986 Statue of Liberty, Constitution Bicentennial, etc... Dollar coins at spot price or below. The American Buffalo two coin set it the highest price set I have purchased.

After reading commems great informative posts , I plan to buy more UNC versions because of a unique difference from the proof coin.

I am still working on the 1995-1996 Olympic coins. I haven't found the right deal for them yet.

Bottom line. I enjoy the series. That is what it should be about when collecting.

Modern commemorative/bullion coins can be a profit situation for collectors depending on popularity, timing, precious metals prices. Dealers are obviously making money selling them.

Someone may have compiled price history of commemorative coins the last 30+ years to compare gains/losses and has charts.

PCGS started in 1986. I assume they researched prices back in time to 1970 to begin their PCGS 3000 index. It shows classic/rare coins prices. This index has had good gains. Some may be suspicious of this index, but it provides insight into the coin market over time. I did some calculating, generally, roughly, according to sources I looked at Google searches.

Since 1970 PCGS 3000 has gone up about 5,939%
Since 1970 Dow Jones Ind. has gone up about 4,100%
Since 1970 S&P 500 has gone up about 4,800%
Since 1970 silver $1.63 oz,has gone up about 1,380%
Since 1970 gold $37.38 oz has gone up about 4,700%

The coin market can go up/down like stocks. The highest PCGS 3000 ever got was 1989 at $181,088. It's currently $60,398. If you would have bought every PCGS 3000 coin in 1989 they would now be worth 66.65% less, bad timing.

I can't afford high dollar classic/rare coins. I'm not in the PCGS 3000 arena. I still enjoy my modern coins and my ancient coins. I don't worry much if they appreciate in value. I just try to buy at current fair prices.

Yes, assuming someone reinvests their dividends and doesn't spend them, makes the stock market much better.