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 Replies: 13 / Views: 1,706 |
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Valued Member
United States
56 Posts |
Hi folks. Here's my first plea for a little help. Hopefully I can contribute more than I request over time. I've always loved Buffalo nickels and I want to pick up a few MS65/MS66 coins *** Staff Edit - Please avoid political commentary *** When looking at the ebay listings it seems that there may be some large holders of Buffalos selling rather than buying. Question/Request: Is there any advice you have about buying or selling Buffalo nickels or Barber dimes for a rather short term basis (3 yr or less)? Getting up in years and on a tight budget. Need to play it kinda safe but some risk is OK. Hints on specific coins and grades would be great if you choose to do so. Thanks! |
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Moderator
 United States
34402 Posts |
@1949, first welcome to CCF. Second, it sounds like you are looking toward using these coins as an investment or perhaps a hedge against inflation. I'm not going to act as your fiduciary, but my personal opinion is that neither Buffalo nickels or Barber dimes would be very good for either of those, especially over your timeline. For sure there are some folks how might advocate for precious metals as a small part of your overall portfolio, but even then I don't think that anyone who isn't in the business of selling them would argue that buffs are what you should do as your main investment. "If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Well said.  to the CCF! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
600 Posts |
My first recommendation is to never take investment advice from strangers in an anonymous forum. But since you asked, I keep numismatic items to a maximum of 1% of my portfolio. Why? Because over the past 40 years, all of my other investments have outperformed numismatic items when measured over any medium-to-long period of time. Over a short period of time, you should expect even less certainty...it is just a guessing game. If I knew I would be selling a coin in 3 years, I would only buy if I didn't mind a 50% loss. You might make money, and I hope you do, but you might lose, so invest accordingly. Good luck.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3848 Posts |
Suffering from bust half fever. Want to learn how to attribute early half dollars by die variety? Click Here: http://goccf.com/t/434955Shoot me a PM if you are looking to sell bust halves. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1173 Posts |
 . Welcome to the Community, lots of good information here. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2003 Posts |
collecting coins for investment purposes is ill advised. For me the pleasure of collecting is in completing a series or finding that one elusive example that I desire and reflecting upon the history of those coins. Even in collecting bullion or gold and silver stacking, it is more of a long term strategy if you are considering it for investment. Bullion does offer a hedge against inflation but again it should not be considered as an investment in my opinion.
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Moderator
United States
188213 Posts |
Quote:
collecting coins for investment purposes is ill advised. For me the pleasure of collecting is in completing a series or finding that one elusive example that I desire and reflecting upon the history of those coins Every coin I have bought I did so knowing full well I would never sell nor profit from it.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2281 Posts |
You realize when you know how to think, it empowers you far beyond those who know only what to think.
-Neil deGrasse Tyson
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4469 Posts |
There is nothing wrong with collecting Buffalo nickels in grades of MS65/66, but do not expect a profit when selling. There are a lot of hurdles to get over to buy and sell coins at a profit. The coin market comes into play at the time of purchase and selling. Knowledge of the coins or series that a collector purchases. The knowledge of where and how to buy coins at a price that is favorable for resale. The ability to purchase coins that have market appeal. Large seller fees when selling at auction houses or ebay, or below market offers when selling to a coin dealer. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2362 Posts |
I never expected to make big profits from coins. I collect early copper and half dollars because it's an adventure in history that I enjoy. There have been a few exceptions but most of my collection grows in value rather slowly. Just looking at the past 10 years my investments in stocks have far surpassed even my best purchases of coins.
Member ANA and EAC "You got to lose to know how to win". Dream On by Aerosmith |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1316 Posts |
Like everyone above has said, investing in these is inherently risky.
If you are still determined to take the risk, become very VERY knowledgeable, especially with Buffaloes, when it comes to strike, luster, and toning. There is a notably wide variability in quality even if it's labelled MS65/66 with this series and knowing what's strong and what's not for the label is the difference in having a shot at an ROI. Remember to buy the coin and not the label and proceed with caution.
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Valued Member
 United States
56 Posts |
Thanks to all who have taken your valuable time to reply and caution me on overreaching. I'll definitely heed your advice.  My dabbling here will be capped at what I can afford to lose without regret (well, maybe with a little regret  ). |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
They've said it all. |
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Replies: 13 / Views: 1,706 |
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Posted 11/09/2021 9:09 pm
