Gold: What price value and diversification

So, you have £100, 000 in a shaky bank. You need to store it securely under your control; "bloke down the pub" says silver is best, his mate explains that the TV said, a bloke in a bank said, his traders said that gold is hot, and a lot more convenient that silver.

What is one to do?

The choice really comes down to 3 kilos of a yellow metal or 125 kilos of a grey metal; not exactly convenient. The more value you have to store, the greater the inconvenience and the cost.

Which is where numismatics fit in: concentrated and portable value, recognized internationally.

We are not discussing some old coin; for far less than £100,000 you will own the finest in the world.

1901_Pr65_obv Take, for example, this amazing piece:

Costing less than £50,000 and being one of only 96 coins created in 1901, this beauty will always be in demand- even during the heights of a 'Recession'.

Heritage Auctions is reporting sales over $11,000,000 at the recent Florida show. In January Heritage sold the legendary 1907 $10 Satin proof, PR67 for $2,185,000 which brings their year to date results up to $721,254,213 sold in the twelve months.

A healthy stimulus for the bank accounts of those liquidating and very impressive for the heights of the "Great Recession".

But who is buying what and for how much?

Amongst the highlights, was this beautiful coin, a truly breathtaking specimen, described by Heritage thus:

1901 $20 PR65 Cameo PCGS Secure. Only 96 proof Liberty double eagles were produced in 1901...

.....Gem proof with dramatic, gold-on-black cameo contrast. The devices display razor-sharp details, and the fields are deeply mirrored with the orange-peel texture seen on the best proofs of the era.

Just as one diversifies stocks and shares, so too should you diversify your gold.

1901_Pr65_rev