gold and silver coins have two types of value: there is the value of the metal content, which would be the same from coin to coin as long as they have the same purity and weight, then there is the collectible or coin value which is dependent upon the condition, rarity, etc. of that particular coin. Some coins will have this collectible value and command a premium above their metal value. Others will not, and only be worth the value of their metal content. Some coins will go up in value from their initial purchase price, others go down. Of course the coin dealers only talk about the ones that rise.

As "ag318pun" indicated, precious metals and coins are highly volatile investments. (not the "safe harbor" some sellers indicate) More speculation than investment. I would tread carefully in this area and limit my investment to a portion of my portfolio. Gold had a big run-up in value over the last few years years, but more recently, it's performance has been mixed.

The date and the condition of the coin will determine its value.

Gold and silver is nopt a good investment and should only be

a small percentage of your overall portfolio.

I was looking into buying silver, and I saw that different coins had different values even though the silver content was the same. What is the point of this? Is there a "right" coin to buy over a "wrong" one?

Also, how do you determine whether to invest in gold or silver? I have the money for gold, so which would be better?

Thanks.