But then---

I think Jim is right when he says that alot of people think they are investing in coins to make a profit, because as he also says, you must have alot of newer coins, and less valuable coins to make it a worthwhile venture in the profit sense. However, when coupled with cd's, t-bills, stocks, 401K's, and other small investments, can provide a nice nest egg 20 or so years down the road in addition to your other investments. We will retire in 10 years, and have all of the above, times 2. Our savings bonds will be maturing for 13 years after we retire, in addition to our other options, plus two retirement checks each month. When the savings bonds run out, the coins we would have accumulated over the decades will go up for sale. I love every coin I have, but they will help me live comfortably in my golden years. I think coins are magical indeed. Not every one will make a profit. We are investing only in proof sets that go right to certification, and to the safe. We hope to have as many complete clad & silver sets as we can in the next 10 years. We have 1 complete set from 1961 to present so far. Going to get from 1950 to 60, and then start over again. They will all be NGC certified. Good for long-term investment. Of course, as I buy my proof sets as cheap as I can, I have yet to lose or not increase the value of my proofs by certifying. Maybe thats just me. Like they say in the info-mercials; (results not typical). Oh well, anyone else collect as an investment? I think Jim brought up a good topic, worthy of good clean debate.