Before you start investing or trading in precious metals, you need to understand the concepts of saving, investing, trading, and speculating; otherwise, the financial pitfalls could be very great. The differences aren't just in where your money is but also why and in what manner.Right now, millions of people live with no savings and lots of debt, which means that they are speculating with their budgets; retirees are day-trading their portfolios; and financial advisors are telling people to move their money from savings accounts to stocks without looking at the appropriateness of what they're doing.

Gold is a finite element (literally — it’s the symbol au on the table of elements) and has all the necessary qualities needed as money. It’s durable, portable, and divisible. It’s malleable enough to turn into coinage. It doesn’t decay or tarnish and is indestructible.In ancient times, it became an ideal medium of exchange and a store of value ever since.

Numismatics. Who thought up that name? Why not call coin collecting, uh, coin collecting? Numismatic coins are coins that have achieved value due to their rarity. Bullion coins are primarily acquired for their metal content. For numismatic coins, you need to consider (or be aware of) the following: Metal content: The major types of precious metals are silver and gold.

As part of your wealth-building approach, you seriously should consider adding some gold and silver, especially when you take a full, realistic view of what’s going on in our society, economy, and financial markets. © Ravital / Shutterstock.comIn the modern age, most investors keep their investments in either paper or digital form, and each of them has a risk that hard assets such as physical gold and silver don’t have.

The whole point of buying collectible coins (at least from an investment perspective) is to gain by selling them at a higher price later on. This article helps you understand potential buyers and pricing information. For maximum investment gain, it’s best to hold your coins long term to give them adequate time to appreciate in value.

Gold and silver have endured all the tumult and chaos of history. They have survived humanity itself. The smartest money people throughout history always had them. Sometimes more, sometimes less, but the wealthy possessed them. Here are ten reasons you should possess them today. © Ravital / Shutterstock.com One benefit to mention is counterparty risk, which is a crucial benefit of gold and silver but one that is rarely mentioned.

The first area of bullion to consider investing in is the ancient metal of kings: gold. With its beauty, reputation, and long history as a store of value and safe haven investment, holding some in your hands is a great experience. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do it, starting right here in the United States.

Long term, silver is a good part of virtually any portfolio. Silver bullion is the best and easiest way to start participating. Here are several ways to get involved in investing in silver. American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins The U.S. Mint started minting these beautiful coins in 1986. With nearly 135 million coins sold since then, the American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins have become the world’s bestselling silver coins.

It was not that long ago when choosing gold (and/or silver) for your portfolio was a similar dead-end singular choice. To look around and find out that the choice was, uh, “gold” was too stifling and limited. But it’s different today. Here we are in the modern age, the “golden age,” with choices on a “silver platter.