Stack it up or branch out?

[Hawkeye]

My question is more of an opinion question, but there are some great opinions in this forum, so I thought I'd ask. If you were in my shoes, would you keep stacking new 1/10 oz gold (AEs and Maples, mostly) or would you try to branch out and pick up some old foreign gold coins? Here is some background:

I have a small extra source of income that brings me about $30-$40 a week, which I use to buy gold. I save it up, and every month or two for the last couple of years, I'll buy a 1/10 oz AE or Maple. (I've also picked up a couple of 1/4 oz over the last couple of years too) I was just looking around the other day and it seems like, if you pay attention, you can buy some forgein gold (British 1/2 sovereigns, French and Swiss 20 francs, Mexican 5 pesos, etc.) much closer to spot than AEs or Maples or Krugerrands. I would be getting a little more gold for my money, but I like the fact that I know I'm getting exactly 1/10 oz with the new stuff (and the weight and purity are stamped on the coin). On the other hand, I do like old coins. Is there any downside that I may not be aware of with old foreign gold coins? I appreciate any opinions- should I keep stacking or branch out?

[Mossy]

Sovereigns are the most counterfieted coin in the world. You absolutely must test them first or get them from someone you trust to have tested them.

In your shoes, I'd get a good scale and a vernier caliper, and fill a notebook with information about every gold (and maybe silver) coin out there.

[Hawkeye]

Sovereigns are the most counterfieted coin in the world. You absolutely must test them first or get them from someone you trust to have tested them.

In your shoes, I'd get a good scale and a vernier caliper, and fill a notebook with information about every gold (and maybe silver) coin out there.

Thanks for the advice. I did not know that about Sovereigns- I will have to be careful and do my homework. I usually order from APMEX or Provident Metals. I assume that they test coins like that, but I guess I should check it out to make sure. I'm not rich enough to afford getting burned.

[Rosco]

Not rich either i've purchased a few mex 2 & 2.5 pesos an some $2.5 an $5 coins One is bent an I did not notice until I was home but all were purchased as Bullion so no big deal I hope. Also bought a few 1/10 an they are in holders an look good. Due to GS Ratio I now want silver an 90% is as good as rounds in fact if we have silver at +$200 / oz then a dime is $15.00 and we will need change for that with the dime at 2.5 grams a one Gram piece is $6.00. Stacking Nickels is looking better

[Mossy]

Well worth getting.

http://www.fisch.co.za/buyersguide.htm

[IdahoCopper]

:oops: Not rich either i've purchased a few mex 2 & 2.5 pesos an some $2.5 an $5 coins One is bent an I did not notice until I was home but all were purchased as Bullion so no big deal I hope. Also bought a few 1/10 an they are in holders an look good. Due to GS Ratio I now want silver an 90% is as good as rounds in fact if we have silver at +$200 / oz then a dime is $15.00 and we will need change for that with the dime at 2.5 grams a one Gram piece is $6.00. Stacking Nickels is looking better

A bent coin can be easily flattened. Put it between two lead ingots, and whack the top ingot with a heavy hammer a few times. It will be flat again.

The coin is harder than the lead so it will be undamaged. The lead will take the imprint of the coin.

[Hawkeye]

Well worth getting.

http://www.fisch.co.za/buyersguide.htm

I definitely need one of those (and everything else on that site). Thanks for the link.