Silver has historically been one of the most affordable precious metals. The silver market offers investors a variety of products. Although there are several categories of silver bullion to choose from, we recommend you consider these popularly traded silver coins and bars.

1 Oz. American Silver Eagles
Silver Eagles are dated from their early inception in 1986 through currently minted 2000. They are minted at West Point, New York and are .999 fine silver. Silver Eagles normally sell for modest premiums above their melt value. However in late 1999, early 2000, the coins were hyped as ”collectibles” and ”the last silver dollars of the 20th century” which is true. Many of these coins were even painted red, white and blue to justify prices as high as $39.95 ea. The promotions were and have been successful, consequently causing the premiums on Silver Eagles to climb above their normal level of premium. Although the Silver Eagles are a popular ”bullion” coin, experience tells us that the current high premiums on such coins will not last forever. When the promotion is over…it’s over and the premiums will collapse back to normal levels. In fact, investors who have purchased Silver Eagles should call us to consider selling their coins at a profit or swapping to another form of silver thereby increasing their total number of ounces.

U.S. 90% Circulated Silver Dollars
Traded in bags of $1,000 face value and containing approximately 720 ounces of silver, the 90% bags currently represent the least expensive method for purchasing silver per ounce.

The 90% “junk” bags consist of U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted prior to 1965. Circulated 90% bags are highly liquid, instantly recognizable and offer a convenient, small barter type coin.

1 Oz. Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
Silver Maple Leaf coins, sold in a 1 oz. size, are made of fine 99.99% pure silver. The Silver Maple is one of the most widely traded silver bullion coins in the market today. If you are considering purchasing a bullion coin minted currently by a government, this would be an excellent choice.

Silver Bars
Although the popularity of silver bars has fallen considerably and wholesale markets consider them to be unfavorable, there continues to be those that ask about silver bars. Johnson-Matthey and Engelhard are two of the world\’s largest precious metals firms with operations around the world. When considering silver bars, investors should ask for either of these two hallmarks.

Silver Bullion Rounds
Silver bullion rounds are a popular way to invest in silver bullion because one-ounce silver rounds offer the better of two worlds. Silver rounds are .999 fine silver, making them a pure silver investment. And, being one ounce, silver rounds could easily be used as money in a worst-case scenario.

Engelhard One-Ounce Silver Rounds
By far, the preferred one-ounce silver rounds are the Engelhard Silver Prospectors. Because Engelhard has not made Silver Prospectors since 1988, they are available only when they show up in the secondary market.

Other Popular One-Ounce Silver Rounds
Wall Street Mint and Sunshine Minting produce popular one-ounce silver rounds. The WSM silver rounds are designed after the classic Buffalo/Indian Head nickel. The Sunshine Minting silver rounds depict an eagle flying through the sun and are called Silver Eagles. Sunshine Silver Eagles are not to be confused with American Silver Eagles, which are legal tender $1 silver coins minted by the U.S. Mint.

Generic Silver Rounds
Included in the category of generic silver rounds are all the silver rounds produced over the last thirty years by firms that are no longer in business. Also included are one-ounce silver rounds marketed by small firms that are still in business but are not well known.

Generic silver rounds usually do not display the manufacturing mint’s hallmark or name, and they come in a myriad of designs. Sometimes generic rounds are loose in a bag, like pre-1965 U.S. 90% silver coins. Sometimes generic silver rounds are packaged in tubes. Generic silver rounds sell at smaller markups than Engelhard Silver Prospectors or Wall Street Mint and Sunshine Minting silver rounds.

Contact Us:  1-800-525-9556

Silver has historically been one of the most affordable precious metals. The silver market offers investors a variety of products. Although there are several categories of silver bullion to choose from, we recommend you consider these popularly traded silver coins and bars.

1 Oz. American Silver Eagles
Silver Eagles are dated from their early inception in 1986 through currently minted 2000. They are minted at West Point, New York and are .999 fine silver. Silver Eagles normally sell for modest premiums above their melt value. However in late 1999, early 2000, the coins were hyped as ”collectibles” and ”the last silver dollars of the 20th century” which is true. Many of these coins were even painted red, white and blue to justify prices as high as $39.95 ea. The promotions were and have been successful, consequently causing the premiums on Silver Eagles to climb above their normal level of premium. Although the Silver Eagles are a popular ”bullion” coin, experience tells us that the current high premiums on such coins will not last forever. When the promotion is over…it’s over and the premiums will collapse back to normal levels. In fact, investors who have purchased Silver Eagles should call us to consider selling their coins at a profit or swapping to another form of silver thereby increasing their total number of ounces.

U.S. 90% Circulated Silver Dollars
Traded in bags of $1,000 face value and containing approximately 720 ounces of silver, the 90% bags currently represent the least expensive method for purchasing silver per ounce.

The 90% “junk” bags consist of U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted prior to 1965. Circulated 90% bags are highly liquid, instantly recognizable and offer a convenient, small barter type coin.

1 Oz. Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
Silver Maple Leaf coins, sold in a 1 oz. size, are made of fine 99.99% pure silver. The Silver Maple is one of the most widely traded silver bullion coins in the market today. If you are considering purchasing a bullion coin minted currently by a government, this would be an excellent choice.

Silver Bars
Although the popularity of silver bars has fallen considerably and wholesale markets consider them to be unfavorable, there continues to be those that ask about silver bars. Johnson-Matthey and Engelhard are two of the world\’s largest precious metals firms with operations around the world. When considering silver bars, investors should ask for either of these two hallmarks.

Silver Bullion Rounds
Silver bullion rounds are a popular way to invest in silver bullion because one-ounce silver rounds offer the better of two worlds. Silver rounds are .999 fine silver, making them a pure silver investment. And, being one ounce, silver rounds could easily be used as money in a worst-case scenario.

Engelhard One-Ounce Silver Rounds
By far, the preferred one-ounce silver rounds are the Engelhard Silver Prospectors. Because Engelhard has not made Silver Prospectors since 1988, they are available only when they show up in the secondary market.

Other Popular One-Ounce Silver Rounds
Wall Street Mint and Sunshine Minting produce popular one-ounce silver rounds. The WSM silver rounds are designed after the classic Buffalo/Indian Head nickel. The Sunshine Minting silver rounds depict an eagle flying through the sun and are called Silver Eagles. Sunshine Silver Eagles are not to be confused with American Silver Eagles, which are legal tender $1 silver coins minted by the U.S. Mint.

Generic Silver Rounds
Included in the category of generic silver rounds are all the silver rounds produced over the last thirty years by firms that are no longer in business. Also included are one-ounce silver rounds marketed by small firms that are still in business but are not well known.

Generic silver rounds usually do not display the manufacturing mint’s hallmark or name, and they come in a myriad of designs. Sometimes generic rounds are loose in a bag, like pre-1965 U.S. 90% silver coins. Sometimes generic silver rounds are packaged in tubes. Generic silver rounds sell at smaller markups than Engelhard Silver Prospectors or Wall Street Mint and Sunshine Minting silver rounds.

Contact Us:  1-800-525-9556

Once the price takes off, panic buying could easily set in. If you are not in position before the price explosion starts, your opportunity for profits will be substantially reduced.

To safeguard your financial portfolio, we recommend that you place up to 1/3 of your investments in precious metals. The best way to own gold is in the form of privately held gold coins. However, a shortage of gold coins is already developing. U.S. $20 double eagles are in very short supply. Sophisticated investors are quietly acquiring millions of dollars worth of non-reportable gold coins. When the crowd comes rushing in, supplies of these coins will evaporate and prices will skyrocket as they did in 1979-80.

GOLD PROVIDES INSURANCE AND PEACE OF MIND
The past few years have not been kind to investors in the traditional markets. Investors and saver have lost over $8 trillion in market declines. Increasing unrest and instability throughout the world will lead to a greater need for financial security.
Will we see the kind of double-digit inflation that has plagued the U.S. in the past? Never forget the power of the Federal Reserves printing press. Due to the Fed’s recent record expansion of the U.S. monetary supply, it is likely that the U.S. dollar will continue to weaken.
A spastic economy, with elements of both inflation and deflation, will make more traditional investment strategies obsolete. Gold coins should be a major part of every investor’s portfolio over the next turbulent years.

Contact Us: 1-800-525-9556

Once the price takes off, panic buying could easily set in. If you are not in position before the price explosion starts, your opportunity for profits will be substantially reduced.

To safeguard your financial portfolio, we recommend that you place up to 1/3 of your investments in precious metals. The best way to own gold is in the form of privately held gold coins. However, a shortage of gold coins is already developing. U.S. $20 double eagles are in very short supply. Sophisticated investors are quietly acquiring millions of dollars worth of non-reportable gold coins. When the crowd comes rushing in, supplies of these coins will evaporate and prices will skyrocket as they did in 1979-80.

GOLD PROVIDES INSURANCE AND PEACE OF MIND
The past few years have not been kind to investors in the traditional markets. Investors and saver have lost over $8 trillion in market declines. Increasing unrest and instability throughout the world will lead to a greater need for financial security.
Will we see the kind of double-digit inflation that has plagued the U.S. in the past? Never forget the power of the Federal Reserves printing press. Due to the Fed’s recent record expansion of the U.S. monetary supply, it is likely that the U.S. dollar will continue to weaken.
A spastic economy, with elements of both inflation and deflation, will make more traditional investment strategies obsolete. Gold coins should be a major part of every investor’s portfolio over the next turbulent years.

Contact Us:  1-800-525-9556

1 Oz. American Silver Eagles
Silver Eagles are dated from their early inception in 1986 through currently minted 2000. They are minted at West Point, New York and are .999 fine silver.

Silver Eagles normally sell for modest premiums above their melt value. However in late 1999, early 2000, the coins were hyped as ”collectibles” and ”the last silver dollars of the 20th century” which is true. Many of these coins were even painted red, white and blue to justify prices as high as $39.95 ea. The promotions were and have been successful, consequently causing the premiums on Silver Eagles to climb above their normal level of premium. Although the Silver Eagles are a popular ”bullion” coin, experience tells us that the current high premiums on such coins will not last forever. When the promotion is over…it’s over and the premiums will collapse back to normal levels. In fact, investors who have purchased Silver Eagles should call us to consider selling their coins at a profit or swapping to another form of silver thereby increasing their total number of ounces.

Contact Us:  1-800-525-9556

An important measure of any investment is its liquidity: How easy is it to resell? Almost all gold bullion coins and bars are accepted in major investment markets worldwide.

Bullion is for those investors seeking narrow spreads between buy and sell prices. It’s easy to track the value of gold. For instance just take a look at any major newspaper reporting the daily price of gold or just visit our ” Quotes and Charts” page.

A gold bullion coin’s value is based on the price, plus a small premium to cover coinage and distribution costs. They are typically minted in four weights – 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 ounce – to fit a variety of budgets. The smaller sizes also make affordable and thoughtful gifts.

There are several bullion coins to choose from. We recommend the following coins because they are the most widely traded and accepted all over the world.

American Eagle Gold Coins
Authorized by the Bullion Coin Act of 1985, American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins quickly became one of the world’s leading gold bullion investment coins.

Produced from gold mined in the United States , American Eagles are imprinted with their gold content and legal tender “face” value. However, the face value is largely symbolic since their market value has historically been much higher. This has also caused some dealers to claim that American Eagle Gold Coins are “numismatic” coin, which is not only false, but we take issue with anyone who tries to convince you that they are. Please see our section on reporting requirements.

American Eagles use the durable 22 karat standard established for gold circulating coinage over 350 years ago. They contain their stated amount of pure gold, plus small amounts of alloy. This creates harder coins that resist scratching and marring, which can diminish resale value. Minted to exacting standards, the obverse (front) design is inspired by what’s often considered America ‘s most beautiful coin: Augustus Saint Gaudens’ celebrated $20 gold piece, minted from 1907-33. The reverse features a nest of American Eagles, symbolizing family tradition and unity.

Canadian Maple Leaf
Made of 99.99% pure gold, Gold Maple Leaf coins come in five sizes ranging from 1 oz. to 1/20 oz, (smaller sizes are often not available).

The Royal Canadian Mint was the first world mint to commercially produce 99.99% pure gold. Although this makes the coin “soft” and is more easily damged, this innovation gave the Gold Maple Leaf instant recognition when it was introduced to the bullion coin market years ago, and it remains the one of the most well recognized and sought after bullion coin in the market today.

South African Krugerrand
The South African Krugerrand was first released in 1967. For the first 20 years of its existence, it dominated the gold bullion market, and is still the most widely held gold coin in the world today. The obverse of this 22kt coin depicts Paul Kruger, President of the original South African Republic from 1883 to 1902, and the reverse shows the springbok, the national animal of South Africa .

Because the “spreads” are typically lower than other bullion coins, it makes it simple to know the exact value of your coins and are often purchased by “price conscience” investors. The Krugerrand is available in four sizes: one-ounce, half-ounce, quarter-ounce and one-tenth ounce. Each size relates easily to the current 1-ounce gold price.

Gold Bars
The credit Suisse gold bar is an internationally recognized product made of 24 kt gold. It is unique among gold bullion products in that it comes housed with its own certificate of authenticity and purity, including its own unique serial number, which is stamped both on the bar and on the certificate. At one time this bar was the only way to purchase 24 karat gold at close to bullion prices. As with all bullion items, the bar trades for its content plus a small premium to cover the cost of minting, distributing, and advertising.

Contact Us:  1-800-525-9556

Request Your Free DVD on Precious Metals Investing

McAlvany Gold IRA

Concerned about the financial bubble? — Balance your IRA with GOLD!

Many investors have begun to diversify their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) savings from the volatile paper stock and bond markets into the safety of gold. Gold, which is now one of the most undervalued financial assets in the world, offers excellent upside profit potential along with incomparable liquidity.

• Pay no taxes!
• Lock in profits from you paper assets now!
• Own the world’s most liquid, portable and private asset!

The Current Exploding Financial Bubble

Due to massive monetary expansion by the Federal Reserve in recent months, tens of billions of newly created dollars have flooded into the US stock market, creating the largest financial bubble in history. It is likely that at some point in the coming months, this hyper-inflation in financial assets will roll into wages and prices, creating spiraling inflation and decimating both the stock and bond markets.

In this scenario investors and savers who have diversified their IRA into gold will have found protection from the financial storm.

They will also be positioned to realize handsome profits.

This is a perfect time to roll your current IRA into gold. Prices are low and there is an adequate inventory of gold, silver, and platinum coins available to be transferred to your IRA account!

Only since 1986 have savers been allowed to invest their IRA funds in American Eagle gold coins. International Collectors Associates was one of the first precious metals dealers in the country which assisted investors in rolling their IRA into gold coins.

The Gold Alternative For Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Funds

When the major financial markets collapse do you really want to be holding “paper” investments in your IRA? Wouldn’t you rather own the oldest investment hedge known to man, an investment hedge which has been relied upon for over five thousand years…GOLD?

Unfortunately, millions of Americans have all of their retirement savings locked into an IRA that is completely invested, via mutual funds, in the stock market. Without realizing it, they could be devastated in a stock market crash.

As stocks, bonds, and other paper investments plummet, investors will flee conventional markets in droves looking for alternative investments which offer liquidity and safety. Where will they go with their money? I believe many will reinvest a portion of their IRA savings into the most traditional hedge available… GOLD!

 Gold Wealth Insurance

A recent quote by Paul Volker, ex-Fed Chairman, certainly causes one to stop and think, he said “The fate of the world economy is now totally dependant on the growth of the US economy, which is dependant on the stock market, whose growth is dependant on about 50 stocks, half of which have never reported any earnings.”

Prudent investors are beginning to diversify out of financial institutions and paper promises and into tangible assets. Gold is recovering from twenty year lows, and today gold provides an opportunity to take a low risk position amidst volatile world financial markets. At the very least, gold provides insurance and peace of mind. In our opinion, placing a third of your money into gold is easy, it’s what to do with the other two thirds that is so hard.

Better Way To Own Gold

For the Past 6,000 Years, the most sought-after form of asset protection has been gold.

Gold is the most liquid financial asset in the world. It has no borders, is recognized throughout the world, and can easily be transported or hidden. For this reason, owning gold represents financial privacy and independence. Gold frustrates the attempts of governments to completely control the finances and lives of their citizens.

Gold performs the role as the only true money. Tyrants, dictators, can’t undermine its value nor politicians who print paper money at will, making their currencies worth less and less each year. Unlike paper money, gold hold its value over the long run. For example…

Back in 1933, you could buy a first class, tailor-made suit of clothes with a U.S. $20 gold coin or a $20 bill. Today, that $20 gold coin, worth about $1,100, will still buy a nice suit of clothes. The $20 bill, however wont even buy a decent necktie.

During the great depression, cash was king because cash was backed by gold. In truth, gold was king. While most assets plunged like a stone in the 1930’s, the price of gold shot up dramatically.

In a depression, economic crisis, inflation or war, people seek financial security. They invest in assets that represent more than just a paper promise to pay. For many, that means owning gold.

GOLD PROVIDES INSURANCE AND PEACE OF MIND

The past few years have not been kind to investors in the traditional markets. Investors and saver have lost over $8 trillion in market declines. Increasing unrest and instability throughout the world will lead to a greater need for financial security.

Will we see the kind of double-digit inflation that has plagued the U.S. in the past? Never forget the power of the Federal Reserves printing press. Due to the Fed’s recent record expansion of the U.S. monetary supply, it is likely that the U.S. dollar will continue to weaken.

A spastic economy, with elements of both inflation and deflation, will make more traditional investment strategies obsolete. Gold coins should be a major part of every investor’s portfolio over the next turbulent years.

WHY GOLD PRICES WILL CONTINUE TO RISE

The fundamentals for gold have never been stronger.

Global demand for gold exceeds supply by over 1,000 tons per year. Central banks have made up the shortfall- and have helped suppress the price of gold- by selling or loaning thousands of tons of their gold reserves.

Nevertheless, all that is about to come to a screeching halt.

The bull market in the U.S. dollar is now over. As the dollar goes into a long-term downtrend, millions of foreigners will start re-directing their money out of the paper financial markets and into the world’s “other” proven reserve currency…

All it would take to spark an explosion in the price of gold is one major event- an escalation of terrorism in the U.S….an expansion of the war in the Middle East…another stock market meltdown… or a major bank failure.

Once the price takes off, panic buying could easily set in. If you are not in position before the price explosion starts, your opportunity for profits will be substantially reduced.

To safeguard your financial portfolio, we recommend that you place up to 1/3 of your investments in precious metals. The best way to own gold is in the form of privately held gold coins.

However, a shortage of gold coins is already developing. U.S. $20 double eagles are in very short supply. Sophisticated investors are quietly acquiring millions of dollars worth of non-reportable gold coins. When the crowd comes rushing in, supplies of these coins will evaporate and prices will skyrocket as they did in 1979-80.

NON-DEALER REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Virtually ever asset or investment which we own is highly visible, traceable, reportable and under the watchful, scrutinizing eyes of the government. With the new cash and metals transaction reporting law and regulations, even cash, cashiers checks, money orders and most forms of gold transactions are reportable. In effect, the privacy, which was guaranteed by the Constitutions 4th Amendment, has, for the most part, disappeared in the area of investments.

If you sell bullion coins to a coin dealer, the dealer is required by law to report that sale to the IRS on Form 1099. That is one reason to avoid gold bullion coins. However, coins with a premium above 15% do not have to be reported by a coin dealer when you sell them. For example, the semi-numismatic $20 Liberty and $20 St. Gaudens have premium above 15% and are, therefore, gold coins which do not have dealer reporting requirements.

Everyone should own an asset that no one else knows about- a low profile, bearer type investment that leaves no tracks when bought or sold. Semi-numismatic gold coins fit the bill perfectly.

GREATER UPSIDE POTENTIAL

The semi-numismatic $20 Liberty and $20 St. Gauden gold coins currently have a 40-90% premium over bullion. (Numismatic coins have 500-5,000% premiums over their bullion content.) The premium on the $20 gold coins have expanded to 100% in recent years, and under certain bullish gold market conditions, could rise even higher. In a rising gold market, the semi-numismatic $20 Liberty and $20 St. Gauden coins have a substantially greater upside potential than a normal gold bullion coin.

Why? Unlike bullion coins, which are freshly minted by the millions each year, most semi-numismatic coins are nearly 100 years old and in very limited supply.

For example, if the price of gold moved up $100 an ounce, a bullion coin would move up a corresponding $100. However, semi-numismatic coins have historically doubled that movement.

PROTECTED FROM CONFISCATION

Unfortunately, many governments, including the U.S., have a history of confiscating gold bullion coins. In 1933, by Executive Order, the Roosevelt Administration declared it illegal for American citizens to own gold. Practically overnight, a law went into effect that forced Americans to turn over their gold or face up to ten years in prison. Gold was confiscated and replaced with freshly printed-paper dollars. The following is an excerpt from Roosevelt’s Executive Order (dated April 5, 1933):

All persons are hereby required to deliver on or before May 1, 1933, to Federal Reserve System all gold coin, gold bullion and gold certificates now owned by them or coming into their ownership on or before April 28, 1933…

However, there was one type of gold that was exempt from this draconian law— namely, “gold coins having a recognized special value to collectors of rare and unusual coins.” In other words, numismatic and semi-numismatic gold coins.

Since 1975, Americans have been allowed to own gold bullion. During some future crisis, power-hungry politicians, eager to squeeze out the last drop of your civil liberties, could again make gold illegal and confiscate gold bullion bars and coins.

Could the current “war on terrorism” give the government the excuse to call in gold bullion once again? In the event of another “government gold grab,” collectible gold coins have always been excluded from such a confiscation.

Gold Wealth Insurance

A recent quote by Paul Volker, ex-Fed Chairman, certainly causes one to stop and think, he said “The fate of the world economy is now totally dependant on the growth of the US economy, which is dependant on the stock market, whose growth is dependant on about 50 stocks, half of which have never reported any earnings.”

Prudent investors are beginning to diversify out of financial institutions and paper promises and into tangible assets. Gold is recovering from twenty year lows, and today gold provides an opportunity to take a low risk position amidst volatile world financial markets. At the very least, gold provides insurance and peace of mind. In our opinion, placing a third of your money into gold is easy, it’s what to do with the other two thirds that is so hard.

Better Way To Own Gold

For the Past 6,000 Years, the most sought-after form of asset protection has been gold.
Gold is the most liquid financial asset in the world. It has no borders, is recognized throughout the world, and can easily be transported or hidden. For this reason, owning gold represents financial privacy and independence. Gold frustrates the attempts of governments to completely control the finances and lives of their citizens.

Gold performs the role as the only true money. Tyrants, dictators, can’t undermine its value nor politicians who print paper money at will, making their currencies worth less and less each year. Unlike paper money, gold hold its value over the long run. For example…

Back in 1933, you could buy a first class, tailor-made suit of clothes with a U.S. $20 gold coin or a $20 bill. Today, that $20 gold coin, worth about $1,100, will still buy a nice suit of clothes. The $20 bill, however wont even buy a decent necktie.
During the great depression, cash was king because cash was backed by gold. In truth, gold was king. While most assets plunged like a stone in the 1930’s, the price of gold shot up dramatically.

In a depression, economic crisis, inflation or war, people seek financial security. They invest in assets that represent more than just a paper promise to pay. For many, that means owning gold.

GOLD PROVIDES INSURANCE AND PEACE OF MIND
The past few years have not been kind to investors in the traditional markets. Investors and saver have lost over $8 trillion in market declines. Increasing unrest and instability throughout the world will lead to a greater need for financial security.
Will we see the kind of double-digit inflation that has plagued the U.S. in the past? Never forget the power of the Federal Reserves printing press. Due to the Fed’s recent record expansion of the U.S. monetary supply, it is likely that the U.S. dollar will continue to weaken.

A spastic economy, with elements of both inflation and deflation, will make more traditional investment strategies obsolete. Gold coins should be a major part of every investor’s portfolio over the next turbulent years.

WHY GOLD PRICES WILL CONTINUE TO RISE
The fundamentals for gold have never been stronger.
Global demand for gold exceeds supply by over 1,000 tons per year. Central banks have made up the shortfall- and have helped suppress the price of gold- by selling or loaning thousands of tons of their gold reserves.

Nevertheless, all that is about to come to a screeching halt.

The bull market in the U.S. dollar is now over. As the dollar goes into a long-term downtrend, millions of foreigners will start re-directing their money out of the paper financial markets and into the world’s “other” proven reserve currency…

All it would take to spark an explosion in the price of gold is one major event- an escalation of terrorism in the U.S….an expansion of the war in the Middle East…another stock market meltdown… or a major bank failure.

Once the price takes off, panic buying could easily set in. If you are not in position before the price explosion starts, your opportunity for profits will be substantially reduced.

To safeguard your financial portfolio, we recommend that you place up to 1/3 of your investments in precious metals. The best way to own gold is in the form of privately held gold coins.

However, a shortage of gold coins is already developing. U.S. $20 double eagles are in very short supply. Sophisticated investors are quietly acquiring millions of dollars worth of non-reportable gold coins. When the crowd comes rushing in, supplies of these coins will evaporate and prices will skyrocket as they did in 1979-80.

NON-DEALER REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Virtually ever asset or investment which we own is highly visible, traceable, reportable and under the watchful, scrutinizing eyes of the government. With the new cash and metals transaction reporting law and regulations, even cash, cashiers checks, money orders and most forms of gold transactions are reportable. In effect, the privacy, which was guaranteed by the Constitutions 4th Amendment, has, for the most part, disappeared in the area of investments.

If you sell bullion coins to a coin dealer, the dealer is required by law to report that sale to the IRS on Form 1099. That is one reason to avoid gold bullion coins. However, coins with a premium above 15% do not have to be reported by a coin dealer when you sell them. For example, the semi-numismatic $20 Liberty and $20 St. Gaudens have premium above 15% and are, therefore, gold coins which do not have dealer reporting requirements.

Everyone should own an asset that no one else knows about- a low profile, bearer type investment that leaves no tracks when bought or sold. Semi-numismatic gold coins fit the bill perfectly.

GREATER UPSIDE POTENTIAL
The semi-numismatic $20 Liberty and $20 St. Gauden gold coins currently have a 40-90% premium over bullion. (Numismatic coins have 500-5,000% premiums over their bullion content.) The premium on the $20 gold coins have expanded to 100% in recent years, and under certain bullish gold market conditions, could rise even higher. In a rising gold market, the semi-numismatic $20 Liberty and $20 St. Gauden coins have a substantially greater upside potential than a normal gold bullion coin.

Why? Unlike bullion coins, which are freshly minted by the millions each year, most semi-numismatic coins are nearly 100 years old and in very limited supply.

For example, if the price of gold moved up $100 an ounce, a bullion coin would move up a corresponding $100. However, semi-numismatic coins have historically doubled that movement.

PROTECTED FROM CONFISCATION
Unfortunately, many governments, including the U.S., have a history of confiscating gold bullion coins. In 1933, by Executive Order, the Roosevelt Administration declared it illegal for American citizens to own gold. Practically overnight, a law went into effect that forced Americans to turn over their gold or face up to ten years in prison. Gold was confiscated and replaced with freshly printed-paper dollars. The following is an excerpt from Roosevelt’s Executive Order (dated April 5, 1933):

All persons are hereby required to deliver on or before May 1, 1933, to Federal Reserve System all gold coin, gold bullion and gold certificates now owned by them or coming into their ownership on or before April 28, 1933…

However, there was one type of gold that was exempt from this draconian law— namely, “gold coins having a recognized special value to collectors of rare and unusual coins.” In other words, numismatic and semi-numismatic gold coins.

Since 1975, Americans have been allowed to own gold bullion. During some future crisis, power-hungry politicians, eager to squeeze out the last drop of your civil liberties, could again make gold illegal and confiscate gold bullion bars and coins.

Could the current “war on terrorism” give the government the excuse to call in gold bullion once again? In the event of another “government gold grab,” collectible gold coins have always been excluded from such a confiscation.

There’s a major new market developing before our eyes. Well, actually it’s not new at all, but the interest that it is receiving from the investment community is beginning to be significant. It really can’t be called a “new” market, because the products have been around for between 100-700 years. I’m referring to the European gold coin market. More specifically, I’m referring to the rare European gold coin market.

As most of you know, my company, International Collectors Associates, has been “out in front” of the fractional European gold coin market for over a decade. We have had the privilege of bringing over a million gold coins from over 12 countries to the market over the past number of years. The advantages of these beautiful uncirculated gold coins over U.S. bullion coins have been well documented in our literature. While European Central Banks were divesting themselves of their gold coin hoards, we eagerly and aggressively offered then to our investors. As gold climbed from $250 to $650 ounce, we made our investors very happy.

Being entrenched in the European market over the years has brought another amazing opportunity to our attention. Although we have been admittedly very resistant to investing in most U.S. rare coins (we have certainly had our reasons, which I will outline below), I am now completely convinced that tremendous value and opportunity lies in their European counterparts.

LET ME EXPLAIN.

As recently as 1970, an astute investor could have bought premium U.S. rare coins at remarkably low prices. The industry was still collector oriented. There was little to no investment interest in coins:

• 1. Obtaining sufficient information on the availability of coins was difficult at best. Communication was very limited.
• 2. Everything moved in slow motion. Price guides were published infrequently. Current information was rarely available.
• 3. Disposable income was not plentiful, but was beginning to increase.
• 4. There was no way for an inexperienced investor to correctly determine the grade (condition) of a coin. Since price and value are determined by condition, a prospective investor needed to be his own expert, or trust someone who obviously had a conflict of interest – the very dealer selling the coin.
• 5. Liquidity on a rare coin was very limited. Communication to prospective buyers was extremely difficult and very slow (if, in fact, one even knew how to contact buyers). It might take many months, if not years, to properly liquidate a rare coin for the appropriate value.
• 6. Prices were difficult to determine accurately – again because of ambiguous grading and lack of sufficient information.

Then came a revolution in the U.S. coin markets. Aided by the runaway inflation of the late ‘70’s, tangibles of all kinds enjoyed strong markets, but coins particularly so. Although precious metals were driving the price of gold coins up, there were many other factors that contributed to the soaring prices of U.S. coins. In fact, some prices literally increased 10 to 100 fold!

The greatest impact on the U.S. coin market was the entrance of investors. Seasoned investors understood the rarity, art, and potential price appreciation that the coin market represented. They also understood the satisfaction of owning something scarce, rare, or even unique. The U.S. coin market particularly rewarded those who bought rarity (low populations) and high grades (among the finest known).

But what factors enabled investors to enter a market that they once avoided because of so many pitfalls?

• 1. The advent of 3rd party grading. Without question, the premier grading services (PCGS and NGC) forever changed the coin market. Investors no longer had to rely on a biased coin dealer, they now had assurances that they didn’t have previously. Condition was no longer as ambiguous, and pricing, which was totally dependent upon grading, became far more objective than subjective.
• 2. Liquidity was greatly enhanced. Many rare coins are best sold through auctions, and the auction market is far more sophisticated than it used to be. Not only are there many more auctions than before (at least one every week), the technological improvements are staggering.
• 3. Information is now readily available. The internet has changed the world, making it possible to find out about any subject – including coins. There is also now a host of coin periodicals and price guides.

With so much going for the rare coin market, one might wonder why I have been reluctant to recommend truly rare coins before now. The answer is pretty simple. The bloom was already somewhat off the rose. It was important to be in the U.S. coin market early – by that, I mean by the mid 1970’s. Granted, prices might still appreciate, but not at the remarkable rates that they once did.

So why would I now be willing to recommend rare European gold coins as investments? Again, the answer is pretty simple. I believe they are currently poised to repeat the pattern of the U.S. rare coin market when prices literally took off. There are some very compelling reasons that I believe this:

• 1. Many European coins are now being graded by third party graders. NGC and PCGS are both very active in the foreign coin markets, removing the mystery of grading and condition for potential investors. There is also now a respected 3rd party grading company in England which will only help to stimulate coin investing abroad.
• 2. There is real liquidity. Not only are more and more people becoming interested in this market, more and more auctions and coin shows are featuring foreign coins.
• 3. The strength of the Euro and the vast increase in disposable income in Europe is creating many wealthy would-be coin investors.
• 4. Foreign gold coins prices are ridiculously undervalued compared to their U.S. rare coin counterparts. In most cases, their values are about 10-20¢ on the dollar compared to equivalent U.S. coins.
• 5. Europeans understand investing in art and rarity (old master paintings approaching $100 million) – they simply needed the information and assurances that the coin market now offers them.
• 6. Timing – the timing is right. The most profitable percentage move in U.S. coins came in being invested early. I believe we only have several years to position ourselves before this collector market becomes an investor market.
• 7. There are extraordinary values available. High grade, low population, even proof gold coins can still be purchased for what seems like pennies on the dollar. Their U.S. equivalents have long since been snapped up and their prices driven through the roof.
• 8. Most European gold coins are actually much older and more historically significant than U.S. coins. The U.S. is a very young country compared to European nations – and so are its coins. Many European gold coins are older than U.S. gold coins by centuries, not merely by years. Their age and history make them imminently collectible.
• 9. Those who are already investing in our Legacy Collection Coins have a head start on their portfolio. The major difference to our past offerings is the individual nature of each of these coins.