Performance:               Various industry surveys have shown rare coins to have a dynamic history of growth. Given the numerous types, series and grades of rare coins, any one statistical figure would not  provide an accurate measure of performance. Data for performance provided by IRCBS follows the most commonly traded rare coins and their prices as reported by the independent Certified Coin Dealer Newsletter. The chart at left illustrates the performance of rare gold coins, gold bullion and the S&P 500 for the period January 1975 to December 2004. It is important to note that past performance does not guarantee future performance.

Liquidity: Rare coins are perhaps one of the most liquid assets available to clients today. Millions of coin owners throughout the country are served by over 1,000 local, state and regional numismatic organizations. Worldwide, there are over 1,500 conventions held annually serving the buying and selling needs of the rare coin owner. In addition, there are over 500 major dealers in the United States linked by computer networks that provide daily bid and ask prices for rare coins. Approximately 10,000 off-network dealers are also actively buying and selling coins in major newspapers, numismatic publications, direct mail catalogs and the Internet. Over 10  established numismatic firms conduct over 100 major rare coin actions throughout the year with total sales exceeding $2 billion.

Diversification: Due to the ever changing economic conditions, no one asset class will fully serve the needs of the knowledgeable investor. Portfolio diversification and proper asset allocation will provide strategy to cope with various investment climates. Coins have demonstrated strong performances in periods of high inflation, and due to the large collector base, likewise can perform well during periods of economic recovery.

Tax advantages: Taxes are not charged on rare coin holdings until the coins are sold. Rare coin portfolio upgrading or exchanges for like items are both accomplished without tax liability. Taxes charged upon liquidation are subject to the current rules of capital gains on collectibles. You should seek professional tax advice in all such matters.

An open market: Unlike most traditional paper assets such as stocks, bonds, treasury bills, and so on, rare coins can easily trade from dealer to dealer and collector to collector without registration or titling of assets, or the need of a clearing house. Unlike real estate there are no title necessities, property tax or lack of portability. And unlike diamonds, silver and gold bullion there are no international cartels or monopolies to artificially manipulate the market.

Possession and storage: Since rare coins are in the possession of the owner, the control and disposition of the asset is totally at the discretion of the owner. Rare coins are easily and inexpensively stored in the client's bank safe deposit box or other private vault. Due to their size to value ratio, rare coins constitute a sizeable asset in a minimal space...and always in the possession of the owner.This physical possession enhances the diversification of any modern portfolio.