/biz/ - Business & Finance

>>58408409
My copypasta:
- For new generic bars, note the premiums (added charges) over spot: they go up for smaller pieces.
- Some beautiful generic items are priced comically high (Germanias, GSM special editions, e.g.). Regardless, dealers may categorize and price these as "generic" (below or at spot) when buying them from you. Or your gamble might pay off if they become highly regarded (Englehard, PAMP, antique miners/refiners, e.g.).
- The firsts of new artful or theme bullion series are often missed by later collectors, who may pay high premiums to fill in gaps. Caution: political or cringeworthy themes are less likely to appreciate.
- Low-mintage series are often priced very high, but may in time increase in value the most.
- Gov't-issued coins cost least during the mint run. Once ended and dealers run out of stock, their prices often jump, then rise a bit faster than generic silver.
- Annual changes to overall designs become series (Somali elephants, Canadian Wildlife, Australian kookaburras or koalas, island nations' series, etc.), adding potential appreciation.
- Maples, Eagles, Wieners, Britannias, etc. are nice and boring, but recognition helps sell to customers more comfortable and confident buying them.
- If you buy pieces that appeal to your sense of art, taste, and interests, you will still appreciate them even if the price or value of the PM goes nowhere. Caveat: if you go to sell, it's harder to let go of them.
- Shipping is an added premium. Many online vendors offer free shipping for purchasing a minimum amount (commonly $200). Your local coin shop has no shipping to charge.
- Vendors may charge extra for using a credit card. That might balance (ebay!) if your card offers cash back.
- Keep all sales receipts and a spreadsheet of your purchases to track profit/loss: it's quite revealing and may help guide future decisions. Example ("PurchaseRecords" tab):
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11oZ4X8Gkgv3oGd_BunwFAHRhS92cfocIcmHzVK1D5s4

>>57669975
My copypasta:
- For new generic bars, note the premiums (added charges) over spot: they go up for smaller pieces.
- Some beautiful generic items are priced comically high (Germanias, GSM special editions, e.g.). Regardless, dealers may categorize and price these as "generic" (below or at spot) when buying them from you. Or your gamble might pay off if they become highly regarded (Englehard, PAMP, antique miners/refiners, e.g.).
- The firsts of new artful or theme bullion series are often missed by later collectors, who may pay high premiums to fill in gaps. Caution: political or cringeworthy themes are less likely to appreciate.
- Low-mintage series are often priced very high, but may in time increase in value the most.
- Gov't-issued coins cost least during the mint run. Once ended and dealers run out of stock, their prices often jump, then rise a bit faster than generic silver.
- Annual changes to overall designs become series (Somali elephants, Canadian Wildlife, Australian kookaburras or koalas, island nations' series, etc.), adding potential appreciation.
- Maples, Eagles, Wieners, Britannias, etc. are nice and boring, but recognition helps sell to customers more comfortable and confident buying them.
- If you buy pieces that appeal to your sense of art, taste, and interests, you will still appreciate them even if the price or value of the PM goes nowhere. Caveat: if you go to sell, it's harder to let go of them.
- Shipping is an added premium. Many online vendors offer free shipping for purchasing a minimum amount (commonly $200). Your local coin shop has no shipping to charge.
- Vendors may charge extra for using a credit card. That might balance (ebay!) if your card offers cash back.
- Keep all sales receipts and a spreadsheet of your purchases to track profit/loss: it's quite revealing and may help guide future decisions. Example ("PurchaseRecords" tab):
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11oZ4X8Gkgv3oGd_BunwFAHRhS92cfocIcmHzVK1D5s4

>>56313536
My copypasta:
- For new generic bars, note the premiums (added charges) over spot: they go up for smaller pieces.
- Some beautiful generic items are priced comically high (Germanias, GSM special editions, e.g.). Regardless, dealers may categorize and price these as "generic" (below or at spot) when buying them from you. Or your gamble might pay off if they become highly regarded (Englehard, PAMP, antique miners/refiners, e.g.).
- The firsts of new artful or theme bullion series are often missed by later collectors, who may pay high premiums to fill in gaps. Caution: political or cringeworthy themes are less likely to appreciate.
- Low-mintage series are often priced very high, but may in time increase in value the most.
- Gov't-issued coins cost least during the mint run. Once ended and dealers run out of stock, their prices often jump, then rise a bit faster than generic silver.
- Annual changes to overall designs become series (Somali elephants, Canadian Wildlife, Australian kookaburras or koalas, island nations' series, etc.), adding potential appreciation.
- Maples, Eagles, Wieners, Britannias, etc. are nice and boring, but recognition helps sell to customers more comfortable and confident buying them.
- If you buy pieces that appeal to your sense of art, taste, and interests, you will still appreciate them even if the price or value of the PM goes nowhere. Caveat: if you go to sell, it's harder to let go of them.
- Shipping is an added premium. Many online vendors offer free shipping for purchasing a minimum amount (commonly $200). Your local coin shop has no shipping to charge.
- Vendors may charge extra for using a credit card. That might balance (ebay!) if your card offers cash back.
- Keep all sales receipts and a spreadsheet of your purchases to track profit/loss: it's quite revealing and may help guide future decisions. Example ("PurchaseRecords" tab):
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11oZ4X8Gkgv3oGd_BunwFAHRhS92cfocIcmHzVK1D5s4

>>56106338
>a good stack
As much as you can afford while still living comfortably with a good buffer of fiat for emergencies.

My "How much" recommendation pasta:
I'd say about 6 month's total expenses (more is better) at current prices. If your needs per month in US$ come to:
2,000 for housing,
300 total for water, sewer, utilities, trash, natural gas
300 total for internet, cable, phone.
300 for food,
100 for gas,
x? hundred for medical insurance (about 700 in the US)
x? for car insurance (maybe 50)
400 for groceries
200 for 'other',
that rounds to about $3,600 (without the x? unknowns),or 2 ozt/month,
so at least 12-15 ozt gold or maybe 1k ozt silver or mixed however you prefe

>>56018115
My copypasta:
- For new generic bars, note the premiums (added charges) over spot: they go up for smaller pieces.
- Some beautiful generic items are priced comically high (Germanias, GSM special editions, e.g.). Regardless, dealers may categorize and price these as "generic" (below or at spot) when buying them from you. Or your gamble might pay off if they become highly regarded (Englehard, PAMP, antique miners/refiners, e.g.).
- The firsts of new artful or theme bullion series are often missed by later collectors, who may pay high premiums to fill in gaps. Caution: political or cringeworthy themes are less likely to appreciate.
- Low-mintage series are often priced very high, but may in time increase in value the most.
- Gov't-issued coins cost least during the mint run. Once ended and dealers run out of stock, their prices often jump, then rise only a bit faster than generic silver.
- Annual changes to overall designs become series (Somali elephants, Canadian Wildlife, Australian kookaburras or koalas, island nations' series, etc.), adding potential appreciation.
- Maples, Eagles, Wieners, Britannias, etc. are nice and boring, but recognition helps sell to customers more comfortable and confident buying them.
- If you buy pieces that appeal to your sense of art, taste, and interests, you will still appreciate them even if the price or value of the PM goes nowhere. Caveat: if you go to sell, it's harder to let go of them.
- Shipping is an added premium. Many online vendors offer free shipping for purchasing a minimum amount (commonly $200). Your local coin shop has no shipping to charge.
- Vendors may charge extra for using a credit card. That might balance (ebay!) if your card offers cash back.
- Keep all sales receipts and a spreadsheet of your purchases to track profit/loss: it's quite revealing and may help guide future decisions. Example ("PurchaseRecords" tab):
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11oZ4X8Gkgv3oGd_BunwFAHRhS92cfocIcmHzVK1D5s4

>>55692989
Works for gold:
- For new generic bars, note the premiums (added charges) over spot: they go up for smaller pieces.
- Some beautiful generic items are priced comically high (Germanias, GSM special editions, e.g.). Regardless, dealers may categorize and price these as "generic" (below or at spot) when buying them from you. Or your gamble might pay off if they become highly regarded (Englehard, PAMP, antique miners/refiners, e.g.).
- The firsts of new artful or theme bullion series are often missed by later collectors, who may pay high premiums to fill in gaps. Caution: political or cringeworthy themes are less likely to appreciate.
- Low-mintage series are often priced very high, but may in time increase in value the most.
- Gov't-issued coins cost least during the mint run. Once ended and dealers run out of stock, their prices often jump, then rise only a bit faster than generic silver.
- Annual changes to overall designs become series (Somali elephants, Canadian Wildlife, Australian kookaburras or koalas, island nations' series, etc.), adding potential appreciation.
- Maples, Eagles, Wieners, Britannias, etc. are nice and boring, but recognition helps sell to customers more comfortable and confident buying them.
- If you buy pieces that appeal to your sense of art, taste, and interests, you will still appreciate them even if the price or value of the PM goes nowhere. Caveat: if you go to sell, it's harder to let go of them.
- Shipping is an added premium. Many online vendors offer free shipping for purchasing a minimum amount (commonly $200). Your local coin shop has no shipping to charge.
- Vendors may charge extra for using a credit card. That might balance (ebay!) if your card offers cash back.
- Keep all sales receipts and a spreadsheet of your purchases to track profit/loss: it's quite revealing and may help guide future decisions. Example ("PurchaseRecords" tab):
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11oZ4X8Gkgv3oGd_BunwFAHRhS92cfocIcmHzVK1D5s4

>>55073767
My copypasta:
- For new generic bars, note the premiums (added charges) over spot: they go up for smaller pieces.
- Some beautiful generic items are priced comically high (Germanias, GSM special editions, e.g.). Regardless, dealers may categorize and price these as "generic" (below or at spot) when buying them from you. Or your gamble might pay off if they become highly regarded (Englehard, PAMP, antique miners/refiners, e.g.).
- The firsts of new artful or theme bullion series are often missed by later collectors, who may pay high premiums to fill in gaps. Caution: political or cringeworthy themes are less likely to appreciate.
- Low-mintage series are often priced very high, but may in time increase in value the most.
- Gov't-issued coins cost least during the mint run. Once ended and dealers run out of stock, their prices often jump, then rise only a bit faster than generic silver.
- Annual changes to overall designs become series (Somali elephants, Canadian Wildlife, Australian kookaburras or koalas, island nations' series, etc.), adding potential appreciation.
- Maples, Eagles, Wieners, Britannias, etc. are nice and boring, but recognition helps sell to customers more comfortable and confident buying them.
- If you buy pieces that appeal to your sense of art, taste, and interests, you will still appreciate them even if the price or value of the PM goes nowhere. Caveat: if you go to sell, it's harder to let go of them.
- Shipping is an added premium. Many online vendors offer free shipping for purchasing a minimum amount (commonly $200). Your local coin shop has no shipping to charge.
- Vendors may charge extra for using a credit card. That might balance (ebay!) if your card offers cash back.
- Keep all sales receipts and a spreadsheet of your purchases to track profit/loss: it's quite revealing and may help guide future decisions. Example ("PurchaseRecords" tab):
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11oZ4X8Gkgv3oGd_BunwFAHRhS92cfocIcmHzVK1D5s4

>>54741475
>what approach should I take
Then there's my copypasta...

- For new generic bars, note the premiums (added charges) over spot: they go up for smaller pieces.
- Some beautiful generic items are priced comically high (Germanias, GSM special editions, e.g.). Regardless, dealers may categorize and price these as "generic" (meaning below or at spot) when buying them from you. Or your gamble might pay off if their provenance becomes highly regarded (Englehard, PAMP, antique miners/refiners, e.g.).
- When a new series of artful or themed bullion is issued, the first of the series are often missed by later collectors. They may pay high premiums to fill in their series. Caution: political or cringeworthy themes are less likely to appreciate.
- Low-mintage series are often priced very high, but may in time increase in value the most.
- Gov't-issued coins cost least during the mint run. Once the mintage stops and dealers run out of stock, their prices often jump, then rise only a bit faster than generic silver.
- Maples, Eagles, Wieners, Britannias, etc. are all nice but boring. Annual changes to overall designs become series (Somali elephants, Canadian Wildlife, Australian kookaburras or koalas, island nations' series, etc.), adding potential series appreciation.
- If you buy pieces that appeal to your sense of art, taste, and interests, you will still appreciate them even if the price or value of the PM goes nowhere. Caveat: if you go to sell, it's harder to let go of them.
- Shipping is an added premium. Many online vendors offer free shipping for purchasing a minimum amount (commonly $200). Your local coin shop has no shipping to charge.
- Vendors may charge extra for using a credit card. That might balance if your card offers cash back.

>>54274787
My copypasta:
- For new generic bars, note the premiums (added charges) over spot: they go up for smaller pieces.
- Some beautiful generic items are priced comically high (Germanias, GSM special editions, e.g.). Regardless, dealers may categorize and price these as "generic" (meaning below or at spot) when buying them from you. Or your gamble might pay off if their provenance becomes highly regarded (Englehard, PAMP, antique miners/refiners, e.g.).
- When a new series of artful or themed bullion is issued, the first of the series are often missed by later collectors. They may pay high premiums to fill in their series. Caution: political or cringeworthy themes are less likely to appreciate.
- Low-mintage series are often priced very high, but may in time increase in value the most.
- Gov't-issued coins cost least during the mint run. Once the mintage stops and dealers run out of stock, their prices often jump, then rise only a bit faster than generic silver.
- Maples, Eagles, Wieners, Britannias, etc. are all nice but boring. Annual changes to overall designs become series (Somali elephants, Canadian Wildlife, Australian kookaburras or koalas, island nations' series, etc.), adding potential series appreciation.
- If you buy pieces that appeal to your sense of art, taste, and interests, you will still appreciate them even if the price or value of the PM goes nowhere. Caveat: if you go to sell, it's harder to let go of them.
- Shipping is an added premium. Many online vendors offer free shipping for purchasing a minimum amount (commonly $200). Your local coin shop has no shipping to charge.
- Vendors may charge extra for using a credit card. That might balance if your card offers cash back.
- Keep all sales receipts and a spreadsheet of your purchases to track profit/loss: it's quite revealing and may help guide future decisions.

>>54120563
My copypasta:
- When a new series of artful or themed bullion is issued, the first of the series are often missed by later collectors. They may pay high premiums to fill in their series. Beware: generic and/or cringeworthy themes are less likely to appreciate.
- Low-mintage series are often priced very high, but may in time increase in value the most.
- Gov't-issued coins cost least during the mint run. Once the mintage stops and dealers run out of stock, their prices jump, then rise only a bit faster than generic silver. Maples, Eagles, Wieners, Britannias, etc. are all nice but boring. Annual changes to overall designs become series (Somali elephants, Canadian Wildlife, Australian kookaburras or koalas, island nations' series, etc.), adding potential series appreciation.
- If you buy pieces that appeal to your sense of art, taste, and interests, you will still appreciate them even if the price or value of the PM goes nowhere. Caveat: if you go to sell, it's harder to part with them.
- Some beautiful generics are priced comically high (Germanias, GSM special editions, e.g.) Be aware: dealers may categorize and price these as "generic" (meaning below or at spot) when buying them from you. Or the gamble might pay off as they become very popular (Englehard, PAMP, antique miners/refiners, e.g.).
- For new generic bars, beware the premiums (added charges) over spot: they go up for smaller pieces.
- Shipping is an added premium. Many online vendors offer free shipping for purchasing a minimum amount (commonly $200). Factor that your local coin shop has no shipping to charge.
- Vendors may charge extra for using a credit card. That might balance if your card offers cash back.
- Keep all sales receipts and a spreadsheet of your purchases to track profit/loss: it's quite revealing and may help guide future decisions. Example ("PurchaseRecords" tab):
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11oZ4X8Gkgv3oGd_BunwFAHRhS92cfocIcmHzVK1D5s4

My copypasta for beginning buyers lists options to consider in deciding what to get.
- When a new series of artful or themed bullion (especially coins) is issued, the first of the series are usually missed by later collectors. They will later pay high premiums to fill in the series. But consider the series' potential popularity: generic and/or cringeworthy series are less likely to appreciate much.
- Low-mintage series are often priced very high, but may in time increase in value the most.
- Gov't-issued coins cost least while minted. Once the mintage stops and dealers run out of stock, the prices jump then rise more slowly but still faster than generic silver. Maples, Eagles, Wieners, Britannias, etc. are all nice but boring. The mint may add a privy to add novelty thereby ginning up the price. Stuff that changes overall designs from year to year become series (Somali elephants, Canadian Wildlife, Australian kookaburras or koalas, island nations' series, etc.).
- If you buy pieces that appeal to your sense of art, taste, and interests, you will still appreciate them even if the price or value of the PM goes nowhere. Caveat: if you go to sell, it's harder to part with them.
- Some beautiful generics are priced comically high (Germanias, GSM special editions, e.g.) - they don't follow the market trends as readily, garnering peak price only while fashionable. Be aware: dealers may categorize and price these as "generic" (meaning below spot) when buying them from you. Or the gamble might pay off as they become very popular (Englehard, PAMP, antique miners/refiners, e.g.).
- For new generic bars, watch the markups over spot: premiums (added charges) go up for smaller pieces.
- Shipping is an added premium. Many online vendors offer free shipping for purchasing a minimum amount (commonly $200). Factor that your local coin shop has no shipping to charge.
- Keep a spreadsheet of your purchases to track profit/loss: it's quite revealing and may help guide future decisions.

>>53076485
My copypasta answer responds with, "Here are some options to consider" so you can decide for yourself.
- When a new series of artful or themed bullion (especially coins) is issued, the first of the series are usually missed by later collectors. They will pay high premiums to fill in the series. Consider the potential for series' popularity: generic and/or cringeworthy-themed series are less likely to appreciate above spot.
- Low-mintage series are often priced very high, but may increase in price the most (consider design popularity!).
- Gov't-issued coins cost least while minted. Once the mintage stops and dealers run out of stock, the prices jump then rise more slowly but still faster than generic silver. Maples, Eagles, Wieners, Britannias, etc. are all nice but boring. The mint may add a privy to add novelty thereby ginning up the price. Stuff that changes overall designs from year to year become series (Somali elephants, Canadian Wildlife, Australian kookaburras or koalas, island nations' series, etc.).
- If you buy pieces that appeal to your sense of art, taste, and interests, you will still appreciate them even if the price or value of the PM goes nowhere. Caveat: if you go to sell, it's harder to part with them.
- Some beautiful generics are priced comically high (Germanias, GSM special editions, e.g.) - they don't follow the market trends as readily, garnering peak price only while fashionable. Be aware: dealers may categorize and price these as "generic" (meaning below spot) when buying them from you. Or the gamble might pay off as they become very popular (Englehard, PAMP, antique miners/refiners, e.g.).
- For new generic bars, watch the markups over spot: premiums (added charges) go up for smaller pieces.
- Shipping is an added premium. Many vendors offer free shipping for purchasing a minimum amount (commonly $200).
- Keeping a spreadsheet of your purchases to track profit/loss is quite revealing and will help you make future decisions.

>>53030871
My copypasta answer responds with, "Here are some options to consider" so you can decide for yourself.
- When a new series of artful or themed bullion (especially coins) is issued, the first of the series are usually missed by later collectors. They will pay high premiums to fill in the series. Consider the potential for series' popularity: generic and/or cringeworthy-themed series are less likely to appreciate above spot.
- Low-mintage series are often priced very high, but may increase in price the most (consider design popularity!).
- Gov't-issued coins cost least while minted. Once the mintage stops and dealers run out of stock, the prices jump then rise more slowly but still faster than generic silver. Maples, Eagles, Wieners, Britannias, etc. are all nice but boring. The mint may add a privy to add novelty thereby ginning up the price. Stuff that changes overall designs from year to year become series (Somali elephants, Canadian Wildlife, Australian kookaburras or koalas, island nations' series, etc.).
- If you buy pieces that appeal to your sense of art, taste, and interests, you will still appreciate them even if the price or value of the PM goes nowhere. Caveat: if you go to sell, it's harder to part with them.
- Some beautiful generics are priced comically high (Germanias, GSM special editions, e.g.) - they don't follow the market trends as readily, garnering peak price only while fashionable. Be aware: dealers may categorize and price these as "generic" (meaning below spot) when buying them from you. Or the gamble might pay off as they become very popular (Englehard, PAMP, antique miners/refiners, e.g.).
- For new generic bars, watch the markups over spot: premiums (added charges) go up for smaller pieces.
- Shipping is an added premium. Many vendors offer free shipping for purchasing a minimum amount (commonly $200).
- Keeping a spreadsheet of your purchases to track profit/loss is quite revealing and will help you make future decisions.

>>52988863
>How's this look, y'all?
I really am not sure. When I start wanting coins around $40, it triggers me self-assessing my tastes and desires.
- Is this a fad thing I'll grow out of?
- Will this be popular in the future?
- Is the craftsmanship unusual and original enough to earn the extra cost?
- Is this a proper coin that will gain numismatic value?

Example: when it comes to things like R&M, it's a mostly kids' thing. You might outgrow it, though as a kid I really like Asterix and still do enough to be not terribly embarrassed about having a set of figurines. Star Wars stuff might swamp the market in coming years as more movies and coins come out - is this good (lots of collector opportunity) or bad (it becomes cliche)?

But more importantly, if you really like what you bought, all those thoughts don't matter. Certainly what *others* think is completely irrelevant.

But if you're unsure about the purchase, I strongly urge you to solicit opinions *before* you make the purchase.

>>52965932
My copypasta answer responds with, "Here are some options to consider" so you can decide for yourself.
- When a new series of artful or themed bullion (especially coins) is issued, the first of the series are usually missed by later collectors. They will pay high premiums to fill in the series. Consider the potential for series' popularity: generic and/or cringeworthy-themed series are less likely to appreciate above spot.
- Low-mintage series are often priced very high, but may increase in price the most (consider design popularity!).
- Gov't-issued coins cost least while minted. Once the mintage stops and dealers run out of stock, the prices jump then rise more slowly but still faster than generic silver. Maples, Eagles, Wieners, Britannias, etc. are all nice but boring. The mint may add a privy to add novelty thereby ginning up the price. Stuff that changes overall designs from year to year become series (Somali elephants, Canadian Wildlife, Australian kookaburras or koalas, island nations' series, etc.).
- If you buy pieces that appeal to your sense of art, taste, and interests, you will still appreciate them even if the price or value of the PM goes nowhere. Caveat: if you go to sell, it's harder to part with them.
- Some beautiful generics are priced comically high (Germanias, GSM special editions, e.g.) - they don't follow the market trends as readily, garnering peak price only while fashionable. Be aware: dealers may categorize and price these as "generic" (meaning below spot) when buying them from you. Or the gamble might pay off as they become very popular (Englehard, PAMP, antique miners/refiners, e.g.).
- For new generic bars, watch the markups over spot: premiums (added charges) go up for smaller pieces.
- Shipping is an added premium. Many vendors offer free shipping for purchasing a minimum amount (commonly $200).
- Keeping a spreadsheet of your purchases to track profit/loss is quite revealing and will help you make future decisions.

>>51229984
Pretty much this, yep.