BBC News - Are coin fairs the new investment clubs?

[Arizona Coin Collector]

FROM:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7878606.stm

Are coin fairs the new investment clubs?

By Carolyn Rice
Business reporter, BBC News

Coins have always been popular among collectors but
as purse strings are tightening and people worry
about their financial future, investing in the right
kind of coin could make all the difference.

In a bustling exhibition hall on a cold February
morning Andrea and Mark Leigh, from Reading, are
hoping to find something that will improve their
financial standing.

Poring over the thousands of coins on display,
ranging from hundreds of years BC to to the most
recent Royal Mint editions, Andrea explains what
she is looking for.

"We are collecting gold and silver coins at the
moment, for investment purposes because of the
current economic problems," she says.

It may not be a foolish search. One collector at
the fair describes how an investment he made has
paid off.

"Just over four years ago I put £30,000 into gold
sovereigns, it is now worth £250,000."

Fair trade

The Midland Coin Fair is a monthly exhibition held
by the British Numismatic Trade Association at
Birmingham's National Motorcycle Museum. Coin
dealers and exhibitors from around the country
display their wares hoping to entice a collector
to buy that all-important penny, sovereign or
stater.

..