Most people understand that Gold and Silver is what most monetary systems were based on in the past.... NOT ANY MORE! Yes, you read that correctly. There are not many countries in the civilized world today that base their monetary system on HARD assets like gold and silver. Most of these systems are now based on DEBT.... not assets. Each paper note you hold represents "debt" not "wealth".

How does this affect you and I? In many ways.... The one I am most concerned with is how to protect my family's long term savings. I now teach my family and friends on how to save through COLLECTABLE, low mintage gold and silver. My preference is Canadian mint products due to the very low mintage, super high grade of purity and the very low purchase prices. Most of the products which are new sell very close to spot gold and silver prices with little premium added. This fact is at a shift point and more people throughout the world are beginning to realize the quality, purity, and collectability of these coins. If a person were to buy just gold and silver bars their saving would fluctuate in value up or DOWN.... Yet, with LOW MINTAGE collectables in PROOF condition your savings will appreciate year after year without missing a beat. I have found coins that were no more than 10 years old wich when new could have been purchased for $500 or less and are now worth well over $50,000 each. Talk about a solid investment!

Now, don't just race out to buy just ANY 1 oz. (one ounce), 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz, or 1/25 oz. gold coins or any 1oz. Silver coins for that matter.... That strategy is not wise! A collector must know the mintage number of the year coin they want to purchase and the QUALITY (proof, reverse proof, etc.). Furthermore, no one coin is equal to another! For instance.... You can go out and purchase a 1 oz. Silver maple leaf canadian coin minted in 1995 for the spot price of silver plus a very small premium... Yet, if you buy a LIMITED EDITION Silver 1 oz. coin... say with a mintage number of 50,000 or less (the lower the mintage number the better) and containing a COA (certificate of authenticity) your coin will appreciate in value through the years. Another important tid-bit to remember when buying are these three things: "IS THE COIN IN ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING" "IS THE COIN IN A HARD SEALED ROUND PLASTIC PROTECTOR AS ISSUED BY THE MINT" and "WHAT CONDITION IS THE COIN IN (is it perfect shape as issued, or has it sustained damage such as scratches, etc...)"

If you find the above information true when purchasing a coin (gold or silver) than you probably have found a good investment. Just remember, when you purchase gold or silver coins buy to protect your savings account. Because if the preverbial crap hits the fan you will always have your savings. If the preverbial crap does not hit the fan, you have at least purchased something that will ALWAYS appreciate. This is a win-win situation for anyone anywhere!  Unlike just a gold bar or silver bar which will fluctuate violantly with the spot prices of precious metels, Gold - low mintage - proof coins and Silver - low mintage - proof coins will always appreciate in value!

I hope this article helps the beginner investor and collector... and remember "paper money" is just paper which represents DEBT and nothing else! Gold and Silver coin is WEALTH forever.

Your Friend, Silver & Gold, Ltd.

P.S. I will be writing more guides on buying gold and silver coins in the future.... so stay tuned.