Expert: Joe Hylas - 11/20/2005

Question
Actually my note is more a Comment than a Question.
I think you could have answered his question a little better.
If your looking at coins as an investment, very liitle could be considered investment unless you have quite a bit of money to start with ort are prepared to buy in bulk. For example, take a 1955 DDO Penny. Buy one today for $5000, say 5-10 years from now it might appreciate 20%. Thats a gain of $1000. If you sell it at 85% value (You have to remember $5000 is a buy price not a sell price) you will make a profit of $100.
As for collectiblity, the old adage remains the same, collect what you like. You don't have to be a purist to collect coins.
Of the coins that I display at home, I get more comments and questions about the colorized coins.

Answer
Hi Jay,
You are absolutely correct.  Collect what makes you happy, no matter what the upside is.
When you become a dealer, it is very hard to be a collector because as a collector , you buy what you like and that is not necessarily what will sell at a profit.
My clients, are investors looking for a profit.  I believe the original question regarded the collectability and future potential.  I hold true to the fact that these are US Mint products that have , in essence, been  "defaced".  They are not what is considered as numismatic collectibles.
But, that is my opinion and you are welcome to yours.  I never would have thought that a PEZ dispenser could be worth $600, but one sold for that on eBay.  Something is worth what the next person will pay and I may eat my words regarding the colorized coins but the process is here and we can colorize any coin in any quantity, so how rare can it be?
Thanks for the insight that I don't often see.

Regards,

Joe Hylas