Buying rare coins as an investment allows you to hold history in your hands and that appeals to many investors. The rare coin market has matured with verifiable third-party grading and certification now adding multiple layers of security to purchases. The two most commonly used coin grading services are the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). According to NGC's website, "Since 1987, NGC has graded more than 37-million- coins, each one backed by the industry-leading NGC Guarantee." PCGS isn't far behind with 36,247,752 Coins Certified as of this month. Rare coins are now being viewed as investments rather than just collections due in large part to PCGS and NGC. Of course, when you buy rare coins as an investment expect to hold them for from 5 to 10 years. That's why if you are serious about adding rare coins to your holdings, you should spend some time researching coins. You can start with a copy of The Official Red Book, "A Guide of United States Coins" by R.S. Yeomen. The book, published every year, is a valuable resource for investors with current coin values and some tips on investing. For even more current prices you could subscribe to the weekly "Coin Dealer Newsletter," and the "Certified Coin Dealer Newsletter." The more knowledge an investor has of current trends makes it that much easier to uncover valuable rare coins. If you want solid returns on your rare coins start with Gold and Silver U.S. coins that are persistent favorites with collectors. Stick with basic categories such as:

1. Rare Certified U.S. coins like St. Gaudens $20 Double Eagle, Liberty Double Eagles; Mercury Dime; Walking Liberty Half-Dollar; Barber Half-Dollars.
2. Certified "Key date" U.S. coins, these coins have smaller numbers, stronger investor sentiment, and can be key pieces in set building strategies.
3. Certified NGC Ancients. Coins struck from the origins of coinage through c. AD 500, as well as coins from the Byzantine Empire (AD 491-1453).

Quality counts when buying rare coins so make certain you are buying the finest grade available from someone you trust. The rarest coins are always the most coveted and the coins that will appreciate the most. Investors should therefore focus on the quality coins that the entire coin collecting market hopes to one day own. Experts estimate that there are between 7 and 10 million serious coin collectors in the U.S. so a robust market exists. Collecting coins is a ten billion dollar industry in the United States alone. Of course, you can't underestimate the importance of finding a knowledgeable rare coin dealer in whom you can trust. So when you're ready to join the savvy investors who leverage tangible assets to both increase and preserve their wealth call LCR Coin at (800) 830-5578 .