We have saved this popular area of coin investment for last because it represents great potential for those who understand three important factors:

First, all high-grade type is recognized as rare, and such claims can be easily justified by the PCGS Population Report. In fact the rarest of all U.S. coinage is classified by type.

Second, the famous men responsible for these pieces of history helped define the early mint. The triumphs and tragedies of designers like Robert Scot, John Reich, Christian Gobrecht, William Barber, and Charles E. Barber are reflected in their great coins. And so a special place for the coins and their designers has been reserved in numismatics. That is why some of the finest collections in the world are designed around type coins.

And third, the demand for these designs of long ago is universal. Both the investor and collector eagerly seek early coinage because it represents the very finest in the engraver's art.

Type is also one of the few areas where collectors and investors compete to the advantage of the investor. Why? Collectors rarely sell and thus provide market stability and depth. That is why type coins have become a cornerstone in modern rare coin investment.

There are other reasons to invest in these blue chip issues but before we move forward let's take a closer look at what we mean by "type" investing. Actually it is a simple concept in that the investor builds a set of coins by design or denomination as opposed to building a set of dates.

A variety of coins were needed when the U.S. began planning for a growing America. Some designs were popular because the public liked the way they looked, while others were unpopular, changed or discontinued. Some coins were redesigned for a good reason. Like the need to reflect the changing price of silver, or add a motto like "In God We Trust". Some changes were politically motivated. Like today the public was also critical of size and denomination. If the new coin made buying and selling easier it was accepted. If such a coin did not fulfill its purpose the public wanted changes.

Such stories bring these coins to life so use your imagination. The list below contains the recommended choices, and can be used as a guide and checklist. A "Mint State" (MS) coin is an uncirculated example produced for commerce. "Proof" (Prf) is a special method of manufacture which produces a highly prized mirror-like image on the coin.

Many invest in type by choosing different designs. Some choose the same design struck in both Mint State and Proof. In either case history suggests that over time rare coin performance is based primarily on scarcity and grade. These factors are well represented in this section.

We recommend type in high grades (MS-64, 65 & 66 and Proof-64, 65 & 66). All of which are difficult to find and desirable. Typical populations of most are less than 100 for the grade and in many cases no more than 4 or 5 have survived.

The only exception to this is Early Colonials of America in which recommended grades are VF (Very Fine) through MS-63.

Investing in coins by type is rewarding but their scarcity can be frustrating. In some cases it's best to call for availability. Prices will be in the $300 to $5000 range. We are always happy to describe the coin, provide background and a price history graph.

Everyone should consider type coins because of this final note on potential: Of all the big gains made in rare coins during the 1970s the "type" market outperformed every sector. Its extreme rarity was the reason, and we forecast explosive growth in this area the next time around.