Chump change? Not rare coins

As the stock market stutters, some investors are turning their eye to an old-fashioned investment - coins, bills and metals.

Interest is growing - and so are payouts - as people shy away from a stock market still trying to recover, said the organizer of a coin and bill show yesterday.

"We've had a lot of inquiries from people in paper investments," said Jamie Horkulak, president of Edmonton Numismatic Society, a club for money hobbyists and investors.

They claim their Money Show is the largest in Canada, and still strong through a recession.

He said many of the 50 dealers didn't see any drop in sales this year, selling and buying more items than ever.

Stocks have dropped severely in value over the past three years, while gold has risen to $900 per ounce from $500, said Horkulak.

"Bills, coins and gold, you can hold them in your hand," he said.

Rare currencies will always be rare, and their condition can be protected.

"A share can split. They can issue more shares," he said. "It's almost a fantasy, almost a contrived value."

Some coins and bills lose value - 10% at most, Horkulak said. But most are worth . . .

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