US rare coins have grown in value by an average of 2.1% in the 12 months to August.

That is according to the Professional Coin Grading Service's PCGS3000 Index, which tracks the price performance of the country's leading collectible coins.

The $3.8m sale of an 1804 silver dollar earlier this month suggests the US rare coins market is in good health

The numbers will provide considerable encouragement for those thinking of diversifying into the rare coins sector.

They are especially uplifting considering the fall in the price of gold and silver in recent months, suggesting that a growing body of buyers are turning to coins for their numismatic value as opposed to their metal content.

The buoyant figures follow a worrying few years for coin prices, after the financial crash in 2008. Yet those taking the long-term view have never been panicking. The sector is up by 10.1% per annum since 1970, according to the index.

The PCGS3000 provides a strong insight into the overall direction of the market, but it's important to remember that within those 3,000 coins there are winners and losers.

That's why it is so important to do your research and ask questions of the experts before choosing to invest.

At Paul Fraser Collectibles we would be delighted to help. Call +44 (0)117 933 9500 or email info@paulfrasercollectibles.com.

You can view our range of rare coins for sale here.

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