I'm sure this topic isn't new on this forum but I just have to say that I find it a bit weird that some people still don't get it about precious metals. These folks talk about the value of pm's as if it's the only type of investment that has real value. The truth is, the value of any investment or asset is what someone else is willing to pay for it and throughout history, art has held far greater value than pm's. The value of all the gold in the world pales in comparison the the value of all the art in the world and there are probably far more people who are willing to pay for works of art for reasons from growing their financial portfolio to increasing the value of their home. Investing in pm's or works of art just happen to be two of many ways to spend one's money to try to come out ahead of the game. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. If you think that your blobs of gold, in the immediate aftermath of a SHTF scenario, is going to do more to save your ass than works of art, you are sorely mistaken. There may be a time when these blobs will be better to own than works of art, but eventually, both serve the same purpose for those people who buy them as an investment. Putting gold (or metals in general) on a pedestal (figuratively) is dangerous to you. Seeing metals as just one of many tools that can be put n one's financial toolbox to me is a more truthful way to value metals. .
Well, Precious metals are number 1 in my book. I rather have p.m. than all the paintings in the world.
I don't think van Gogh ever managed to sell a painting in his lifetime. ....and we all make our decisions on the future and what we do about it, but for me G & S are the way to go. In the days and weeks etc after SHTF Day, they will amaze the world. JMO SJ
(In Aust. at least) Art, classic cars & memorabilia have outperformed all other investments over the past decade... however, the statistics hide the true risk of WHICH art/car/memorabilia?... for every investor that bought a 'peice' that rose significantly, there are probably 10 others that bought dogs. Cars/paintings/cricket bats that the market chose to shun. The advantage of PM's over the aforementioned investments is in PM's almost universal appeal accross time, fashion and cultures. You're almost gauranteed to find a buyer for your Gold coin, fiding a buyer for your Brett Whitley... that might be harder
You realise this is a precious metal forum right? So most people have already made up their mind. A lot of people don't want the major hassle of storing and moving rare art. But if you don't mind it and have the room then it's a great choice. Heck if you have room for a few more cars in you shed then buy some vintage cars, this is even better then art in my eyes. Also some people don't want the hassle of setting up an auction to sell something. In short there is a reason and purpose for gold. I don't get why you can't see that.
Tell me how a bit of paper with some paint on it will be any more useful than a blob of metal immediately after SHTF? Even gold has more uses than a painting.
<< In short there is a reason and purpose for gold. I don't get why you can't see that. >> I never claimed there's no reason why people buy gold....why would you even make up such an absurd insinuation??? << Tell me how a bit of paper with some paint on it will be any more useful than a blob of metal immediately after SHTF? Even gold has more uses than a painting. >> I never stated that works of art will have more usefulness...you made that up in your own mind. I can think of as many uses for works of art than for a blob of gold in a post SHTF scenario. Of course, as I've already stated, there are benefits and disadvantages to any type of investment. Just one of many advantages of a valuable work of art is that for an equal amount of value in gold blobs, the art work is much, much, much lighter in weight and can easily be carried rolled up (if the art work is a painting) and placed in a cardboard tube and carried in one hand. But I think you've been missing the point all along....it's about the value of investments and gold is just one of many investments that will hold value for as long as humans will be around.
If you have a van Gogh worth $50 Million+, or a BIG box full of Gold Sovereigns, you can only sell the painting once, and the proceeds immediately begin to devalue by inflation. The Sovereigns can be spent one a day for a couple of years or more, always maintaining parity with inflation. JMO OC
I don't need to know which blob of pm's will be a good investment, chances are in the long run they all will be. But picking out a decent bit of art which will appreciate is an art in itself. And if you can afford a Van Gough - you don't need the money any way! Also, in a SHTF scenario - good luck buying food with a painting! ROFL!!
Problem with art is that you need to be very wealthy to buy it. You can't "accumulate" an oil painting. If I were mega wealthy I would indeed be looking at art works though.
there is more money to be made at the casino... if you can guess the right numbers. art is no different if you can guess what will increase in value before it does then good for you. otherwise you WILL lose money. silver/gold will always have value as it is used for something eg computers, phones, clothes etc art is just something to look at and has no other value than that so before you drop $5k on an up and coming artist's work think to yourself "should I just go put it on black and double my money now?"
