Nobody has ever considered selling a car without finding out what a decent asking price would be. Similarly, if the thought of selling your gold coin collection has crossed your mind, then you will have to do some research and figure out its value before you proceed. In the following guide, we will discuss some of the aspects to account for when establishing the value of your collection.

Gold and silver are not only the darlings of the investors, but they also tend to hog the spotlight in media outlets and financial companies. However, as any smart investor can tell you, the secret to securing your finances and protecting your assets is to diversify your portfolio. In other words, in addition to the gold and silver bullions you already have, perhaps it’s time to look into other metals, such as platinum and palladium.

In case you are still not convinced that platinum is worth investing in, then here are some quick facts that will surely change your mind. Let’s explore some of the industries that are highly dependent on this precious metal.

In spite of the fact that gold prices have been fluctuating in the past several months, let’s not forget that the value of the precious metal has increased by over 400% in the past decade. Carrying intrinsic value and providing a safe haven against inflation, war, economic bans and political decision, gold represents one of the best investments at the moment.

In spite of the fact that silver is often seen as gold’s less desirable sibling, the truth is that this precious metal may constitute a “golden” opportunity worth considering in the near future. From photography and electronics to medical equipment and tech industries, silver’s use is very prevalent. Keep in mind that similarly to all other precious metals, silver’s value is determined by its scarcity and that physical silver is one way a smart entrepreneur can expand his portfolio. Here are three of the reasons why investing in silver now makes sense.

In case you’re usually investing in silver bullion and other precious metals for a profit, you’re probably waiting for the right time to sell. Frankly, if you watch the market and play your cards right, then you’ll end up with a nice profit after the transaction. Unfortunately, few traders realize that once the deal is over, the IRS will be right behind them asking for a share of the profit. On a side note, if you end up short following a bad transaction, at least you can deduct the loss from your income taxes.

Even though it has a shorter history in the financial sector, platinum’s scarcity and high demand in various manufacturing industries make it a solid investment. While it’s commonly dubbed the ‘white gold’, the precious metal presents a few notable differences: it’s heavier, stronger and usually purer, considering that most items made of platinum contain around 95% of the natural white metal.

Despite its scarcity and features, platinum doesn’t enjoy the same popularity among investors as silver and gold do, for instance. Although you might be tempted to leave platinum bullion out of your portfolio, here are some of the reasons that dictate otherwise.