Old School Glamour – Vintage Cigarette Holders

Old School Glamour - Vintage Cigarette Holders
Here is an example of a typical vintage cigar or cheroot holder, circa late 19th or early 20th century.  This specimen is either made from amber or an early plastic like Bakelite or Galalith.  The original, fitted case significantly enhances the investment desirability of the piece.

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion.  It compels us to look fondly backward to a time in our life when things were simpler or better.  Sometimes we can even be nostalgic for a time and place that we never experienced personally, like the cultural golden ages of pre-World War I Vienna or 1920s Paris.  And few antiques are able to elicit nostalgia for bygone times, both experienced and imagined, like vintage cigarette holders.  These luxury trappings were invariably at the fingertips of the wealthy, powerful and famous throughout the 20th century, allowing them to unapologetically smoke a cigarette and look great doing it.

A cigarette holder is a small, hollow, tubular device used as an intermediary between the smoker and his (or her) cigarette.  Often made from the most precious materials available, vintage cigarette holders were objets d’art par excellence for the fashionable smoker.  They embodied the highest principals of functional luxury for the liberated woman or urbane man during the first half of the 20th century.

The discerning gentleman who preferred to relax with the occasional cigar was not forgotten, however.  Cigar holders, just as luxurious as their cigarette holder brethren, were also widely used from the late 19th century until the middle of the 20th century.  In fact, this tobacco paraphernalia was almost a requirement in gentlemen’s clubs, billiard rooms and studies – anyplace men of refinement might gather to enjoy a leisurely cigar.

These personal tobacco accessories, the cigar holder and the cigarette holder, served two main purposes.  First, they prevented nicotine staining of the fingers or gloves.  If the cigarette holder contained a filter (a fairly common occurrence before the advent of filtered cigarettes) it would also help minimize any staining of the teeth.  Second, a cigarette holder kept second hand smoke out of its users face.  This was particularly helpful in social situations, like formal dinners, high society parties or the opera.

Cigarette smoking and, by extension, the use of cigarette holders, was a quintessentially 20th century affair.  At the beginning of the century, in 1900, it is estimated that only 4% or 5% of tobacco users were cigarette smokers.  All the others smoked cigars, pipes or used snuff.  But that statistic changed rapidly during the first decades of the new century.

 

Vintage Cigar & Cheroot Holders for Sale on eBay

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The First World War, from 1914 to 1918, drove widespread adoption of cigarettes by men in the armed services all over the globe.  Most belligerent countries during these conflicts, including Great Britain, Germany and the U.S., handed out cigarettes as part of their troops’ weekly ration packages.  The Second World War merely reinforced this trend, firmly establishing cigarettes as the preeminent tobacco product.  These two global conflicts, perhaps more than anything else, helped popularize and normalize smoking during the 20th century.

While pipe, cigar and cigarette smoking were originally considered a distinctly masculine pastime, women’s desire for liberation in the modern era led to their increased interest in smoking.  Although regarded as unseemly and unladylike at the beginning of the 20th century, smoking also held an allure of illicitness via its association with jazz music, prohibition era drinking, underground gambling and even promiscuity.  Indeed, it was the iconic female “flappers” of the rebellious 1920s who finally changed societal perceptions, legitimizing cigarette usage among women.  Naturally, with increased smoking among women came the use of elegant and chic cigarette holders.

Smoking’s popularity reached its zenith in the middle of the 20th century, from the 1940s to the 1960s.  During this period, almost everyone from the humblest housewife to the most powerful politician indulged in a relaxing cigarette occasionally.  And the eye-catching, portable and ever stylish cigarette holder was omnipresent.

Old Hollywood starlets, in particular, have given us countless iconic images showing bejeweled cigarette holders languorously hanging from their lips.  Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo and Rita Hayworth were just a few of the acclaimed celebrities from Old Hollywood to smoke cigarettes, usually with a magnificent cigarette holder.

Some other famous smokers of the era were 007 creator Ian Fleming, musician Nat King Cole and gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. Even rebellious royalty luxuriated in smoking during this period.  Great Britain’s Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, was, scandalously, a smoker from her teenage years.  But she often burnished her defiance through the glamorous use of high end cigarette holders.

In 1961 the celebrated movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s was released.  This notable film featured the famous actress Audrey Hepburn portraying Holly Golightly, a young, sophisticated New York debutante who sported a trademark long cigarette holder.  This character perhaps best exemplifies the apogee of mid-century cigarette culture and its indispensible companion, the cigarette holder.

However, during the 1960s and 1970s, more and more medical evidence began to point to the dangers of smoking.  The resulting decline in tobacco use was slow at first, and many beautiful and functional cigarette holders were created during this time.  But, inexorably, smoking gradually became associated with cancer, emphysema and other terrible diseases.  By the early 1980s, cigarette use in the West was dying, and with it the need for glamorous cigarette holders.  An era had ended.

Vintage cigarette holders were made from a wide range of different materials, from the unassuming to the opulent.  Amber, the fossilized resin of ancient trees, was one of the most common materials used.  Another substance frequently encountered is tortoiseshell which originates from the carapace of large turtle and tortoise species like the hawksbill sea turtle.  Ivory, with its warm tones and creamy, off-white color was also popular.  The simple, black elegance of jet, a gem quality coal, was, likewise, a favorite material for vintage cigarette holders.

 

Amber Vintage Cigarette Holders for Sale on eBay

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All of these prized natural materials were imitated by early plastics starting in the late 19th and early 20th century.  The very first of these, celluloid, was occasionally used in the production of cigarette and cigar holders, but was discontinued as soon as other plastics became available due to its flammability.  Casein formaldehyde, called Galalith, was another early synthetic plastic used in vintage cigarette holders.  But perhaps the best known of all the early plastics was Bakelite, the trade name for phenol formaldehyde resin.

High quality vintage cigarette holders were often accented with the precious metals – gold, silver, or platinum.  This would usually take the form of one or more simple bands near the middle or the tip of the cigarette holder.  Vintage cigarette or cigar holders were even created from semi-precious stones like jade, lapis or agate, although this was less common.

Vintage cigarette holders were frequently made out of a combination of several different materials.  In these cases, the organic gem materials and plastics mentioned before were reserved for the stem of the piece that would be held in the mouth.  This is because these materials were thermally non-conductive and would keep the user from accidentally being burnt.

While humble cigarette holders that sold for less than a dollar were manufactured in profusion, the most desirable specimens today were produced by famous makers.  Renowned luxury houses, such as Cartier, Buccellati, Van Cleef  & Arpels, Tiffany & Co. and Boucheron, created some of the most sumptuous examples.  But the famous Russian jewelry firm of Faberge is celebrated as perhaps the greatest maker of luxury antique cigar and cigarette holders.

A special mention is in order for Alfred Dunhill, a noted English tobacconist who founded the eponymous firm of Alfred Dunhill Ltd.  While his company started as a generalist British luxury goods company, it soon developed a sterling reputation as a purveyor of fine tobacco accessories, including cigarette and cigar holders.  Dunhill vintage cigarette holders were made to the highest standard, as evidenced by the fact that the company received a Royal Warrant as the tobacconist to the Prince of Wales in 1921.  Alfred Dunhill Ltd. cigarette and cigar holders can often be identified at a glance by their characteristic “white dot” trademark.

High quality materials are a must when looking to invest in vintage cigarette holders.  Precious metals like gold, silver and platinum, are often found on high end specimens.  Other precious materials like tortoise shell, amber, ivory or jade are also usually indicative of a high quality cigarette holder.

 

High End Vintage Cigarette Holders for Sale on eBay

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Early plastics, like Bakelite, have a neutral impact on the value of vintage cigarette holders.  Instead, it is the workmanship and any accompanying materials that determine the item’s desirability.  A simple antique cigarette holder made entirely from Bakelite will possess limited desirability, while a sumptuously crafted Bakelite specimen accented with gold and diamonds will be quite valuable.

Condition, of course, is an attribute of primary importance when investing in vintage cigarette holders.  Modest wear, usually in the form of light tooth marks, is completely acceptable on the stem of an antique cigarette holder.  This indicates it was used and treasured by a former owner.  But cracks, chips, significant discoloration or other noticeable damage will greatly reduce the value of a piece.  In addition, a vintage cigarette or cigar holder that comes in its original case is always more desirable than one that doesn’t.

A compelling collection of vintage cigarette or cigar holders can be assembled for a surprisingly small investment.  Relatively modest specimens start at just under $100, while more elaborate examples are usually just a few hundred dollars.  Interestingly, even the finest pieces rarely go for more than $1,000, which allows disciplined connoisseurs to dabble in the high end cheaply.  One need not smoke to admire a fine vintage cigarette holder or antique cigarette case.  These luxury goods from yesteryear give both the aspiring tobacciana collector and objet d’art aficionado a window into a splendid, nostalgic past.

 

Read more in-depth Antique Sage tobacciana investment guides here.


Every Woman Should Own a Stash of High Quality Jewelry

Every Woman Should Own a Stash of High Quality Jewelry

I read an interesting comment on the internet the other day that really got me thinking.  An anonymous woman remarked that high quality jewelry is now a luxury that many women can no longer afford.  In addition, she observed that fewer women are wearing fine jewelry on a regular basis.  I’ve reproduced her comment here for reference:

“Jewelry is now the great divide between the have and have-nots of the female variety.  I still own some silver jewelry, because it wasn’t worth selling when we needed the money.  I get noticed when I wear it because most women don’t have real jewelry anymore.  Even women who can afford jewelry are not wearing it out anymore, but they still have their wedding and engagement rings.”

Unfortunately, I must agree with this woman’s assessment.  It seems that fewer and fewer women are buying or wearing high quality jewelry anymore.  I think the persistently weak economy is the obvious culprit here.  Sluggish wage growth, coupled with continuously rising housing, food and insurance costs, has squeezed discretionary spending.  High quality jewelry has been one of the many unfortunate victims of this economic trend.

As a result, a lot of budget constrained women have reallocated their precious jewelry dollars from fine jewelry to costume jewelry.  This has been a reasonable reaction to economic pressure because costume jewelry is so much better looking now than it used to be.  As recently as the 1980s and even the early 1990s, costume jewelry was consistently low quality.  It looked cheap and would quickly tarnish or even turn green when exposed to body oils or perspiration.

However, the advent of inexpensive, but alluring, synthetic stones and simulants, coupled with an industry-wide effort to raise the quality of costume jewelry, has made it a much more palatable choice.  This is especially the case when a “real” piece of high quality jewelry might cost several thousand dollars while a similar piece of “fake”, but still attractive, costume jewelry might be just a couple hundred dollars.

The trend toward buying and wearing less high quality jewelry is most noticeable among younger women in their 20s and 30s.  An insightful Pacific Standard article titled “Has Technology Killed the Jewelry Industry?” provocatively lays the blame squarely at the feet of smartphones and other portable technology.

There is certainly an element of truth to this accusation.  Samsung, LG, Sony and Motorola all produce covetable smartphones, tablets and laptops.  However, it is Apple, with its insanely popular trio of the iPhone, iPad and MacBook series, that has had the most success.  In fact, I am of the opinion that Apple isn’t really a technology company at all, but a luxury technology retailer – a vitally important distinction.  Young Millennial women have, as a group, redirected a significant portion of their discretionary spending into these must-have tech gadgets.  Of course, money spent on smartphones or tablets has to come from somewhere.  And that place is often the high quality jewelry budget.

There has also been a tendency for younger generations to spend money on travel, dining, concerts and other “experiential” activities rather than physical goods.  And once spent on an experience, regardless of how compelling, those limited discretionary dollars cannot be spent on high quality jewelry.

Now that I’ve discussed why women aren’t buying as much high quality jewelry anymore, I’d like to explain why every woman should own a stash of fine jewelry.  The first reason is purely economic.  For centuries, high quality jewelry has been considered a store of value – a savings account specifically for women.  This tradition is still strong in some parts of the world.  For instance, owning a sizable stash of high-karat gold jewelry is considered a necessity for any well-to-do Indian, Southeast Asian or Middle Eastern woman.

The reason for jewelry’s persistence over the centuries as a savings vehicle is multi-fold.  Historically, patriarchal laws in many countries prohibited women from officially inheriting property.  High quality jewelry, often received as gifts from family members or spouses, was usually considered to be a woman’s property from a legal standpoint.  If her marriage ended in divorce, a woman could confidently walk away from her former husband knowing her valuable hoard of high quality jewelry was all hers.

While the modern world is much more amenable to female inheritance and ownership of property, there is still a vital investment argument for every woman to own a collection of gemstone-studded, high quality jewelry.  Antique, estate, designer or hand-crafted jewelry, made from karat gold, platinum or sterling silver and set with sparkling precious stones, is the glittering epitome of wealth.  Fine jewelry often has a significant intrinsic value that can range from hundreds of dollars for more modest pieces to millions of dollars for legendary jewels.

But the real value of high quality jewelry is the fact that they are miniature works of art.  As a result, well designed and executed fine jewelry is always worth more than the sum of its parts.  And the stylistic choices available are nearly endless.  The flowing, naturalistic forms of Art Nouveau jewelry are nothing like the jagged shapes and sharp angles of Brutalist jewelry.  There is a style of high quality jewelry that will appeal to every woman.

Perhaps most importantly, nothing highlights the beauty of a woman like fine jewelry.  Whether it is a luscious strand of Tahitian black pearls, a gold cocktail ring set with a glistening blue tourmaline or a pair of simple platinum and diamond stud earrings, high quality jewelry accentuates the best features of a woman in a way no other accessory can.  A woman who wears fine jewelry knows she looks beautiful and, therefore, naturally exudes confidence.  And confidence is priceless.

I understand that many women may not feel comfortable wearing incredibly expensive, high quality jewelry every day.  Less expensive costume or mass-produced silver jewelry works well in these situations.  However, there are certain times in life – weddings, holidays or the occasional night on the town – when a woman just wants to look and feel her best.  For those times, there is no substitute for high quality jewelry.

14 Karat Gold Bulova Mini Accutron Wristwatch from 1973

14 Karat Gold Bulova Mini Accutron Wristwatch from 1973
Photo Credit: PayLessDestination

14 Karat Gold Bulova Mini Accutron Wristwatch from 1973

Asking Price: $999.99 (price as of 2017; item no longer available)

Pros:

-This magnificent Bulova mini Accutron wristwatch from 1973 has a striking blue enamel dial and a solid 14 karat yellow gold case.

-The Accutron was an innovative movement first released in 1960 by the American watch manufacturer Bulova.  The Accutron movement relies on a vibrating tuning fork to keep time.  As a result, instead of ticking like a traditional mechanical wristwatch, Bulova Accutrons make a very distinctive humming noise.  Vintage watch enthusiasts often consider Accutrons to be a stepping stone between traditional mechanical and modern quartz watch movements.

-This vintage Bulova mini Accutron measures 33.4 mm (1.31 inches) wide, including the crown, and 36.8 mm (1.45 inches) long, including the lugs.  This wristwatch is also rather thick, at 9.8 mm (0.39 inches).  Chunky wristwatches were very much in style during the 1970s, but the extra thickness also served to accommodate its advanced tuning fork movement.

-Bulova Accutrons were immensely popular from the early 1960s until the mid 1970s.  It is estimated that several million movements were produced during this time.  The last Accutron tuning fork movements were made in 1976, when they were replaced by cheaper and more accurate quartz technology.

-The use of a Florentine, or textured, gold finish on the case of this Bulova mini Accutron wristwatch is a classic hallmark of 1970s design.  The watch’s bold blue dial and stout proportions are also characteristic of the 1970s zeitgeist.

-This Bulova mini Accutron wristwatch uses a Swiss-made 2301 movement, which was one of the smallest Accutron movements Bulova produced.  Because of this, the 230 series Accutron movement was usually employed in women’s watches.  However, it was occasionally used in men’s watches as well.  Given the somewhat larger case size (for the time) of this specimen, I feel that it was probably originally intended to be a man’s wristwatch.

-This vintage Bulova mini Accutron wristwatch has a case made from solid 14 karat yellow gold and was undoubtedly a very expensive watch when new.  In fact, this page from a 1972 Bulova dealer’s catalogue lists a similar watch (albeit with a solid gold bracelet that this example lacks) for $475.  That would be the equivalent of $2,852 in 2017, after adjusting for inflation.

-I love this watch because it ticks all the right boxes.  It is made from solid 14 karat gold.  It uses the iconic Bulova Accutron movement.  It reflects a quintessentially eye-catching 1970s style.  And it is in amazingly good condition.  But perhaps most importantly, at only $1,000 this Bulova mini Accutron wristwatch can be your gateway into the world’s most under-owned asset class.

 

Cons:

-Although Bulova Accutrons have fewer moving parts than traditional mechanical watch movements (12 versus 26, respectively), they still require periodic service.  Because the seller has not disclosed whether or not this Bulova mini Accutron wristwatch was recently serviced, it is safe to assume it hasn’t been.  Therefore, it would be wise to set aside an additional $100 to $300 for servicing the watch if you plan to buy it.

-I would have loved for the seller to include a photo of the watch movement.  This oversight is perhaps forgivable, considering that Bulova Accutrons do not suffer from many of the issues that can affect purely mechanical watch movements.

The Precious Metal IRA Loophole

The Precious Metal IRA Loophole

The precious metal IRA (Individual Retirement Account), also known as a gold IRA, was a great leap forward for U.S. retirement savers.  Since its inception in 1998, the precious metal IRA has allowed U.S. citizens to invest funds either tax free (Roth IRA accounts) or tax deferred (traditional IRA accounts) in gold, silver, platinum and palladium bullion.  This has been a boon for U.S. investors interested in tangible assets but, unfortunately, it did come with one big drawback.

The U.S. government currently prohibits the purchase of art or antiques in IRA accounts – basically any asset that can be considered “collectible”.  This depressingly complete ban includes, but is not limited to, artwork, rugs, antiques, gemstones, stamps, coins and alcoholic beverages (like fine wines).  This is a pity, as this misguided policy bars U.S. retirement savers from an entire investment asset class that is tremendously undervalued right now.

However, there is one small exception to this ironclad no art, antiques or collectibles policy.  And it is found exclusively in the small print of the precious metal IRA.  It is a loophole so small that I’m certain the faceless IRS bureaucrats and uncaring D.C. politicians never though anybody could squeeze through it.  They were wrong.

First we need to have a primer about the complex rules surrounding a precious metal IRA.  An account may only purchase certain gold, silver, platinum and palladium coins and bars.  These coins and bars must all have a minimum fineness of at least 99.5% or 995 fine.  In addition, the prohibition on “collectibles” disqualifies any proof coins, which are specially struck under ideal conditions to appeal specifically to coin collectors.

As a logical extension of this rule, any coin that has been third party certified or slabbed, even a bullion issue that meets all the other qualifications, is not allowed.  This is because third-party grading indicates a coin is meant for the collector community and is thus a “collectible”.  Although it isn’t specifically written into the tax code, it is also a fair bet that any coin issued with a predetermined mintage limit would also be forbidden, as this would imply the coin was intended for collectors.

The clear intention of all these rules is to strictly limit your precious metal IRA to bullion coins and bars only.  The minimum fineness requirement alone automatically disqualifies all old gold or silver coins.  All older precious metal coins were originally intended for general circulation.  Because of this they had to be alloyed to increase their hardness and wear resistance.

For example, old, pre-1933 U.S. gold coinage is only 90% fine.  British sovereigns, which have been struck continuously from the early 19th century right up until the present day are 91.67% gold.  Most other old gold coins from the early 20th century or earlier are 90% fine.  Because of the precious metal IRA fineness requirement, all of these gold coins are disallowed.

That removes most gold coins – especially any antique coins with collector’s value – from contention for your precious metal IRA funds.  Effectively, only modern, 24 karat, pure gold bullion coins (and bars) are allowable.  There is, however, one small exception to this rule: American gold eagle bullion coins, with a fineness of 91.67% or 22 karat gold, are exempted.

Interestingly, American gold eagle coins (along with their American silver eagle brethren) possess another important exemption as well.  Proof specimens of these coins are allowable in precious metal IRA accounts.  This is important because these are the only proof coins of any type that can legally be owned in a precious metal IRA.  Apparently, congress carved out a legal niche for these proof coins in a bid to increase the popularity of the U.S. mint’s gold and silver eagle program.  It worked, as these two coins dominate the global gold and silver bullion coin market.

So with all this information about precious metal IRA requirements we can build a list of permissible gold and silver coins:

 

Precious Metal IRA Approved Gold Coins:

  • American Gold Eagles (uncirculated and proof)
  • American Gold Buffaloes
  • Australian Gold Kangaroos
  • British Gold Britannias (2013 to present only)
  • Canadian Gold Maple Leafs
  • Austrian Gold Philharmonics
  • Mexican Gold Libertads (1991 to present only)
  • Chinese Gold Pandas

 

Precious Metal IRA Approved Silver Coins:

  • American Silver Eagles (uncirculated and proof)
  • America the Beautiful Silver Coins
  • Australian Silver Kookaburras
  • Australian Silver Koalas
  • British Silver Britannias (2013 to present only)
  • Canadian Silver Maple Leafs
  • Austrian Silver Philharmonics
  • Mexican Silver Libertads
  • Chinese Silver Pandas

 

Now, this list of gold and silver coins that are allowable in a precious metal IRA might be academically interesting, but I promised you a loophole.  Well, here it is.  When the U.S. Congress created the precious metal IRA, they intended to completely exclude art, antiques and anything that could remotely be considered a “collectible”.  But some of the gold and silver bullion coins listed above are actually stealth collector pieces that have strong numismatic potential!

The implications of this revelation are staggering.  It means that you can legally purchase and own some numismatically-oriented, collector’s coins in your precious metal IRA.  Suddenly, the full promise of tangibles investing in a precious metal IRA is within your grasp.

Now, if you’re the canny type, you might well ask how modern bullion coins can be desirable to coin collectors.  They are supposed to be lumps of gold or silver with their weight and fineness guaranteed by a government.  They are supposed to trade as nothing more than bullion.  But reality has a funny way of interfering with the best laid plans of national governments.

In short, some modern bullion coin issues are far rarer and more desirable than you might think at first.  In addition, coins, like any art form, heavily rely on aesthetics to appeal to potential collectors.  And modern bullion coins, which often adapt renowned historical designs, are undoubtedly the most beautiful coins of the current age.

I won’t go into all the details surrounding why some modern bullion issues have great numismatic potential here.  Instead, I’ll encourage you to read another article I wrote titled: Chasing Perfection – Collecting Gold Bullion Coins.  But this premise isn’t just my opinion; there are a significant number of modern bullion coins that already trade for hefty premiums over spot prices on the open market.

Maybe the best examples are proof and burnished (a special type of uncirculated strike) American silver eagles.  Even common date issues for these one troy ounce silver coins currently sell for well over double their bullion value.  That is a far cry from the average silver bullion coin, bar or round which might sport a modest premium of only 5% to 20% over spot.

However, I believe the best appreciation potential resides in gold bullion coins, which generally have much smaller mintages than their silver counterparts.  The stunningly beautiful Mexican Gold Libertad series, for example, has never had an annual mintage that exceeded 15,000 over the last 20 years.  They are ridiculously rare and undervalued, yet you can still add one ounce “bullion” Libertads to your precious metal IRA for 15% to 20% over spot!

The only better buys are proof Mexican Gold Libertad coins, which often have mintages in the hundreds.  Their mintages are insanely low, especially considering that many circulating issues of coins are struck by the millions or even billions these days.  Unfortunately, the proof Mexican Gold Libertad is considered a “collectible” coin and is not eligible for inclusion in precious metal IRAs.  Only the uncirculated version can be safely purchased in a precious metal IRA.

If Mexican Gold Libertads don’t excite you, there are many other modern gold bullion coins with excellent return potential for your precious metal IRA.  American Gold Buffaloes, Australian Gold Nuggets/Kangaroos and Chinese Gold Pandas all have that winning combination of great design and relatively low mintage.  And their prices are often only modestly above their bullion melt values.

But a special mention should be made for American Gold Eagle coins.  While I don’t believe the normal American Gold Eagle bullion issues have much numismatic potential due to their excessively high mintages, the special uncirculated “burnished” strike and proof examples offer tremendous value.  Proof American Gold Eagle mintages are usually fewer than 50,000 specimens per annum, sometimes dramatically so.  But, in spite of their rarity, premiums are normally quite reasonable at only 15% to 30% over spot, provided you aren’t chasing rare dates.

There is, however, one important detail to note if you decide to add numismatically-oriented gold bullion coins to your precious metal IRA.  It is critical that you choose a custodian that offers segregated storage.  Segregated storage, also known as allocated storage, means your gold is physically separated from the holdings of other precious metal IRA customers kept in the same vault.  This means that if you deposit a certain type and date of gold bullion coin into your IRA, you can pull the exact same coin out at a later date.

In comparison, the more common method of gold storage is referred to as commingled or unallocated storage.  This means the custodian dumps all its customers’ precious metal holdings into a single pile.  If you request to withdraw or sell a coin, they will reach into the pile and randomly pull out whatever date of that type of coin they find.  Commingled, or unallocated, storage is cheaper than segregated storage, but it invalidates any attempts to buy numismatically-oriented coins and must, therefore, be avoided.

Although I haven’t had the chance to use their services yet, Noble Gold is a precious metal IRA trustee that emphasizes their high-security, segregated storage facilities.

In spite of its strict requirements, a precious metal IRA is one of the few ways to invest in tangible assets (other than real estate) in a U.S. retirement account.  And while your local congressman has done his best to shut you out of the lucrative art and antiques market in these accounts, he and his political friends overlooked one small detail.  Take advantage of this little-known opportunity to invest in numismatically-oriented bullion coins in your precious metal IRA while you can.