Collecting coins/bars is a hobby that pays off. Gold and silver is the currency of the old, and if one day' financial-institutions collapse-- it's a good back up. Credit is a fools game, as you stuck in a endless sea of debt-- and have nothing to show for it. Better have a back-up plan, as antique-money is a sure thing! It's real, can go up in value-- and fun, too! Dealers will give top-dollar for collections, if you find yourself strap for cash-- pawn it off.