If you're thinking of investing in precious metals or collectibles, proceed with caution. Consider investing in precious metals only after you've sufficiently funded the other parts of your portfolio. Their performance has often been erratic. If you invest directly in precious metals, you need to store and protect them or pay a dealer to do it. And they don't earn interest or pay dividends.
Experts also agree that collectibles are risky investments.
One collects because one loves the object not because one hopes to cash in. There is however a steady market for coin and stamp collections. Collectibles also need to be stored and protected and, if valuable enough, insured. Don't forget to include collectibles in your record of assets once they've been accurately appraised. The most widely sold one ounce gold coins are the U.S. American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Australian Nugget, and Chinese Pandas.