When you reach retirement age — as most baby boomers have — it’s tempting to start cashing in your investments and putting the money into savings accounts or other risk-free assets. That’s not always the best policy, though — especially when it comes to assets that consistently rise in value, like rare coins.
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The reason rare coins increase in value is simple: They will always be rare and that rarity will always lure collectors and investors. This creates steady demand, which in turn keeps pushing prices higher.
Maximizing the value of rare coins by holding on to them is particularly important for boomers who are either already retired or are closing in on retirement. When you live on a fixed income, rare coins can serve as an ace in the hole in case you need a sudden infusion of cash to pay for a medical procedure or some other unexpected expense.
Beyond that, the proceeds from selling a valuable rare coin could add tens of thousands of dollars a year to your nest egg.
Here are three rare and valuable coins boomers should hold on to for at least another decade if possible, because of their expected price appreciation. Values listed reflect the high end of the price range, which typically means it is in or near mint condition.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
- High-end value: $100,000
This famous coin with the iconic image is prized by collectors because of a mistake during the minting process. The right front leg of the buffalo was completely removed from the surface of the die, making it appear to have only three legs.
According to a blog post on the Altier Rare Coins website, this “accidental creation” has propelled the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel into the “spotlight of the most sought-after and most expensive rare coins. Such a unique characteristic not only sparks intrigue among collectors but also significantly enhances its value.”
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1883 Liberty Head Double Eagle
- High-end value: $114,000
The Altier Rare Coins blog refers to two types of Liberty Head Double Eagle $20 coins: Type II (minted from 1866 to 1876) and Type III (1877 to 1907). Both types are expected to see values rise sharply in the coming years because of their gold content and historical significance. Market trends indicate “a steady increase in value” for Double Eagles, according to Altier Rare Coins, particularly for “well-preserved specimens.”
CoinTrackers.com puts the ballpark value of an 1883 Liberty Head Double Eagle in average condition at $60,000. However, one in mint condition could go for $114,000 or more.
1958 Full Bell Line Franklin Half Dollar
- High-end value: $129,250
If you’re looking for a good investment opportunity, Altier Rare Coins considers the Franklin half dollar a “stellar option.” These coins were minted between 1948 and 1963 and feature both “aesthetic beauty and significant value” and have seen a “consistent upward trajectory.”
Although you’ll find plenty of Franklin half dollars that won’t command much from collectors, there are rarities that range in value from a few hundred dollars to nearly $130,000.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Rare Coins That Boomers Should Hold Onto for a While Longer
