If the stock market and the currencies of virtually all other countries are any indicator, the U.S. dollar is about as out-of-favor as it ever has been. Its value is now virtually even with that of Canada and pales compared to the euro or British pound. That being said, you'd never know it if you tune into some TV shopping channels or pick up many major magazines.

Since the introduction of the Presidential Golden Dollar series in 2007, a multitude of companies have repackaged the coins in an effort to sell them at a premium. Not that their presentation of the dollars isn't attractive. They look great in the various cases, frames and custom-created holders. The question, however, is just how much that packaging is worth? Not a lot according to coin dealers.

Last week, one of the television shopping channels offered the coins at a substantial premium over their $1 face value. The ad noted that, next year, the coins will no long have the words "In God We Trust" on the edge but on the face of the coin. That's true. But, they went on to imply that because the previously issued dollars included the wording on the edge the new ones might be substantially more rare in years to come. Considering the hundreds of millions of golden dollars already minted, that might be a stretch.

Another unbelievably expensive print advertisement offers readers four "free" Presidential Golden dollars with the purchase of a frame in which they can be displayed. With shipping the cost of the coins and frame is roughly $30. After that, purchasers receive each newly minted dollar through the year 2016 for $4.50 each. The total comes to about $190 after all is said and done.

Again, the presentation of the display is extremely nice. But, considering these are essentially the same coins one can obtain at a bank, from a coin dealer or from the U.S. Mint at or close to face value, that's a hefty premium to pay. (The U.S. Mint recently began selling Presidential Dollars to the public for their face value. The entire allocated stock of John Quincy Adams dollars already sold out.)

Concerns about repackaged coin offers such as these aren't about wealthy buyers. Heck, if Warren Buffet wants to buy a bunch, I say go for it. Grandparents on a fixed income are another thing. If they purchase items such as these for their kids or grandkids in the belief the future value may be substantial, they may be in for a rude awakening.

The same holds true for the 50 State Quarters. They were created as a fun collectible, not an investment vehicle. Some ads suggest otherwise. One that features the quarters coated in "pure gold" and emblazoned with colorful holograms. Again, they look spectacular with all colors of the rainbow. Those sell for $120 for a set of 45 quarters (face value: $11.25.) I can't say what they're worth to others, but five dealers I spoke with wouldn't offer more than $20 for the set. Their bid for repackaged Golden Dollar coins were equally low.

The collecting of modern-day anything from coins, stamps, baseball cards, action figures, etc., are meant to be fun. If they increase in value in the future, that's a nice perk. But, just as with the value of the current dollar against other currencies, the probability of a quick return is far more rare than any modern collectible I know. Caveat Emptor!

Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of the John Quincy Adams Golden Dollar coin has been sent with this column.

To find out more about Peter Rexford and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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