(Fallbrook, California) – Officials of the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), a non-profit organization composed of the nation’s top rare coin dealers, are advising consumers that recently offered “coins” honoring President-elect Barack Obama should be considered only as souvenirs and not be viewed as rare coins or an investment.

“All of the items we’ve seen offered so far on television and online are merely political mementos that certainly may be enjoyable as a keepsake, but typically will have little or no re-sale value later in the mainstream numismatic market. Privately-produced items are not legal tender U.S. coins. In cases where a marketer has altered an actual U.S. coin after it left the Mint, such as putting a sticker with Obama’s picture on it, knowledgeable collectors usually consider that to be merely defacing the coin,” said Gary Adkins of Edina, Minnesota, PNG President.

“Some of the so-called ‘Obama coins’ are layered or plated with a microscopically-thin layer of gold with the implication that they are potentially valuable bullion items. However, there usually is precious little precious metal value to plated pieces. Beware of bogus bargains,” Adkins cautioned.

In the PNG’s consumer protection pamphlet, “What You Should Know Before You Buy Rare Coins,” the section on modern coins advises: “If you like the subject theme represented by these coins, admire the beauty of the design or would like to own them as a souvenir or to show support for their particular cause, by all means buy them. But if your goal is capital appreciation or making a profit, you’re better off avoiding this type of material.”

Helpful consumer education tips and an online directory of PNG member-dealers are available at www.PNGdealers.com. The PNG was established in 1953, and its members must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics in the buying and selling of numismatic merchandise.

For a copy of the informative pamphlet, “What You Should Know Before You Buy Rare Coins,” send $1 to cover postage costs to: Robert Brueggeman, PNG Executive Director, 3950 Concordia Lane, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Phone: (760) 728-1300. E-mail: info@PNGdealers.com. Online: www.PNGdealers.com.