Tribute Coins May Be Pretty -- But They Are a Pretty Bad Investment

The ads echo the same message -- a coin that's a one-of-a-kind collectible, available right now, to keep forever. But coin experts say that while tribute coins might be pretty, they're not worth much money -- now or ever.

Collectors and consumer advocates say the ads dupe those who don't understand the business and rely on emotions instead. The owner of one of the companies that markets them says no one is misled, and people just buy the coins because they like them.