📈 Inflation‑Resistant Assets: HPG Coins vs Gold & TIPS
How well do population‑graded coins defend purchasing power? We back‑tested ColCur’s HPG‑100 Index against gold bullion, TIPS, and CPI from 1970‑2024—and the results surprised even us.
Key Takeaways
- HPG‑100 beat CPI in 46 of 55 years, averaging +2.1 % real annual growth.
- Drawdown‑to‑recovery window averaged 14 months vs gold’s 22 months.
- In 5 major currency crises (e.g., 1998 RUB, 2023 TRY), slabs sold at 12 %–28 % above index price within 48 hours on ColCur’s liquidity network.
Why Population Matters
Unlike bullion, HPG coins carry a finite, verifiable population. Lower population compresses float, amplifying scarcity‑premium during fiat debasement.
"Inflation prints move bullion; population squeezes move slabs." — ColCur Quant Desk
Population Liquidity Score (PLS)
PLS = (15‑Min Trades / Total Population) × 1 000
Coins with PLS ≥ 10 maintained ≤ 3 % bid‑ask spread even during 2022 energy shock.
Model Portfolios
| Allocation | Defensive (Low Beta) | Balanced | Aggressive |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPG Coins | 10 % | 25 % | 40 % |
| Gold | 20 % | 15 % | 10 % |
| TIPS | 30 % | 20 % | 10 % |
| Global Equity | 25 % | 30 % | 30 % |
| Cash | 15 % | 10 % | 10 % |
| 5‑Year CAGR | 4.6 % real | 6.2 % real | 7.8 % real |
Back‑tested 2019‑2024, rebalanced quarterly; transaction fees excluded.
Crisis Case Study: 2023 Turkish Lira Collapse
During TL’s 40 % single‑year slide, NGC‑graded Ottoman Empire 100 Kurush (MS‑64) population 1800 saw a +63 % TL gain in 10 days, while USD spot gold gained 44 % in TL.
Get Started
- Scan your collection: Upload slab serials for auto‑population scoring.
- Simulate inflation: Our calculator projects purchasing‑power retention at CPI‑3 %, CPI+2 %, and hyperinflation scenarios.
- One‑click hedge: Allocate via ColCur portfolio builder—$20 minimum.
Explore the ColCur Coin Market
Track live market caps, compare certified HPG tickers, and find your safe haven.
Disclaimer: Historical performance is not a guarantee of future results. Data as of 2025‑04‑18.