The Sacramento Bee, Calif., Jack Sirard Column.(Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News)

Dec. 8--QUESTION: In 1999 I bought $10,000 worth of gold coins with money from my modest savings account, thinking it would be a safe way to invest.

In July this year, I got a call from the company that sold me the coins advising me to upgrade the coins for a new set. This resulted in a sizable loss ($4,300) in my original purchase.

I am wondering if coins lose their value to that extent. What I am suspicious about is being taken advantage of in this situation. I am 76 years old and it is difficult to make up losses out of my retirement income.

--Mildred M., Citrus Heights

ANSWER: Unless you're well versed in dealing with coins, it can be a very difficult …