When ‘numismatics’ means ‘gold’

On Monday I asked whether collectors were marching too much in lockstep with bullion buyers as they make their decisions to buy new issues from the U.S. Mint.

Whether we collectors think it is true or not is one thing, but no matter what we think, noncollectors think bullion buyers and collectors are one and the same thing.

I had an inquiry yesterday from a small newspaper out East to confirm this.

It read:

“One of my readers asked if I would look into whether you have or know someone who has a free or low-cost column on gold and silver buying or numismatics. Do you know of any?”

Bullion buying or numismatics?

I think if I suggested a numismatic column, there would be a strong sense of disappointment. I doubt the reader making the request wants to read about 1916-D Mercury dimes or 1932-D Washington quarters.

I dashed off a reply that the reader should check the www.kitco.com website.

That didn’t end the matter.

This morning in my email I have another email:

“I’m sorry I wasn’t clear; he wants me to find and pick up numismatics columns for me to publish in my general circulation newspaper.”

My first thought was that must be one persuasive reader to get a business editor of a local paper to do this for him.

Of course, I will reply with my thoughts.

But once again I don’t think numismatics is the topic that is desired for a business page. Gold and silver are.

What do you think?

Buzz blogger Dave Harper is editor of the weekly newspaper "Numismatic News."