Year starts with a bang at FUN show

This article was originally printed in the latest issue of Numismatic News.
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Gold has failed several times to break through the $1,388 level. Silver is also under pressure but appears to have greater underlying strength. These markets have a great way of faking out the weak holders and I suspect that is the current scenario. Platinum and palladium have been much stronger, with both crossing the big 8s, meaning $1,800 and $800, respectively.

Though here was a great deal of dealer anxiety at the Tampa FUN show regarding the move from Orlando, activity was a pleasant surprise. The venue change was not a voluntary one but rather a situation where the Orange County Convention Center had bigger fish to fry. Few people understand that convention centers can turn down long-term events when bigger ones come along and that is quite often the peril of many hobby events. Some commented that they liked the show better in Tampa. Activity was brisk in virtually all sectors of the market and attendance might have been a new record. Being a show veteran, I never take announced attendance as fact. I believe what I see and what reliable contacts say about their activity. Based on that criteria, 2011 started off with a bang.

The silver dollar sector continues to gain strength with many better dates in higher grades joining the current uptrend.

E-mail harrymkrause@optonline.net.