Interest in Collectibles is Truly Worldwide

This is no joke. Among the recent collectibles conventions was the Bangladesh Collectors’ Show 2021. When even a third-world country with a challenged economy can conduct a successful convention that includes coins, bank notes, matchboxes, antiques and other collectibles, it illustrates just how strong the worldwide interest in collectibles has become. Granted, the Bangladesh show couldn’t hold a candle to the recent show in Long Beach Calif., but it appears the market for coins and other collectibles is no longer dependent on the strength of the overall economy of a country or region.

The interest in truly rare coins was well-illustrated by the Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature Auction conducted by Heritage. There were more than 5,100 bidders, many of whom were from outside the United States, that helped the coin and bank note auctions realized more than $15 million.

The over-the-counter sale of collectible coins should not be overlooked. Not all highly desirable and scarce to rare coins are selling via auctions. With the spot price of gold and silver holding steady during the past week, the value of intrinsically valued coins leveled off as well. The demand for both intrinsic and intrinsic-influenced coins has not slowed, regardless of prices.

Dealers continue to struggle to keep supply equal to demand. Morgan silver dollars, always a bellwether for the entire collectible coin market, are commanding strong and in some instances record prices both at auctions and through retail sales. Overall, the temperature of the market remains hot, with coin collecting fever being contagious and highly infectious.