Optimism Reigns in Coin Market

The rare coin market continues to be in high gear. Rarities that have been off the market for years are continuing to appear in major auctions. This is likely due to current owners of this material being aware of the strength of this area, making it a good time to attempt to maximize their price to be realized. This information isn’t something new at this point. Such true rarities have been appearing in auctions at this pace for about three years.

This is one of the longest-lasting “rallies” for the business and hobby of coins in memory, but the rally still shows no signs of slowing. The only market segment that has taken some so-called financial hits is bullion coinage. The dollar has continued to be unpredictable on world exchanges, directly impacting the spot price of gold, silver and platinum coins. For that reason, bullion and somewhat intrinsically valued coins have fluctuated, although their values continue to be in what could be defined as a reasonably predictable trading range.

The inevitable summer slowdown in coin sales was not that slow this year. The American Numismatic Association convention in Pittsburgh that will take place just after this market summary is being written is anticipated to kick off the new buying season, which typically will continue through January when the Florida United Numismatists convention will likely once more breathe energy into the market.

The U.S. Mint continues to help fuel the interest in coins, not through its made for collector issues, but through the circulating commemorative quarters the non-collecting public has in their pockets. This in turn will tempt more people to join the hobby. Optimism reigns.