Community Voice Responses (Dec. 26, 2017)

From the Dec. 1 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:

Will there be a coin collection worth $1 billion by the year 2040?

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers to Editor Dave Harper.

Mine already is, in Zimbabwe dollars!

Tom Miller
Santa Rosa, Calif.

Unless we face an extended time of runaway inflation I doubt there will be a billion dollar coin by 2040. There might be a $25 trillion coin as some future administration mints one to wipe away the accumulated debt we are passing on to our children and grandchildren.

Timothy Scharr
Aviston, Ill.

This is entirely possible. There are collections that are already in the multi-millions. The figure of 1 billion (by 2040) is entirely possible. This will depend on one’s diligent efforts. If multi-million dollar level has already been reached, by the goal of this time frame, it will happen.

No, I know it won’t be me. I do collect for enjoyment and profit both. Yes, I still tend to salt a bit away for the long haul. This being said, follow the advice of those in the know. For each person is different, follow what fits your circumstance.

Gary Kess
Sherman, Texas

It is possible. The manipulation of our money through inflation and marketing psychology knows no bounds. Zimbabwe was able to raise the “value” of coin collections in that country to astounding heights. Bitcoin continues to increase in “value” and in my opinion is perhaps the latest marketing ploy to hoodwink people out of their money. The mass marketers and mint people will no doubt continue producing the instant “rarities of great value” by slabbing common coins with special designations. Here are some ideas they might pursue:

1. Second Day of Issue
2. Coin Was Touched by Mint Janitor
3. Last Day of Issue
4. Coin Was Not Touched by Mint Janitor
5. Certified by IRS

The possibilities are seemingly endless! Creating “value” because “every collector needs to have one!” But as for me ... believe I might just stick with tulips.

Max Stuckey
Colorado Spring, Colo.

There may well be one now but we won’t know it. Given the number of billionaires, it is quite possible a few may be secret numismatists or accumulators. On the other hand, advertising the existence of such a collection would attract undue attention from the authorities.

Name withheld

At this rate my collection should reach a billion by then. Ha ha! Nobody wants a billion dollar coin collection. If we’re voting here, I vote no.

Name withheld

In this crazy world anything is possible.

Name withheld

More Collecting Resources

• Check out the newly-updated Standard Catalog of World Coins, 2001-Date that provides accurate identification, listing and pricing information for the latest coin releases.

• With nearly 24,000 listings and over 14,000 illustrations, the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, Modern Issues is your go-to guide for modern bank notes.