Poll Question: Do you think the spotlight on bullion and the 2026 coins will bring many new collectors?

My opinion would be "a few."  More people have asked me about bullion and coins in general, since this big runup in precious metals prices, but I think it's more curiosity than anything else. I tell them how I sold my sports card collection of 50s and 60s cards years ago and bought gold coins, and the conversation moves into what their childhood card collection was like and how they regret that their mother threw it out. (I am eternally grateful to my sainted mother for not doing that.)

But some people will get the bug.

Jim Burnell, Rocky Mountain Region

I do not think that any new collectors will come about based on bullion sales (silver, gold, etc.), as the price structure for this type of material is expensive and not for everyone. The exorbitant recent repricing structure of items at the U.S. Mint has a lot of people turned off per some coin-related internet threads I have been reading. In regards to the new quarters for 2026, there is always the potential to attract new collectors when the U.S. Mint produces new coinage especially in regards to any event related to the celebration of the U.S. as a country.  This happened in 1976 when new coins were minted for the bicentennial, and this helped increase the collecting community.  As for how long these new collectors remained collectors is questionable. I am confident that the new clad 2026 coins for general circulation will produce some long-lasting collectors, but as to how many is uncertain.

Name and Address withheld

We see many new people at shows and coin shops. Most are only interested in bullion values. I believe metal speculators will not be tempted to collect.

The increase in bullion prices has renewed the interest in people whose existing accumulation of silver coins has gained significance. Some will join clubs and stay around more for the interaction with others than adding to their holdings (which is plenty OK).

Young collectors will be sidelined by the high price of metals, finding it hard to participate.

As to our new coin designs coming out, I find the metal content of U.S. coins made for circulation to be very boring.  I like and will collect proofs because the artwork is so well displayed. I believe new collectors will feel the same and collect accordingly.

Larry Vann, Arkansas

I do believe the new designs coming out for 2026 will intrigue new collectors. I am not sure there will be a lot but do believe it will be more than other years.

Name and Address withheld

If anything, the rising cost of all bullion and the hefty price increases of the U.S. Mint will deter collecting more than enhance it. My fellow collectors and I have pretty much decided that this will be the last year we buy from the mint due to their exotic price increases. The ASE alone went up about 70 percent! I look for these coins to drop in value over time and be available cheaper through dealers. The only reason we're buying this year is the semiquincentennial. 

Larry, Louisville, Ky.

No. It will bring speculators.

David Nederostek, Meadowbrook, Pa.