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The summer FUN coin show, held July 9th-11th, was a busy show with lots of collector and dealer activity. In fact, it was amazingly one of the best shows we've had this year, with our sales almost reaching levels usually reserved for the ANA Convention or Winter FUN shows (which are traditionally the largest, best coin shows in the U.S.) This very active and busy show mirrored the Baltimore show in June, which is usually a very slow show, but this year was the best in memory with collectors and dealers spending money respectively on coins for their collections or inventory. 

Why is the market so hot? There are a number of possible reasons, but three which come to mind include the high price of precious metals, which doubtless of buoyed many collectors and dealers pockets with extra cash to spend. For collectors in particular, any with precious metal in their collectors from years ago now stand to gain a handsome profit. Another reason is the stock market, which is hitting all time record highs, and doubtless many coin collectors have money in the markets, and have realized profits from that venue. And last, a possibility is the spectre of inflation, and the desire to keep more money in something which keeps up somewhat with inflation. Coin prices have generally risen across the board, along with everything else, and having something which moves with inflation might be another motivation for some collectors. A forth bonus reason is that perhaps collectors are simply doing well financially in this economic environment and have money to spend. Regardless, of the reason(s), the coin market is hot!

The U.S. Mint was giving away the new semiquincentennial coins at the show, and everyday the show opened, a long line (probably 100 people or more) formed to get the coins (including some dealers!) We also participated in the YN trivia challenge, and probably had 80-100 kids stop by the table to get free coins and answer the treasure trivia challenge about mint errors. It's great to see so many kids attending coin shows, the next generation of collectors. 

It was great, as always, to see so many customers at the show and "talk error coins"! Our next coin show is the ANA Convention, which is held this year in Pittsburgh, PA. If you are going to attend, we look forward to seeing you there.