Archived Commentaries

Numismatic Commentary
July 1, 2009

John Dirnbauer

The economy may be in the early stages of recovery. Chrysler and Government Motors are emerging from Chapter 11 and are getting their feet (wheels) back on the ground (roadways). The housing market is showing signs of a beating heart. Sales of existing homes in certain key markets are picking up and new house starts are on the upswing. The unemployment stats are still troublesome but Timmy G, like the good soldier that he is, supports his boss’ sweet talk that progress is being made toward our country’s break from the grip of recession. I, like so many others, am waiting in a positive and hopeful mind set for the “stimulus package” to show up and save us all through the trickle-down to the real people. Let’s all hope that the inevitable economic turnaround is strong and long lasting . . . and that it soon gets here in full force.

With the above in mind, please think about the fact that now may be an ideal time to add to your coin and numismatic literature collections. Rare coins are a good way to build wealth and the related books provide an expanded way to enjoy them. Most people are unable to build wealth through their regular pay check because of the daily expense of life. If you study the history of coin values through, say, back issues of the Red Book, you can easily see the clear and positive upward trend in prices. Just for fun, pick five semi-key or key coins and five common date, but high grade coins and check their price trends over a ten year period of time. Pick any series of coins, the result will be the same . . . and it will be good news. Even your spouse will like it. The three most important concepts to remember are quality, quality and quality.

In closing, I encourage you to review the various sections of this website. There are a variety of interesting items for your consideration. The early American copper coins section includes a selection of almost 300 coins in the highly desirable grades of G-4 through VF-35 with a few EF-40 and 45’s included. If you are an aficionado of this numismatic material, you know how very difficult it is to find. Also included are proof sets 1950 – date, twentieth century type coins in NGC and PCGS certified ultra-grades, and modern commemoratives. The Numislit section is extensive and has a clear focus on early American coins, reference books, and auction catalogs.

Bye for now . . . and good hunting.