By Allen Mincho, Bank Note Reporter

This January 2008 column for Bank Note Reporter marks the 10th year that my musings have appeared on a monthly basis. It has been a truly amazing ride that we in the currency market have enjoyed for the past decade, with a market that has widened beyond the scope of even the most optimistic prognosticator, with more buyers, sellers and dedicated collectors taking part than any observer could reasonably have predicted at the start of 1998.

The advent of truly unbiased and objective third-party grading, the explosion of modern research techniques into hitherto uncharted fields, the expansion by all of the major coin auction houses into the currency auction arena, and the realization by the numismatic community that currency was both undervalued and considerably scarcer than its metallic counterparts all have played a major role in defining where this market has progressed as we start 2008. Read Full Story

By Mark Ferguson for COIN VALUES

While the overall coin market can be described as continuing in a long bull market phase, many U.S. coin series have become stable in their price rises, but continue to be in strong demand.

The Winged Liberty Head dime series, commonly known as “Mercury” dimes, has been generally stable with the exception of several scattered, steady price rises.

Currently the most active area of these dimes is in the circulated grades. Coins graded problem-free Good and Very Good are being bought up by at least one large mail-order firm to supply current and expected demand for these coins. The company’s grading standards are tough, but its buy prices are strong, pushing up the series retail values. Read Full Story

By Mark Ferguson for COIN VALUES

Not finding the coins you want to buy? You’re not alone.

Collectors and dealers alike are finding it increasingly difficult to locate the coins they want to purchase for collections and inventory. This is as true for high-end, multimillion dollar trophy coins as it is for problem-free circulated coins, including those costing less than $100.

Scouring auctions is probably the best way to eventually find what you’re looking for, but other sources exist.

In a slow market, sellers are often reluctant to consign coins to auctions for fear of not receiving as much money as they believe their coins are worth. However, during the past five years, auctions have been the preferred way to sell collections and individual coins. Many dealers are even consigning coins to major auctions, believing they have the best chance of receiving top dollar by selling this way. Read Full Article