A common phenomenon, shared by dealers and collectors alike, has been growing in the market during the past several years – a shortage of the right coins. This is true for circulated coins and gem quality coins.

In the past, at least five to 10 years ago, almost any kind of coin could be bought for a price, if one were willing to pay enough for it. Owners would usually sell if they believed they could get more money than a coin was considered worth in the marketplace. This was usually true for trophy coins, like 1804 Draped Bust dollars and 1913 Liberty Head 5-cent coins, and especially true for much more inexpensive coins.