It shows what a lousy investment coins are. I don’t believe in the myth of grade inflation or any other excuse. The supply simply exceeds the demand.
After the 89 market crashed many issues never recovered. I think Commems bargain now but many don’t care. I can’t retail the ones I have.
They could be headed lower. People don’t have the money they used to to buy coins. I think Commems one of Best Buy’s in Market especially $150 and lower.
Now I buy coins can get close to melt but that has stopped with metals prices decline / where is bottom?
Prices have certainly cratered since the peak market, however, there are many factors that contributed to the decline. One not mentioned - but correlates to some extent with above information, is the growth of the internet - which provides easier access, choices, drives competition and shows the availability of coins. Cheers, RickO
Good discussion. I was exaggerating a bit in my gradeflation comments to make the point that over time, we're not always comparing apples to apples. I listed it third, because I don't think it's the biggest factor. Independently though, gradeflation makes it look like prices are decreasing. "The value of a gem 65 just isn't what it used to be." Of course not, many of those coins have graduated and moved up a grade.
@BryceM said:
Good discussion. I was exaggerating a bit in my gradeflation comments to make the point that over time, we're not always comparing apples to apples. I listed it third, because I don't think it's the biggest factor. Independently though, gradeflation makes it look like prices are decreasing. "The value of a gem 65 just isn't what it used to be." Of course not, many of those coins have graduated and moved up a grade.
I think gradeflation can certainly be a factor. Desirability of coins like monster toners can resist gradeflation because they trade on merits of the individual coin, not something influenced by other coins like a pop report. Prices for monster toner classic commens are holding up.
The problem with Classic Commemoratives is their very nature. Most if not all represent something historical. New potential collectors, many younger than 30 years of age could care less about these coins since they never learned the historical events, people, or places that are depicted. Ask any person younger than 30 about the Battle of Antietam or the Battle of Bennington, or maybe when Columbus landed in the New World, they would laugh in your face and say they had no idea.
The Long Island a fav is Pcgs 64 and the 36-d SD Pcgs 65. Picked these up slightly below bid recently. Both are nice blazers with super luster. I have$200 in both and MV around $280.
Somehow images not go in how thought. I think any these Pickup for $100-$200 steal right now.
Currently supply exceeds demand and hence low prices. These coins great investment buy at these levels.
Many dealers who purchased at higher levels have put inventory away until better sell climate. When will the investor come back?
@Cougar1978 said:
Commems could be good area target for acquisition now.
Actually, some of the keys are screaming bargains now only like a few thousand in MS66 and less than a decade ago they fetched $15-17K.
I would argue just the opposite. The reason they have declined in value so much is that few collectors are interested in them, let alone want to buy them in high grade.
A better investment would be a coin nearly anyone would desire, such as a 1793 Chain cent in Fine. Coins like these have slowly gone up in value for decades.
@Cougar1978 said:
Commems could be good area target for acquisition now.
Actually, some of the keys are screaming bargains now only like a few thousand in MS66 and less than a decade ago they fetched $15-17K.
I would argue just the opposite. The reason they have declined in value so much is that few collectors are interested in them, let alone want to buy them in high grade.
A better investment would be a coin nearly anyone would desire, such as a 1793 Chain cent in Fine. Coins like these have slowly gone up in value for decades.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
It sounds like a simplification but pre-internet it was difficult to impossible to get an idea of true population/supply. Pre TPGs it was difficult for many to judge the quality of a coin. Combine that with the get rich quick mania and collectibles fever of the 80s and an enormous bubble inflated which popped quickly but continued to deflate over decades. Whereas a chain cent has been a mostly known quantity for centuries and, even in low grades, is out of reach for many.
Unless you had a crystal ball in the mid-eighties and sold at the peak in the late eighties I would argue that now is the best time to build a commemorative set ever.
@Cougar1978 said:
Commems could be good area target for acquisition now.
Actually, some of the keys are screaming bargains now only like a few thousand in MS66 and less than a decade ago they fetched $15-
Unless you had a crystal ball in the mid-eighties and sold at the peak in the late eighties I would argue that now is the best time to build a commemorative set ever.
Just to clarify, the main purpose in any collection should be the pleasure and enjoyment of putting together the collection. That's my main reason for my commemorative set. This is just a purely financial discussion for people who might get upset looking at a PCGS price report and seeing that on paper the nominal value of their coin has gone down.
Unless you had a crystal ball in the mid-eighties and sold at the peak in the late eighties I would argue that now is the best time to build a commemorative set ever.
Just to clarify, the main purpose in any collection should be the pleasure and enjoyment of putting together the collection.
While classical commeoratives have recently been appreciating in value, they appear to remain a a good value relative to prior years. However, one cannot ignore the financial impact of putting together a set in the popular range of grades. These are the PCGS 50 coin set values.
MS 64 $20,503
MS 65 $31,330
MS 66 $69,167
Anyone for a Box of 20 containing only commemoratives?
Unless you had a crystal ball in the mid-eighties and sold at the peak in the late eighties I would argue that now is the best time to build a commemorative set ever.
Just to clarify, the main purpose in any collection should be the pleasure and enjoyment of putting together the collection.
While classical commeoratives have recently been appreciating in value, they appear to remain a a good value relative to prior years. However, one cannot ignore the financial impact of putting together a set in the popular range of grades. These are the PCGS 50 coin set values.
MS 64 $20,503
MS 65 $31,330
MS 66 $69,167
Anyone for a Box of 20 containing only commemoratives?
That's a little deceptive as the price really tracks a handful of the coins that are 4 figures: Hawaii, Spanish Trail, Hudson, Gettysburg, etc. You could easily do a box of 20 in 63/64 for $2000 or $3000 if you avoided the big money issues.
Unless you had a crystal ball in the mid-eighties and sold at the peak in the late eighties I would argue that now is the best time to build a commemorative set ever.
Just to clarify, the main purpose in any collection should be the pleasure and enjoyment of putting together the collection.
While classical commeoratives have recently been appreciating in value, they appear to remain a a good value relative to prior years. However, one cannot ignore the financial impact of putting together a set in the popular range of grades. These are the PCGS 50 coin set values.
MS 64 $20,503
MS 65 $31,330
MS 66 $69,167
Anyone for a Box of 20 containing only commemoratives?
That's a little deceptive as the price really tracks a handful of the coins that are 4 figures: Hawaii, Spanish Trail, Hudson, Gettysburg, etc. You could easily do a box of 20 in 63/64 for $2000 or $3000 if you avoided the big money issues.
That's right! That Box of 20 doesn't need to have the most expensive! The savings on MS63s isn't that significant - $16,730 for the set. Putting together a set of 20 commemoratives would be a nice goal.
Comments
It shows what a lousy investment coins are. I don’t believe in the myth of grade inflation or any other excuse. The supply simply exceeds the demand.
After the 89 market crashed many issues never recovered. I think Commems bargain now but many don’t care. I can’t retail the ones I have.
They could be headed lower. People don’t have the money they used to to buy coins. I think Commems one of Best Buy’s in Market especially $150 and lower.
Now I buy coins can get close to melt but that has stopped with metals prices decline / where is bottom?
Prices have certainly cratered since the peak market, however, there are many factors that contributed to the decline. One not mentioned - but correlates to some extent with above information, is the growth of the internet - which provides easier access, choices, drives competition and shows the availability of coins. Cheers, RickO
Agree the internet has exposed the "non-rarity" of many coins.
I would add that boring designs in circulation and the movement to a cashless society have meant fewer collectors.
Try this: ask anyone 20 or younger what/who is shown on a nickel. I find that most don't know.
Good discussion. I was exaggerating a bit in my gradeflation comments to make the point that over time, we're not always comparing apples to apples. I listed it third, because I don't think it's the biggest factor. Independently though, gradeflation makes it look like prices are decreasing. "The value of a gem 65 just isn't what it used to be." Of course not, many of those coins have graduated and moved up a grade.
I wonder how many would know who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
At least the 2 dollar bill has his name on it.
I think gradeflation can certainly be a factor. Desirability of coins like monster toners can resist gradeflation because they trade on merits of the individual coin, not something influenced by other coins like a pop report. Prices for monster toner classic commens are holding up.
We've all heard that coins are a hobby not an investment.
I collect this series for the history behind each coin. Most good, but some bad.
The problem with Classic Commemoratives is their very nature. Most if not all represent something historical. New potential collectors, many younger than 30 years of age could care less about these coins since they never learned the historical events, people, or places that are depicted. Ask any person younger than 30 about the Battle of Antietam or the Battle of Bennington, or maybe when Columbus landed in the New World, they would laugh in your face and say they had no idea.
Overland Trail Collection Showcase
Dahlonega Type Set-2008 PCGS Best Exhibited Set
The Long Island a fav is Pcgs 64 and the 36-d SD Pcgs 65. Picked these up slightly below bid recently. Both are nice blazers with super luster. I have$200 in both and MV around $280.
Somehow images not go in how thought. I think any these Pickup for $100-$200 steal right now.
Currently supply exceeds demand and hence low prices. These coins great investment buy at these levels.
Many dealers who purchased at higher levels have put inventory away until better sell climate. When will the investor come back?
I’d kick my own ass if I ever paid $831 for a Washington Carver. 🤮🤮🤮🤮
Commems could be good area target for acquisition now.
Actually, some of the keys are screaming bargains now only like a few thousand in MS66 and less than a decade ago they fetched $15-17K.
I would argue just the opposite. The reason they have declined in value so much is that few collectors are interested in them, let alone want to buy them in high grade.
A better investment would be a coin nearly anyone would desire, such as a 1793 Chain cent in Fine. Coins like these have slowly gone up in value for decades.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
It sounds like a simplification but pre-internet it was difficult to impossible to get an idea of true population/supply. Pre TPGs it was difficult for many to judge the quality of a coin. Combine that with the get rich quick mania and collectibles fever of the 80s and an enormous bubble inflated which popped quickly but continued to deflate over decades. Whereas a chain cent has been a mostly known quantity for centuries and, even in low grades, is out of reach for many.
Unless you had a crystal ball in the mid-eighties and sold at the peak in the late eighties I would argue that now is the best time to build a commemorative set ever.
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
Just to clarify, the main purpose in any collection should be the pleasure and enjoyment of putting together the collection. That's my main reason for my commemorative set. This is just a purely financial discussion for people who might get upset looking at a PCGS price report and seeing that on paper the nominal value of their coin has gone down.
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
While classical commeoratives have recently been appreciating in value, they appear to remain a a good value relative to prior years. However, one cannot ignore the financial impact of putting together a set in the popular range of grades. These are the PCGS 50 coin set values.
MS 64 $20,503
MS 65 $31,330
MS 66 $69,167
Anyone for a Box of 20 containing only commemoratives?
That's a little deceptive as the price really tracks a handful of the coins that are 4 figures: Hawaii, Spanish Trail, Hudson, Gettysburg, etc. You could easily do a box of 20 in 63/64 for $2000 or $3000 if you avoided the big money issues.
That's right! That Box of 20 doesn't need to have the most expensive! The savings on MS63s isn't that significant - $16,730 for the set. Putting together a set of 20 commemoratives would be a nice goal.