The best time of year to find that elusive coin

87redcivic

It seems as though special coins that I'd really want in my collection are offered much more frequently September through November.

Could it be dealers holding back summer inventory until the weather gets colder? Some sort of reverse-spring cleaning by collectors to free up some cash?

That's my ancedote. Anyone else feel the same way? Anyone have different experiences?

coinbuf

Never really considered trying to analyze my purchases that way, could have something to do with how and when some shows are held I suppose. But as I do a quick in my head assessment of when I have bought coins in the past I cannot find my buying following the trend you are seeing.

may

The short answer is that coin collecting is an indoor activity, and most of us are outside in the summer and inside in the winter.

Especially in the north east where we have to take advantage of the warm weather while it lasts to do yard work.

I remember one time right before Christmas when I went to a coin show during a winter storm. I saw at least 5 cars in ditches, and while crawling at about 20 MPH down the highway in heavy snow, only to find about 15 dealers when I arrived.

Catbert

The elusive coins I seek seem to frequently take vacations!

erwindoc

Any time I DONT have money to bid!

coinbuf

@Ownerofawheatiehorde said:
The short answer is that coin collecting is an indoor activity, and most of us are outside in the summer and inside in the winter.

Especially in the north east where we have to take advantage of the warm weather while it lasts to do yard work.

I remember one time right before Christmas when I went to a coin show during a winter storm. I saw at least 5 cars in ditches, and while crawling at about 20 MPH down the highway in heavy snow, only to find about 15 dealers when I arrived.

I love snow, every time I see it on TV.

OAKSTAR

I never looked at my purchases that way either.

You mention September through November. I'm wondering if your synopsis might have anything to do with the upcoming holiday time frame.

Walkerfan

A good coin can come any month of the year. The trick is to be prepared, when it does!!

seatedlib3991

My collecting career has run like this. I try to get a coin for my birthday (late January) every year. For whatever reason I have landed 1 coin in the last 20 years in time for my birthday.
the mid March to mid May period is one of my most prolific times periods.
I have found several good coin buys during the summer but usually it is a time frame when I find more cheap coin buys rather than choice material. The internet has started to change that though.
Mid September to early December has indeed been a great time to buy coins for me. I always make it a point to have funds available this time of year and invariably end up having to pass on several choice coins anyway. Just part of the fun and my results are entirely empirical. Good luck all. James

BillJones

About the only time that I would call "dead" would be the summer. The fall works well, and so does the spring. The only trouble with the dead of winter is that you fight might get canceled if you are flying from somewhere cold.

oih82w8

My experience... It seems to turn up when I am not looking for it, or don't have the funds for it.