Is this good or bad for the hobby?

FilamCoins

I wonder if these kind of mergers are good or bad for the hobby in general (or don't make a difference)?

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News

Auction firms Stack's, ANR to merge

Stack's of New York City and American Numismatic Rarities of Wolfeboro, N.H., will merge.

The combined firm will be identified by the Stack's banner to create a firm that includes a virtual who’s who of modern numismatics.

Stack's headquarters will remain in New York City where it has been serving collectors for over 75 years and operations will also continue in Wolfeboro where the ANR team is located.

Lawrence R. Stack will lead the firm as CEO, director of numismatics, while Christine Karstedt as president will oversee auction operations and customer service.

Also included in this team will be Q. David Bowers (chairman emeritus), Harvey G. Stack (chairman emeritus), Susan Stack and the entire expert staffs from both companies.

Larry Stack said, “This merger brings together the greatest names and reputations in numismatics and the new company will be able to offer its customers unparalleled experience, knowledge and service.”

Christine Karstedt said, “The synergies created by our merger will enable us to expand our services to the benefit of the worldwide numismatic community. Our combined efforts will further the Stack’s legacy of service to the collector by increasing online gallery sales, auction sales, book sales and providing collecting information and expertise.”

Both firms will go forward with all previously scheduled auction sales as originally announced. The new company will expand its gallery and auction sales of coins, tokens, medals, and paper money in all specialties, ancient to modern.

All contact information for the combined companies and personnel will remain the same.

For further information, contact Larry Stack at 800-566-2580, or Christine Karstedt at 866-811-1804.

theboz11

Only if your hobby includes collecting Auction Houses, as I see it

WhiteTornado

I don't see much of an effect on me. I collect at a budget level far lower than they'll ever bother with, anyway.

Preussen

I fail to see how this affects my hobby in any way. Personally, I couldn't care less who merges. - Preussen

SYRACUSIAN

<< <i> I fail to see how this affects my hobby in any way. Personally, I couldn't care less who merges. - Preussen >>





This is how it affects your hobby: if two major players decide to merge together, imagine the future of your local coin dealer. But then again we knew that this future stopped being very bright ever since the internet came along, didn't we?

Steve27

I heard that ANR was losing money and they had no choice.

Preussen

<< <i>

<< <i> I fail to see how this affects my hobby in any way. Personally, I couldn't care less who merges. - Preussen >>





This is how it affects your hobby: if two major players decide to merge together, imagine the future of your local coin dealer. But then again we knew that this future stopped being very bright ever since the internet came along, didn't we? >>



It does not affect me or my enjoyment of my hobby in any way. I buy from neither ANR nor Stacks. If ANR had a coin I wanted at a price I was willing to pay, I'd have purchased it. If Stacks had a coin I wanted at a price I was willing to pay, I'd have purchased it. If the "new" Stacks has a coin I want at a price I'm willing to pay, I'll buy it. - Preussen


Edited to add: If the "new" Stacks buys my local coin shop(s) and they have a coin I want at a price I'm willing to pay, I'll buy it. Unfortunately, my local coin shop(s) suck so maybe that'd be an improvement

Silvereagle82

I have dealt with both firms in the past, having participated in auctions as well as stock inventory purchases.
They are both as professional as they come (IMHO). Their catalogs and coin offerings are some of the best out there (US and Europe).

I think this merger is great for the hobby if you collect higher end and rare coins but, will probably has no effect on the average collector.

I do think that this will enable Mr. Q. David Bowers to concentrate on his numismatic research and writing, which will certainly help the hobby !!!!

I say good for the hobby!!!

AuldFartte

<< <i>I don't see much of an effect on me. I collect at a budget level far lower than they'll ever bother with, anyway. >>



Same here. I don't know that it has much effect on the hobby in general because, to the best of my knowledge, the vast majority of coin collectors are average folks who don't spend a ton of money on coins. The new firm, like the previous individual firms of Stack's and ANR, will undoubtedly cater to the high-end collectors. I sure don't fit into that category, and I'd bet there are not many here who do either.

More power to 'em