How will coin collectors remember 2015?

Analyst

In regard to the collecting of U.S. coins, the leading characteristic of the past year is the incredible offerings of half dollars, including those in many auctions during 2015.



The Pogue family had the all-time finest set of 18th century halves. There were many amazing 19th century halves in the third and fourth sales of the Gene Gardner Collection. I cannot forget several important 19th century halves in the auction of Doug Kaselitz's collection.



The collector known as "Greensboro" sold his set of Barber halves, the second all-time finest IMO. Dr. Shireman's Barbers were on display. Eric Lane's set of Walkers was auctioned at the ANA Convention.



Offerings of Great Half Dollars Characterized The Year 2015



The Incredible Gene Gardner Coin Collection, Part 6 – Auction #3 with a focus on Half Dollars

Sonorandesertrat

There were great sales, but I think that the views of collectors are more broadly based. Counterfeits are becoming more sophisticated and worrisome. To paraphrase some dealers, the market in 2015 was 'choppy.' Bullion prices are down. The indicators in general suggest that the coin market has not recovered from the recession. Until the collecting guys/gals, for whom $1000 is a big purchase to be carefully considered, fully return as buyers, I believe there will be a problem. The obsession with + and bean accoutrements is unhealthy and, in any event, a game. I also collect pre-1945 numismatic literature---during the last 5 years, approx. 50% of the dealers/auctioneers have exited---not good. I will continue to sit on the sidelines until I am have made up my mind about the short-term indicators. I have two safety deposit boxes full of coins and a rental storage unit for numismatic literature---these will satisfy my interests for a while.

Walkerfan

2015 was a milestone year for me as a collector.



I will NEVER forget the energy and electricity of the Cajun Collection auction at Heritage! The prices realized were EPIC and landmark for the better date, high end, early Walkers and even the better dates from the rest of the series did well, too.



Widgets have plummeted but that means it is a good time to buy them in gem or better.



Can't wait to see what 2016 holds!



Does anyone know when the 100 year anniversary gold Walker, SLQ and Mercury coins are going to be released from the mint??



It will be interesting to see if this further infuses and ignites the interest and prices for the Walker (and other) coins from those series.

TwoSides2aCoin

A flock to the eagles, regarding bullion. And a rare opportunity for ten minutes at the mint, for a platinum coin. .
On a grander numismatic scale, the cherry picking opportunities seemed ever present and unaffordable, as usual. It's the name of the game in the coin world. Seizing the moments and rising to the challenges we are faced with in our search for something good.
… And Israel Switt, rolling over in his grave, another year.

Elcontador

Pops for MS 66 Liberty Nickels shot up and prices went down.

I think the market is bifurcating between people stretching for coins they hope will upgrade, and everyone else.

I get the impression many dealers are not buying anything unless they either have someone on a want list waiting for the coin, or else they think they can flip it quickly.

AnkurJ

For me it was the year I paid off my biggest purchase and sold many coins in the process. In hindsight I probably wouldn't have the gall to do it again, but I'm thrilled with the coin.

Boosibri

I cannot believe the number of great collections which came to market.

ricko

I think 2015 will go down as the year of the whiners.... whining about shows, PM's, coin prices,

forum software and the market in general. Then again, perhaps whining is just the nature of

numismatists. Cheers, RickO

Nysoto

The publication of Robert Scot: Engraving Liberty in 2015 finally provides collectors with a factual biography of Scot based on archival research, his influence on American material culture, his largely unknown work with American officers during the Revolutionary period, his role in expanding the illustrated book in America, and the influence of his previous engravings on United States coinage.

TwoSides2aCoin

Also, it will be the year I remember Tom Reynolds asking me some serious "coin business" questions. He's the Copper Weenie Guru, to me.

Jackthecat1

I will remember 2015 as the year of the Reverse Proof Presidential Dollars.

COCollector

2015: The beginning of a downward trend in prices.



That is, I'm hoping for a Buyer's Market in 2016.

Catbert

I moved up the Maslow scale from basic survival to self actualization - a very humbling, but phoenix like experience. God was good to me.



Coin wise, I sold my beautiful toned type set of Barber coins back to Tom Bush to pay debt due to an awful period of 3 years of unemployment, bad job, unemployment, bad job, unemployment, great job. In February, I relocated to the southeast for a position that perfectly matches my skill set and talents.



Just bought two coins in 2015 and will continue to appreciate the hobby on a limited basis. Here's my last purchase - from CRO - and a detour from my usual focus upon U.S. type.