The New Year kicks off as usual with the Florida United Numismatists (FUN) convention in Orlando, Florida.  Dates for public attendance are Thursday January 9 through Sunday January 12.  If you're planning on attending, please stop by my TABLE 529.  I will be arriving Tuesday afternoon and can be reached by phone at 818-632-2352.
     As I write the metals are in a mini bull-market with gold closing Friday at $1552.30 and silver at $18.01.  This is apparently due to the instability in the Middle-East and the rise of tensions between Iran and West.  Let's hope this doesn't escalate into serious levels. 
     What this means for the rare coin market remains to be seen.  Opinions vary greatly among experts as to where and what the new year holds for coins, but the one unanimous conclusion is that, as always, quality is king and even in a down market, nice coins will sell while marginal quality items are hard-pressed to find a buyer.  I hope to see you at the show and am happy to discuss your goals and challenges for the upcoming year. 

     2020, it's hard to believe!!  It's been a busy Fall and Winter for me.  Business continues brisk in terms of appraisals and my brokerage services as people continue to inherit coin collections or retire and decide it's time to sell.  This is a trend I expect to continue for the next decade and is a sign of the times.
     I had the privilege of being asked for a ninth time to contribute to the "Rosen Numismatic Advisory" and the "Crystal Ball Survey" wherein a half-dozen of us prognosticate on what the year ahead holds for the rare coin marketplace. The other contributors were John Albanese, David Hall, Warren Mills, Laura Sperber and Scott Travers.  If you'd like to read the results contact [email protected] or 516-433-5800.  I think you'll find the opinions lively and thought-provoking.
     I continue in my role as Treasurer of the National Silver Dollar Roundtable (NSDR) and we are consumed with the upcoming annual Banquet to held at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Orlando, Florida on January 10 in conjunction with the F.U.N. show.  I am also on the board of the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) and concurrently the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF) which oversees the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force (ACTF) spear-headed by Doug Davis.  If you aren't aware of the incredible strides that have been achieved since its founding back in 2016, I urge you to go to www.acefonline.org and look into the issue of counterfeiting which threatens our hobby, industry and economy.  Targets for these criminals not only include coins, but bullion and certified holders.  The combat efforts include law enforcement on national and local levels along with federal agencies, a network of expert dealers along with both major grading services.  Once you see the seriousness of the situation, I hope will consider donating to the foundation as we are ALL threatened with this menace which comes mainly from overseas entities. You can call directly to ACEF at 951-587-8300 or email to: [email protected] . 
​