Coin Show - Monthly Notes from 2009

For each monthly coin show, the comments below summarize all of the earlier 2009 coin shows. Scroll down for the most recent coin show's notes at the bottom.

Monthly Coin Show - January 2009

The 21st coin show year is starting very busy! We had a full house of dealers with many guests throughout the day. In addition, the Sports Collectibles show was held at the hotel on the same day. Many people took advantage and visited both shows.

Several people came to the show looking for gold and silver bullion. Silver bullion was available; however gold was difficult to find. Surprisingly, gold is not readily available, but the price is not starting to rise - yet. Generally, if you have a high demand and a scarcity of resource, the price increases. History tells us that will happen with gold in the near future. Perhaps you should research bullion as an investment vehicle.

Are you an occasional hobbyist or a serious collector? An occasional dabbler or a focused investor? Perhaps this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson can help you clarify: "He that rides his hobby gently must always give way to him that rides his hobby hard." Whether collecting or investing, "riding hard" can help you avoid mistakes - both minor and costly.

In that same vein, look all around you. When the economy is bad, opportunities are many. With the right knowledge and investment in both time and money, you can excel in your results whether your goal is to complete a collection or to make financial gains.

Both Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Edison commented on "waiting" and "hustling."

Lincoln: "Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left behind by those who hustle."

Edison: "Everything comes to those who hustle while they wait."

And, a final quote by Sun Tzu, "Opportunities multiply as they are seized."

Be alert, be aware and be knowledgeable in your collecting and investing goals. Come visit us at the February show to ride your hobby hard, to hustle and to see what opportunities await you!

Monthly Coin Show - February 2009

What an interesting weather week! Earlier in the week, with wind chill, metro Atlanta had single digit temperatures down to 1 degree. But, today's weather for the show was beautiful with temperatures close to and exceeding 70. This week definitely showed the fickleness of Atlanta's weather.

Today's show was busy with the bourse full of dealers and the aisles full of public guests. Due to several events scheduled in the hotel, the bourse was a smaller space this month. Next month, we will be back to our normal configuration. We appreciate both the dealers and the public's patience and flexibility with the tighter space and stressed HVAC this month.

There were many guests throughout the day along with many new faces. Several people including the new arrivals were looking to buy silver and gold - either bullion or coins - in addition to the regulars looking to buy and sell coins.

One of our regular dealers recently purchased a full Dahlonega gold set which he had on display. Perhaps it could be yours with the appropriate offer in the six digit range.

Along with the normal discussions of coins and metals, many people were talking about the "stimulus" bills in the House and in the Senate. Everyone wants the economy to improve and the country to succeed, but there is a lot of displeasure in this effort by Congress and our new President. On the other hand, tough economic times equate to significant opportunities in the buying and selling of rare coins and bullion.

On a different note, recently emails have circulated pointing to a YouTube video about the Amazing Free-Flying Bald Eagle "Challenger" (AEF). The video shows several different occasions with large crowds where the magnificent eagle flew. (To view the video click here Challenger Video)

For you savvy numismatists, you probably saw the article about Challenger in the ANA's March 2008 The Numismatist. The article was written by Joe Meyers who had personal experience with Challenger as part of the bald eagle conservancy and release program. He is also knowledgeable about Challenger's likeness on the US Mint's Bald Eagle Commemorative Coin program. (Some of you may know or have seen the author, Joe Meyers, at the local shows.) To review the article click here Challenger Coin.

Both the video and the coin article are interesting and provide insights into the bald eagle programs, conservancy and coins.

Now for your Quotes for the Month:

Saint Francis of Assisi:
"Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

Thomas Jefferson:
"When we see ourselves in a situation which must be endured and gone through, it is best to make up our minds to meet it with firmness, and accommodate everything to it in the best way practical. This lessens the evil, while fretting and fuming only serve to increase your own torments."

John Wicker:
"Opportunities multiply as they are seized; they die when neglected. Life is a long line of opportunities."

George Eliot:
"It is never too late to be what you might have been."

Think about what you can do - the little and the large things - to help yourself make it through the economic challenges over the next year. Then, visit us at the March coin show to take advantage of the many opportunities available to grow your collection and investments.

Monthly Coin Show - March 2009

Here we go again with Atlanta's changeable weather. Early in the week prior to the show, our temperatures were in the mid to upper 60s. Then, on the day of the show, snow was predicted. Though we didn't believe it, the snowy weather system moved from the southwest through the eastern part of Atlanta and toward the northeast. The wet, heavy snow started late morning with quarter sized flakes and kept falling to become several inches. (By the way, at the end of this week, March 6 & 7, temperatures will be in the 70s....another example of our capricious weather.)

For the show, the concern with the weather and actual road challenges in some areas of the metro area kept some of our dealers at home and our guests were also lighter than normal. Interestingly, a few of our regular dealers had a conflict this weekend and attended coin shows in Memphis and in Spartanburg. Memphis received a foot of snow and had to shut down I-40 for bad road conditions. Also, the same system that hit Atlanta was moving up the coast to impact South Carolina. We hope all of our dealers made it safely back home - those in Memphis, Spartanburg and Atlanta.

In general, due to the economy, both collectors and investors are looking for gold and silver bullion. As a result, the demand makes it difficult to stock a good supply. Once again, the bourse did not have much bullion. But, next month the bourse will be different. With the frequent buying and selling these dealers do in their shops and at other shows, the supplies of both coins and bullion change from month to month.

Speaking of gold, a gold type set came in and was purchased by one of the dealers. In the set, a Charlotte gold coin was included along with a high relief coin plus other coins as well. After purchasing, the set was placed on display and was for sale.

Guests and dealers enjoyed buying, selling and trading, but the weather closed the show early. Even though the heavy snowfall stopped by mid afternoon, the high winds and colder temperatures had people leaving early.

Now for a few Quotes for the Month: (These themes stem from listening to the woeful news of economic problems and sadder news of Congressional spending bills with thousands of earmarks for pet projects.)

Horace:
"If matters go badly now, they will not always be so."

Ralph Waldo Emerson:
"We do not live an equal life, but one of contrasts and patchwork; now a little joy, then a sorrow, now a sin, then a generous or brave action."

H. G. Wells:
"The crisis of today is the joke of tomorrow."

Leo Tolstoy:
"The strongest of all warriors are these two - Time and Patience."

Yes, Time and Patience are strong warriors, but you cannot sit on the sidelines just waiting. Watch the news and your investments. Do your due diligence to determine the best choices for your personal situation - collecting or investing. There are many opportunities that will fit your wallet and your goals.

See you in April! (Yes, we know it's Easter Sunday. We are not heathens; it was the only April Sunday available.) Come visit to check out the show, the coins, the bullion and the collections on the bourse.

Monthly Coin Show - April 2009

Easter Sunday was a very nice day. It was a soft day weatherwise, with the spring blossoms of azalea and dogwood highlighted by the sun filtering through the thin clouds along with mild temperatures to enjoy the springtime air.

As expected, we did not have as many people as during our non-holiday shows, but we still had a lot of people. Many people called just to verify the show was open and came later in the day.

As is common lately, some discussions turned to the economic repercussions. People talked about how credit card companies have reduced their card limits and how that is impacting them personally and with their businesses.

Even those people who always pay their bills on time are seeing changes in their limits and in their interest rates. It's interesting, but not logical, that the credit card companies are punishing those who have been good customers.

As for coins, several dealers on the bourse were selling the new 2009 log cabin cents. Some had rolls at $5 each and up. Others were selling single pennies, MS65 and higher, for $3.50 each and more. These cents will have a limited mintage and will be (already are) collectors' items.

Of particular interest on the bourse was the Complete Set of Hawaiian Coins for sale. We don't mean the recent Hawaiian quarter mintages either.

Hawaiian coins include seven different coins from the 1800s. The first was a Keneta or One Cent coin minted in 1847 under King Kamehameha III.

Next was a 5 Keneta or Five Cent piece minted in 1881 authorized by King Kalakaua. In addition, he requested five other coins minted in 1883: the Umi Keneta (10 cents),the Hapawalu (12.5 cents), the Hapaha (25 cents), the Hapalua (50 cents) and the Akahi (dollar or dala).

Several of the coins are inscribed on the reverse with the Hawaiian motto "Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono" which means "the life of the land is in righteousness."

For more information on the Hawaiian coins, what they look like and their mintages, check the online coin reference (www.coinfacts.com) or a Pastimes; Coins article in The New York Times.

In another interesting coin transaction, one dealer bought a gold $20 coin for $1200. He showed it to another dealer who recognized the coin as one he had sold in 1989 for $320. Let's see....in 20 years the coin is now 375% of its 1989 sales value. Can gold be a good investment? You decide.

Your quotes for the month:

William Arthur Ward:
"Real optimism is aware of problems but recognizes the solutions, knows about difficulties but believes they can be overcome, sees the negatives but accentuates the positives, is exposed to the worst but expects the best, has reason to complain but chooses to smile."

Zig Ziglar:
"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

Larry Winget:
"What you think about, talk about, and do something about is what comes about."

Og Mandino:
"When you have finished your day, be done with it. Never save any of your load to carry on the morrow. You have done your best, and if some blunders and errors have crept in, forget them. Live this day and every day as if it all may end at sunset, and when your head hits the pillow, rest knowing that you have done your best."

Until the next show, hold your head up with a smile, help others, take action toward your goals and rest each night knowing that you did your best.

See you at our next show on May 17!

Monthly Coin Show - May 2009

Well, the May show has come and gone. It was a rainy and slow Sunday for the most part. Some dealers were moving slowly due to the rain but the slowness was due even more to attending another show for the prior four days.

But, that's OK. People still came and still enjoyed the day with like minds also interested in collecting and investing in coins, metals and currency.

Plus, the coin show had cross traffic with the North Atlanta Sports Collectibles Show this month. A few times this year the two shows are booked in the same facilities on the same Sundays. [Contact Frank Moiger (678.644.6057 or via email: utvol69@aol.com) for sports collectibles show information.]

Since we moved the coin shows to this location, the Holiday Inn has been good to us. However, their lunch service has been sporadic. This month, they tried something different with an all-you-can-eat soup, salad, sandwich and dessert buffet. Many people tried the buffet and were very happy with the selection and with the food. We hope this option was successful for the hotel, and they continue to provide the service.

Did you know? Last week, the US Mint had a special ceremony in Lincoln City, Indiana at the Lincoln Amphitheatre in Lincoln State Park to launch the second of the four redesigned Lincoln cents. The four coins are unique to 2009 and honor the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth in 1809 and the centennial of the Lincoln penny's initial release in 1909.

This new penny's reverse pays tribute to Lincoln's formative years in Indiana from 1816 to 1830. In particular, the design shows a young, strapping and almost grown Lincoln reading a book while resting on a log. This reverse remembers that his mother, Nancy, instilled a love of reading in him when Lincoln was very young. Plus, the log reminds us that he bartered his services as a rail splitter to help support the Lincoln family.

You can read more about the release at the US Mint's web site in their pressroom or click here for the press release on May 14. You can also find more information for all of the 2009 Lincoln cents under their Coins and Medals section, or click here Formative Years for more insights on the second re-design.

On a local note, a couple of our dealers went to Indiana to be a part of the ceremonies and to obtain rolls of the new pennies. Any new design by the mint is interesting to coin collectors, and to say that you were there and were able to get the early rolls gives you bragging rights within the collector community.

One drawback to the trip - the mint limited the number of rolls attendees could buy. Still, the dealers and collectors who made it to the event had an interesting adventure being a part of the ceremonial release. For everyone's enjoyment at our May show, the dealers brought their new coins and had them on display and available to guests on Sunday.

Now, some quotes for this month:

Albert Einstein:
"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
"It takes less time to do things right than to explain why you did it wrong."

Red Aurbach:
"Take pride in what you do. The kind of pride I'm talking about is not the arrogant puffed-up kind; it's just the whole idea of caring - fiercely caring."

Mark Victor Hansen:
"Your belief determines your action and your action determines your results, but first you have to believe."

With that, imagine what you can do, believe in yourself and take great care in your actions.

We look forward to seeing you at the next show on June 14!

Monthly Coin Show - June 2009

Wow! What a show! The June coin show was elbow to elbow during the morning hours. What a great show for both the dealers and the guests.

The day was nice, warm but not unbearably hot, overcast but not raining. We appreciate all of you who decided it was the type of day to visit a show.

Many dealers had better success than other recent shows. They commented that their one day at the Greater Atlanta Coin Show was better than the multiple days they set up at other shows. We hope you, our guests, also had a good show experience.

A coin show and southern welcome goes to the gentleman from Illinois who was in Atlanta on a business trip. Several people implored him to participate in the next Lincoln cent event to be held in Illinois. The next release, projected to be August 13, delivers the third penny for Lincoln's Professional Life in Illinois. Whether our Illinois numismatist chose to accept their requests or not, we hope he enjoyed his visit to the coin show.

Another coin show and southern welcome goes to a couple of new dealers who joined us in June, one a coin dealer from Alabama and the other an estate jewelry dealer from Georgia. We hope you had a successful show and will join us again.

Have you been watching the economic news? Or, have you been watching what the economic news is doing to the gold, silver and platinum markets? These are definitely interesting times. Some speculate that gold and silver will skyrocket soon. On the other hand, who knows if and when?

At the June show, the dealers who brought gold sold out. Perhaps that is indicative of what people think of the market. But, as always suggested, perform your own due diligence research and make your own gold and silver investment choices.

Let's remember Mr. Lincoln with some of his quotes that are apropos to current times:

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."

"You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man's initiative and independence."

"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today."

"You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves."

"The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time."

"That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well."

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other."

Our 16th president's shrewdness transcends the years. As numismatists, have fun collecting the new pennies and use them to remember and learn from his wisdom.

Mark your calendars, and visit the next coin show on July 12.

Monthly Coin Show - July 2009

Even though the day was hot, the show had great attendence. The day was dry until the end of the show. Even then, people had left the show before being caught in the gully washers as they drove home. 

Earlier in the day, a bicycle race trapped a few of our visitors coming down Georgia 400. All lanes were blocked for 45 minutes or more. Now, we're not sure whose bright idea it was to close a major north-south artery to the city, but we hope they found the hassle for everyone worth it. A big THANK YOU goes to those people who persevered and made it to the coin show even after their entrapment on a major highway.

A few of the shows' regular dealers were unexpectedly out this month. We wish them well and hope that everything is OK with them and their families.

And, on a family note, one of our dealers had visits from his children and grandchildren. We hope he enjoyed his family and that they had an enjoyable time at the show.

The July coin show was another busy show with buying, selling and trading. 

Once again, people wanted to buy and sell gold and silver. In reviewing the coin and investment market, major bullion dealers speculate that prices will sky rocket soon. Their main justification is demand exceeds supply. Yes, you can still find the bullion in small quantities, but much of it is out of circulation in private collections, safes and vaults.

In addition to bullion, the 2009 minted coins made a major appearance at the July show. Several dealers made available the difficult to obtain first two 2009 Lincoln cents - Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky and Formative Years in Indiana.

Plus, the new 2009 quarters - District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam were available. As the quarters for the other territories are released, American Samoa, US Virgin Islands and Northern Mariana Islands, dealers will make those available too.

Of course, if you wanted proof versions of the four Lincoln cents, the six new quarters, the four presidential dollars and the regular (nickel, dime, half and dollar) coins, dealers brought 2009 Proof Sets to the show as well.

On a related topic, if you were looking for collecting supplies, the coin show's full service supplies dealer provided coin albums, reference books and many other collectible materials for the collectors' needs.

Now, for this month's quotes to help get through today's challenges:

G. D. Boardman:
"Sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
"Let us then be up and doing, with a heart for any fate, still achieving, still pursuing, learn to labor and to wait."

Gamaliel Bradford:
"In great matters men show themselves as they wish to be seen; in small matters as they are."

Livy:
"Events of great consequence often spring from trifling circumstances."

Calvin Coolidge:
"We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once."

Think about those, think about how they can apply to your successes and setbacks today. Then remember, you can do little things every day to go forward and to improve.

Mark your calendar (August 16) and make plans to visit the coin show next month. We'll see you there!

Monthly Coin Show - August 2009

Excellent show! Lots of dealers and lots of guests who did a lot of buying and selling...

To all of you who packed the bourse - dealers and guests, we appreciate your visiting the show. We hope you were there, but if you weren't, you missed an active and very busy day.

As for the day, the weather cooperated with beautiful skies in the morning and not-too-hot temperatures. Yes, intermittent thunderstorms poured on the area a few times throughout the afternoon, but people didn't let a little rain keep them from enjoying the show.

For August, two shows converged on the Holiday Inn Select's meeting facilities. The Greater Atlanta Coin Show and the North Atlanta Sports Collectibles Show shared cross traffic for those people interested in both types of collecting. 

In fact, some people commented that they saved a trip when both shows occur on the same day and at the same place.

As for the coin show, guests browsed on the busy bourse, but most visitors came to buy and a few to sell. And, once again, people looked for gold. 

Though we caution people that late afternoon does not offer the same variety as the morning's bourse, one gentleman looking for gold could not get to the show earlier in the day. Good news - he found the gold he wanted.

In general, gold continues to be in demand. Our dealers who also have shops tell us that they cannot keep gold in their stores. As soon as gold arrives someone buys it. 

Frequently, the financial news media offers stories of people exiting the stock market to invest in gold instead. Is this the right thing for you? Perform research for your own circumstances to decide what is best for you.

As for other coin news, the US Mint released the third 2009 Lincoln penny on Tuesday, August 11. This third coin in the series of four recognizes Lincoln's professional life in Illinois from 1830 to 1861.

For the adventure and the thrill of being at the first release of the coins, one of our regular dealers went to Illinois. In addition to the pennies, he wanted the new American Samoa quarters. The journey from Georgia to Illinois began the adventure. But, navigating the US Mint's rules and queues to buy the new Lincoln pennies and the new American Samoa quarters challenged the attendees.

With tenacity comes success. The dealer returned with  his coveted pennies and quarters.

Thinking of his experience and thinking of today's economic pressures, some apropos quotes for this month:

Euripedes:
"To persevere, trusting in what hopes he has, is courage in a man. The coward despairs."

Sir Thomas Foxwell Buston:
"With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable."

Joseph Addison:
"If you wish success in your life, make perseverance your bosom friend."

William A. Ward:
"Four steps to achievement: plan purposefully, prepare prayerfully, proceed positively, pursue persistently."

Louis Pasteur:
"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity."

Confucius:
"It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop."

Remember those quotes as you pursue your collecting, investing and just everyday living with tenacity, perseverance and persistence. 

We look forward to seeing you at the next Greater Atlanta Coin Show on Sunday, September 13, 2009.

Monthly Coin Show - September 2009

Great show! We had a large crowd visit the show this month, and we saw a lot of new faces.

Here's a thank you and a welcome back to the "regulars" and a big welcome and a we-hope-you-come-back to the new people.

Wasn't the day wonderful? Yes, it was overcast most of the day and in the low 80s, but didn't it feel nice to be out and about? Plus, today's late summer 80s do not feel as hot as the early summer 80s. The humidity begins to decrease as fall approaches.

Are you following the gold prices? Did you notice at the end of last week gold closed at the highest point ever recorded? Hmmm, wonder what the spike in 1980 would be in today's dollars and how it compares... 

On Friday, the New York gold market closed $1005.10 per ounce. During the day, the price per ounce fluctuated even higher.

Some pundits speculate that once the price goes above $1000 for several days that the $1000 per ounce will become the unspoken price floor. Next, the per ounce value will start to climb even higher.

Are they right? Maybe, who really knows for sure. Take a look at kitco every few days to watch the charts. It's a great resource if you collect or invest in gold. If you don't, it's still an interesting resource to see what is happening in the gold markets.

Of course, quite a number of people looked for and found bullion at Sunday's show. Some dealers have proof gold, some have rare gold and some offer bullion gold. 

On a different note, one dealer had a Lincoln cent collection. Some people may scoff at Lincoln collections, but others find the Lincoln cents very interesting. In this collection, the key dates were very nice and worth several thousands of dollars even without the all of the other coins. Yes, the 1909 S-VDB was in there and very nice too.

If you didn't get to come to the show, you missed a great one. We hope you visit next month.

Now, let's take a look at some quotes for this month. They make you think:

Henry Ford: " It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste."

Thomas Edison: "Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration."

Francis Bacon: "A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds."

George Eliot: "Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds."

Socrates: "The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others."

Find the opportunities around you and take action to make them work for you while always questioning their validity.

We hope to see you at the October 11th show!

Monthly Coin Show - October 2009

Jam packed! Elbow to elbow with lots of new faces in the crowd.

Welcome to all the new people and thank you for visiting. And, a big thank you to all the returning folks as well.

The day was nice during the show - mild temperatures and no pouring rain.

With the droughts over the last few years, we don't want to complain about the rain. On the other hand, with the heavy rains and the recent flooding, most of our dealers were either directly impacted by the high waters or know someone who was. Some had homes flooded, others had businesses flooded. 

Lots of water, and on Sunday night, the rain poured again. The ground is just saturated.

But, back to the show...

A lot of the new people visiting the show were also new to buying coins. Some specifically hunted for silver and gold coins - investment grade for putting away in safety deposit boxes.

Of course, plenty of true numismatists visited the show as well.

For their pleasure, one dealer had very nice 09-S and 09-SVDB coins on display and for sale. These has original color and were in uncirculated condition.  

Of course, the 09-S and 09-SVDB coins are 1909 cents, the debut year for the Lincoln penny.  The initial release of the coin had the creator's initials (VDB for Victor David Brenner) on the back of the coin. People were pleased with the new Lincoln cent but not pleased with the initials. The mint released another version without the VDB initials.

That became a boon to numismatists. Now, an 09-SVDB is one of the key coins in a Lincoln cent collection. And, one in a very nice condition as seen at the show on Sunday is both rare and coveted by collectors.

Have you been watching the gold prices lately? Record highs occur almost daily. Per Kitco, the highest NY Close was October 13 at $1064 per ounce. 

Now, 20 years ago, the high was $420 for the year. But, what about inflation? Today's $1064 would be roughly $614 in 1989 dollars. Between the $420 in 1989 and the $1064 in 2009, an ounce of gold increased 46% - adjusting for inflation. And, it continues to climb.

Can gold prices be predicted? Not really. One can look at historical data, events at that time to gain insights, but many variables impact the markets - silver, gold, stocks, etc. 

Interesting times...and these times invoke feelings of insecurity.

Let's take a look at some security quotes:

Mae West:  "Your real security is yourself. You know you can do it, and they can't ever take that away from you."

Henry Ford:  "If money is your hope for independence, you will never have it. The only real security that a man can have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience and ability."

John Cudahy:  "Our greatest illusion is reliance upon the security and permanence of material possessions. We must search for some other coin."

Henry Miller:  "The man who looks for security, even in the mind, is like a man who would chop off his limbs in order to have artificial ones which will give him no pain or trouble."

General Douglas MacArthur: "There is no security on this earth. Only opportunity."

From a poem quoted in "Dear Abby:"

"To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach for another is to risk involvement.
To expose your ideas, your dreams, before a crowd, is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To believe is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The people who risk nothing do nothing, have nothing, are nothing.
They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.
Chained by their attitudes, they are slaves; they have forfeited their freedom.
Only a person who risks is free."

Helen Keller:  "Security is mostly superstition. It does not exist in nature. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold."

Security doesn't exist even in the best of times and risks must be taken to live. The best you can do is lessen any dangers by your efforts and by your improvements.

Continue your education and efforts toward your collecting and investing in coins and bullion. We hope to see you at our next show on Sunday, November 15, 2009.

Monthly Coin Show - November 2009

Can you believe it? Mid-November and temperatures in the mid-70s with blue skies and bright sunshine. Just a gorgeous day.

Sometimes bright, pretty days mean people find other things to enjoy outside rather than come to an inside event such as a coin show. Not this day - the show was packed with wall to wall people. We saw a lot of new faces this month - we're glad you came.

Our thanks go to all of the people who joined us at the show - our dealers, our regulars and our new visitors.

Plus, the North Atlanta Sports Collectibles show was also held at the Holiday Inn. We shared cross traffic between the two shows. We hope you enjoyed visiting the various dealers among both shows.

Once again, gold was both a hot topic and a hot item on the bourse floor. Some guests brought gold to sell and some guests came to buy gold. Not to be outdone, silver was selling as well.

Knowing the interest in gold, dealers brought gold to sell. One dealer brought 30 ounces and sold out. He's eager to buy more but says that gold is easier to sell than to buy.

Both raw and certified gold was available on the floor in investment grade and collectible grades.

Continuing with the year of Lincoln, the newly released Lincoln Coin and Chronicle set was available on the bourse. This beautiful set includes proof versions of the four pennies highlighting the four stages of Lincoln's life along with the silver commemorative dollar.

The reverse of the dollar includes the last words of Lincoln's Gettysburg address:

"we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government: of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

In his short but moving speech that day, Lincoln recognized the slain soldiers' efforts. Lincoln's words transcend time and remind everyone that freedom is not free nor is it easy.

Back to the bourse, dealers had a large variety of Morgan dollars on display and for sale. These older dollars become more rare as the worn versions become melted for silver.

As for new US Mint items, a few - not many - 2009 Silver sets were available. These sets are not widely traded among the dealers yet.

Of course, our dealers offer a variety of collectibles such as foreign and ancient coins and world currencies in addition to the rare, collectible and investment domestic coins and currencies.

In closing for this month, let's take a look at some quotes in celebration of the upcoming season:

Sir James M. Barrie: "Always be a little kinder than necessary."

Charles F. Dole:  "Goodwill is the mightiest practical force in the universe."

Danny Thomas:  "Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others."

Ralph Waldo Emerson:  "You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."

Thomas Carlyle: "Without kindness, there can be no true joy."

Enjoy your holiday season with kindness and goodwill and come visit us at the next show: Sunday, December 13.

Monthly Coin Show - December 2009

Our show Sunday was a rainy day in Georgia which made us shiver more than we should have with the moderate, mid-40s temperatures. But the wet and mildly cold weather did not stop our dealers or our guests. We still had a great show!

In the spirit of the season, the Holiday Inn Select decked their halls and lobby with Christmas trees, garlands and ornaments for guests to enjoy along with the show.

Several of our regular dealers became weekend road warriors. They left the Gallatin TN two-day show Saturday afternoon and made it to Atlanta for our Sunday show. Many dealers even came early, as they normally do, to set up and be ready for the general admission at 9 am.

Once again, we had lots of visitors to the show. Plus, the bourse entertained many young people throughout the day. One young gentleman proudly showed off his just completed P&D state quarter set. And, he should be proud of his accomplishment.

Some people came to the show looking for collector coins such as slabbed mercury dimes.

Of course, dealers brought gold to sell, and many sold their supply, too. Gold on the floor ranged from American Liberty coins to Mexican Pesos - 50 and 20 - along with Koronas from Hungary and Koruners from Czechoslovakia.

Did you know that the Mexican 50 Pesos gold coin is more than one troy ounce? In fact it contains 1.2057 troy ounces of gold.  But, for the 20 pesos gold coin, the mint date makes a difference. If minted between 1866 and 1905, the gold content weighs .952 troy ounces. Whereas, a 20 pesos gold coin minted between 1917 and 1959 contains .4823 troy ounces of gold.

Depending on the grade of the gold coins, they could sell based on melt value of gold or they could sell based on their collectible mint state. Slabbed proof state coins can be more valuable depending on the supply and demand for the particular gold coin. For example, high grade Dahlonega gold will be more valuable than melt.

The show kept everyone busy throughout the day. We appreciate all of our dealers and all of our guests who come to the shows whether they return month after month or only make it to a few shows throughout the year. Thank you all!

Now, in honor of our young numismatist who just finished his state quarter collection, let's have a few quotes on "accomplishment."

Thomas Carlyle: Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment.  

Ray Kroc: All money means to me is a pride in accomplishment.

Napoleon Hill: All the breaks you need in life wait within your imagination. Imagination is the workshop of your mind, capable of turning mind energy into accomplishment and wealth. 

Jim Rohn: Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. 

Leonardo da Vinci: It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things. 

Norman Vincent Peale: There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.

We wish for you and yours Happy Holidays with a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Our next show is January 17, 2010. We look forward to seeing you in the new year.