Among the items we post is a commentary by Coin World writer Steve Roach about rare coins in the marketplace in 2009, based on a careful study of prices. He demonstrates that copper coins were dynamic last year, and in contrast the price of rare gold coins fell across the board. Probably, if I were to make a survey 90% of collectors would have assumed the opposite-what with bullion gold hitting new highs.

The point of this is that popular ideas are sometimes different from reality. How can reality be determined? One easy and enjoyable way is by reading books that have useful information. I call your attention to the Whitman line of titles featured, all at discount prices, in our eShop “Book Store” here on the Internet. I call your attention to the advantage that each book we sell, Whitman or otherwise, is not a “second,” “hurt,” or used copy. Each is mint-fresh, so to speak. For books that I have written I will be delighted to personally autograph and inscribe your copy(ies). Just about everyone agrees that a personal autograph by an author adds value, and this will be done with my compliments!

This reminds me that some time ago a customer ordered a book and included an extra $25 for me to autograph it. I wrote back, refunded his $25, and said that I was not a baseball player!

For the month of February 2010 here is a special offer: Mention “February Festival Book Sale” when you order, and shipping and handling will be FREE to United States addresses!

Mint-condition books (autographed on request), discount prices, and free shipping! There is no better way to become a “smart buyer” in numismatics than by reading books. And, if you want a recommendation from me, order my Experts Guide to Collecting and Investing in Rare Coins, in which I share a lifetime of experience as a professional numismatist.

Further regarding gold, at Stack’s the sale of gold coins, common as well as rare, continues to be a super-active part of our business. For rare gold, prices seem to be very favorable (see above), and for bullion gold, national and worldwide interest increases every day. Buying gold? Selling gold? Contact our main gallery at 123 West 57th Street. To dust off a line we used decades ago, “Do business where business is being done!”

Changing the drift a bit, for the first time I tried the “Stack’s at Home” instant bidding program on the Internet. I was in New Hampshire, while the auction crew and many other staffers were in our auction gallery at 110 West 57th Street in New York City.

It was great to “be there” in cyberspace, watching the auctioneer in action and seeing the bids as they progressed. I landed a number of prizes, including a Wealth of the South token muling I had never seen before (and I have a specialized collection of these), a silver cream pitcher by Daniel Van Voorhies (who cut dies for Vermont coppers in 1785 and 1786; see additional Vermont comment posted here), a 1792-dated Washington Manly medal (from the somewhat mysterious “second” obverse die), and a few other things. Lots of fun! Try it yourself next time.

And, I am delighted to report that the sale was absolutely dynamic. Bids were strong, many records were set, and the entire event was a spectacular success.

Which reminds me – if you have a collection of coins, medals, tokens, or paper money to consign, let us know! Our success will be your success. Tap into a track record that has no equal anywhere else in the history of numismatics: the most valuable collection ever sold, the most valuable coin ever sold, the greatest collections ever sold, the most rarities ever sold…and the list goes on!

All good wishes to you from me and everyone at Stack’s.

Best Wishes,