The coin and bullion business is a fluid market, and conditions can shift with little notice. The original article explained that coin dealers often recognize developing trends early, so activity in the wholesale dealer market can offer a useful indication of what was then in demand and what might become the next widely sought product. When this article was originally published, Atlanta Gold & Coin shared trends it was seeing within dealer networks to help readers understand the market. It suggested that buyers might identify coins and bullion before growing demand increased premiums.
American Silver Eagles
American Silver Eagles remained, according to the original article, one of the preferred investment choices for people interested in silver bullion. 2013 was a record production year for Silver Eagles, at approximately 43 million ounces. Although July sales were not as exceptional, the article said that, as of publication in 2014, sales remained on a record pace, with sales of 25 million coins. To meet demand, dealers regularly sought monster boxes containing 25 tubes of 20 coins each, or 500 coins altogether. Sealed boxes were especially sought after, suggesting substantial interest in bulk silver bullion purchases. At the time of publication, the article expected demand to stay strong while silver remained depressed at $21 per ounce.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollars
Historically, 1964 Kennedy half dollars—the final half-dollar issue with 90% silver content—had been the least desirable 90% silver half dollars. Premiums were generally greater for Franklin halves and, especially, Walking Liberty halves. However, the article noted that 2014 marked the 50th anniversary of the coin, creating renewed attention. To recognize that 50th anniversary, the U.S. Mint was producing commemorative Kennedy halves for release the following month. The first was scheduled for August 5th at the ANA Money Show and was to be the Mint’s first ¾-troy-ounce gold coin. In light of that forthcoming release, the article anticipated strong demand through year-end.
Fractional American Gold Eagles
At the time of original publication, the article described the following: Although overall American Gold Eagle demand was reported to be down about 50% year over year, the wholesale dealer market was still showing strong demand for fractional Gold Eagles in ½-ounce, ¼-ounce, and 1/10 oz denominations. The article observed that 1/10 oz Gold Eagles had long been popular, but that demand for quarter-ounce coins was unusually high in the article’s recent memory. It was unclear whether smaller investors were entering the market and lifting fractional premiums or whether this reflected another shifting market trend; at publication, these were described as among the market’s hottest products.
Silver Proof Sets
The original article said modern silver proof sets, meaning those minted from 1992 through the publication-date issues, drew little interest. Dealers had nevertheless targeted silver proof sets minted in 1964 and earlier for some time. Demand and prices had eased somewhat since late the prior year and early that year, but interest remained substantial. As noted above, 1964 Kennedy halves were then a hot commodity, increasing demand for 1964 silver proof sets. Demand appeared strongest for 1960 – 1964 sets, since offer prices for 1959 and earlier sets represented a lower percentage of bid.
Summary
In summary, the original article highlighted four coins and set categories that appeared to be in strong dealer demand at that time. American Silver Eagles had been widely sought for quite a while, so their appearance at the top of the list was unsurprising; several other categories discussed may have been less expected. The article emphasized that prices and demand can change. When this article was originally published, readers were encouraged to check our blog frequently for the most recent coin and bullion-market trends.
