Thoughts on the first quarter of 2009

As the year 2009 closes its first quarter, we find the markets trending down at a slower descent, gold ascending once again to $1000 an ounce, and the rare coin market hot as ever. Deals abound and if you snooze, you lose. I just found that out by waiting overnight to make up my mind. By 5:00 am, someone had snagged my contemplated purchase, sending that sinking feeling to the pit of my stomach.

On a brighter note, the first quarter has been a time of preparation and budgeting. I have my latest submissions ready to go so as to have them back before Registry deadlines. Modern gold and silver along with vintage silver (George III and Edward VII) are poised for grading. I only have high resolution images of my coins at the moment. NGC is too stingy with the picture requirement. I don't often take the time to make two scans of every coin just to satisfy NGC, so if you're interested in seeing anything I speak of or have within my collection, drop me a note and I can e-mail the photos.

NGC has opened another set within Great Britain, so I've added that to my grouping. Was pleasantly surprised with my new standing within the registry, so that brings me to my goal for 2009, and that's to break below the 1000 mark. I'll be watching for updates and new sets also, so may try and shoot for the 900 mark instead.