and another beginning...

It has been a great year for me and my collection. I added only ten coins this year, but I'm very happy with every one of them.

Because I'm "done" with the late date Large Cents, and nearly done with the middle dates, there wasn't too much activity there: I bought one upgrade in each of those sets, plus the 1828. Nevertheless, large cents are still my favorites. And there is still some excitement coming: The final installment of the Dan Holmes collection (late dates) will be sold by the Goldbergs at the end of January. I'm short on cash for the time being, but will try to pick up a nice cheap one just to have one from that great collection.

Next on my favorites list are the half dimes. I added only two this year: a nice 1853 no arrows; and a pretty 1864 cameo proof. My half dime sets will probably see the lion's share of activity (i.e., dollars spent) in the coming years.

I surprised myself a little with the other five coins. I fancy myself as a collector of high quality, "affordable", older American coins, but purchased a Mercury dime, two Walking Liberty half dollars, an a couple gold Buffaloes! In addition to the large cents and half dimes, I do want to build a nice type set, to which the dime and a half contributed. But I'm feeling the urge to build sets of those lovely 20th century coins as well.

Gold has surged well beyond the prices I paid for the MS70 buffaloes. And I, like others, think precious metal prices will continue to rise. This year, my father-in-law added to my (well, my wife's...) modest holdings of gold. He had some CDs that matured and used the proceeds to buy some buffaloes and maple leafs for her. I tried to talk him into American Eagles when his favored company ran out of buffaloes, but he insisted on the four nines.

Also on the good fortune front, my wife got a new job, which starts in January. A year ago she finished her MBA, and finally got it to pay off. The bottom line is a 50% higher salary. With that, and with paying off our house in several months, there may be more to spend on coins! But we're also talking about silly things like other ways to save for retirement (which is frighteningly close) and some serious home improvements.

The Lord has blessed us this year, and I pray that His blessing will be upon you as well. Happy collecting to all, and Happy New Year!

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