Summer has finally officially arrived in the U.S. and most of us are having cookouts, preparing for the Fourth of July festivities, attending family reunions, vacationing with family and friends, working in the yard and generally enjoying the great outdoors. All of that usually means that our coin collecting activities take a backseat for a few months. But all of the hobby publications indicate otherwise. This year, as was last, seems to be bucking the historical trend. Coin shows are drawing strong crowds, auctions are drawing strong money, collectible coin prices continue to head North, and dealers everywhere are touting that business is booming. The only negative comments center on the quandary that coin dealers can't seem to acquire sufficient stock to satisfy the current demand.

Most coin dealers seem to agree that there are two primary forces at work in this positive marketplace. The first is the apparent influx of new collectors who have been drawn to coins via the States Quarters and, to some lesser extent, the Sacagewea dollar and the Lewis and Clark commemorative nickel. And second is the notion that many investors are disenchanted with Wall Street and have sought other means of adding to portfolios.

The newer collectors are seeking twentieth century sets, modern commemoratives and most of the current U.S. Mint products. Many of the older collectors and investors are well-healed and seeking pre-twentieth century material, key date pieces, gold and platinum, high grade sets, and anything perceived as scarce, rare or having good investment potential. Rumor has it that some of these astute investors are even seeking many of the key date coins by roll quantity.

It's hard to deny that coin values are rising regularly and sometimes quickly. Many long-term collectors have realized substantial increases in the values of their holdings. And predictions tend to indicate that the trend will continue for quite some time. Whatever factors are contributing to the success of the coin hobby, they are welcomed and long overdue. It's truly a good time to be involved in rare coins.

JD White, our Auctioneer, is kind enough to begin accepting auction lots weeks in advance of the next auction. He also begins posting those lots an average of a couple of weeks before the auction's start date. That's a benefit to all of us because we can send auction lots in advance at our leisure, and because it affords an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming auction by viewing some listed lots before the auction opens.

In a recent communication from JD, he noted that he's receiving auction bids prior to some of the auctions officially opening. Please remember that he doesn't accept or retain auction bids in advance. This rule is not currently part of the documented auction rules, but it IS JD's policy. Each auction page lists the opening and closing dates and times. Additionally, JD usually announces the start and finish of each auction on the lists. So, please await the start of the auction before sending any bids. That will eliminate the possibility that your bid will be discarded. When you get a chance, take a minute and review the auction rules for listing and bidding procedures at Auction Rules

The WINS Club Token Committee, consisting of members Ray Larson, JD White, Joe Garbarini, Terry of GBIE, Bill Bremmer, Ian Milne and Oded Paz, has been meeting and working regularly for the last month or so. They are discussing and comprehensively researching such aspects of the Club Token as die manufacture, size, composition, quantity, engraving, cost, distribution, and marketing. Please be patient with the process. The committee is not doing a "rush job". It'll likely take several more months. By vote, the membership has selected a fantastic Club Token design. Once it all comes together, I believe everyone will be pleased.

Best Regards,

Ralph J. Huntzinger
WINS President