October 2, 2008: Lining Up for Gold, American Gold Buffalo Sales, NCS Conservation

Welcome back to Coin Update!

We’re back with another round up of coin collecting news from around the internet! First, enormous demand for gold continues. Scary (unsubstantiated) rumors about the banking system, Collectors Universe conference call transcript, Fractional 2008 American Gold Buffalo sales figures, dream coins, 2008 RCM offerings, Martha Washington Die Trials, and notable auctions. On to the links…

Even as the market price of gold fluctuates, there continues to be “enormous demand.” This article reports lines of people waiting to buy gold bullion.

Is a financial breakdown looming? 321Gold has this quote from someone with strong banking connections. “Reliable word that Bank of America branch managers just received a letter or memo from the USFed instructing them to perhaps be ready for a one-week universal shut-down of the banking system, including access to checking accounts, savings accounts and credit cards.” As shocking as this is, it actually seems plausible. (Found via Coinflation.)

Here is the transcript from Collectors Universe’s fourth quarter conference call. A few points mentioned about PCGS grading business: coin show submissions were down, modern submissions were down, but vintage submissions increased. There is also some color provided on the impact of gold price volatility on PCGS submissions.

Mint News Blog moves on to reviewing sales figures for 2008-W Uncirculated & Proof American Gold Buffalo coins.  For the Uncirculated versions, the Buffaloes are actually outselling the American Gold Eagle coins.

A notably upbeat story about retail establishments getting involved in promoting the use of Presidential Dollar coins. Most stories on the US Mint’s PR push have been either somewhat bland or negative.

Tom Michael has a list of coin dealers that can help you assembled a collection of modern world circulating coins.

Here is the conservation of the month from NCS. I’ve used their services a few times and have been pleased with the results.

Numismaster brings you 10 Great Dream Coins. What coins would be on your list?

CoinNews runs down the latest 2008 offerings from the Royal Canadian Mint.

CoinLink provides another unusual item: Martha Washington Die Trials.

And now for some notable auctions. First, a coin that I have mentioned before, George T. Morgan’s $100 Gold Union.  The design was discovered by researchers at the Smithsonian Institute in 2002, who entered into a deal to privately mint the coin in gold and silver. Here is some history from Coin Collector’s Blog.

Another complete set of Morgan Dollars including all key dates. This auction starts with no reserve.

And last, the low mintage 2003-W First Flight Gold Commemorative. This one is graded MS70 by PCGS.

See you all Friday with more exciting coin news!