Economic turbulence a boon for coin dealers
Arizona Coin Collector
Economic turbulence a boon for coin dealers
By Ana Ribeiro
Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 10:22 p.m
Last Modified: Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 10:25 p.m.
The state of the economy is actually helping coin dealers, Phil Kaufman
says.
Sitting behind his booth at the Lower Cape Fear Coin Club's
fall show on Saturday, the Wilmington-based coin dealer
said the market for collectible coins is usually strong
and steady. As for the more volatile gold and silver market
in general, the fear over stocks is encouraging more people
to buy those types of coins, Kaufman said.
"There's a lot of interest in gold and silver," he said.
"It seems to be a safe haven for people who have been going
through financial difficulties. They'd rather have hard
assets than paper stocks."
At Saturday's coin show at the American Legion Post 10,
about 40 people sat, stood and walked around the displays of
collectible coins and currency, either buying, selling,
trading or ogling. At his booth up front, Kaufman displayed
rare U.S. coins, worth more when they have not been
cleaned, he said.
His booth featured pieces such as a 1900 silver Barber half
dollar, featuring Lady Liberty and a 1916 standing Liberty
quarter, each worth $5,000, he said. Kaufman also had a 1932
Indian head $10 gold piece, which he said is worth
about $1,000.
Outside the hall, Steve Marmor and a fellow avid coin
collector praised the way coins used to be when Lady Liberty
prevailed on them instead of dead president's portraits.
"People had more pride back then making coins," Marmor said.
Marmor said he got a good deal on an 1860 Indian head copper
penny at the coin show. Captivated by their look, the
47-year-old said he has been collecting old coins since he
was a child.
The coin show will continue Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
with a collectible coin raffle at the end. It's taking
place in American Legion Post 10's hall at 702 Pine Grove
Drive, next to the Municipal Golf Course.
Ana Ribeiro: 343-2327
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