2007 is almost here and even though there are a few important days left in 2006, it’s hard to escape the enthusiasm for the New Year. From a numismatic standpoint, 2007 will begin with a bang. Some members of the PCGS show grading team will be leaving as early as January 1st (now, that’s dedication) for the Florida United Numismatists show in Orlando, Florida, where they will set up and prepare for what we expect to be a very busy show. Many of the dealers with whom I’ve spoken, especially wholesalers, are chomping at the bit to get to FUN because December is typically a “dry” month for those types. Retailers have a better go of it because gift-givers make December a great month for sales, but FUN beckons not only as a good coin show but as a wonderful place to visit and vacation. The confluence of dealers and collectors makes the FUN show one of the most exciting shows of the year and many people believe that as the FUN show goes, so goes the rest of the year.

All indicators point to a great FUN and a great year for numismatics in 2007. Gold hovers at $618, the Euro and other currencies are strong against the US Dollar, Internet demand remains high, and people feel positive about collecting coins. According to pre-sale publicity, over $100 million in rare coins will be offered by numismatic auction houses. That’s a breathtaking figure which, when combined with the business done on the bourse floor, will set a record for a single convention. The finest known 1913 Liberty Head Nickel will be up for sale as well as a myriad of other important numismatic rarities. I could go on and on.

PCGS will be making some major announcements at our Set Registry luncheon on Friday, January 5th. I’ll leave the details for my post-show analysis. For our part of this exciting market, PCGS will continue to innovate with products and services to enhance your collecting or dealing experience.

In the meantime, enjoy the rest of 2006 with families and friends. Then, get ready for what promises to be one of the best years in numismatics.

Best wishes for 2007!

Ron Guth is the President of the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). He has been active as a coin collector, dealer, writer and auctioneer since his introduction to numismatics in 1964.