2024: An Extraordinary Year for U.S. Rare Coins

The U.S. rare coin market is closing out a memorable year that will go down in the record books. In 2024, the numismatic market surpassed $6 billion in annual total volume. On a global scale, the coin collecting market was valued at $18.1 billion and is projected to climb to $43.9 billion by 2034, with an 8.5% annual growth rate.

In 2024, the American numismatic market  registered a significant pick-up, as overall demand for rare coins rose steadily.

Looking ahead, the rare coin market is poised for continued growth, with supply and demand fundamentals signaling an upward trend in value. As the market expands towards $40+ billion annually in the next ten years, rare coins already in the marketplace are expected to increase in value, driven by the limited supply inherent in the numismatic market. Collecting rare coins has been, and remains, a timeless passion and a prudent investment strategy.

Key Numismatic Trends in 2024

Several notable themes emerged in the numismatic market over the past year.

Tangible Assets Go Mainstream: An influx of new U.S. investors flocked to the numismatic and bullion markets in 2024. Young professionals, in particular, entered the precious metals and numismatic markets, many participating for the first-time. Many of these new investors heard about precious metals and rare coins through conversations with their business associates and friends, as more Americans became comfortable discussing the importance of owning tangible assets.

Increased Inventory Post Covid: A pick-up in transaction activity in the numismatic market occurred in 2024. More rare coins surfaced over the past year after limited inventory during the pandemic and post-pandemic years. In 2024, high-end rarities that emerged from collections for sale, after sitting decades with one owner, were quickly snapped up. As always, when true rarities become available for sale they are placed swiftly and then not seen again for many, many years.

Investors Seeking Diversification and Safety: Investor sentiment focused on economic and political uncertainties, particularly related to the election and long-term financial stability. The recognition that there is no quick fix for the prolonged dollar debasement created the need for sound investment strategies in rare coins and gold.

Generational Wealth Building: A major theme driving investors into coins and precious metals is a desire for a long-term, generational wealth building strategy.

Our Favorite Numismatic Placements in 2024

In the midst of an active year, Blanchard helped thousands of clients put in place investment strategies to preserve, protect and grow their wealth. Here are just a few of our top placements in 2024, including many ultra-rare, capstone coins that rarely surface for sale in the numismatic community.

1.1907 $10 Indian Rolled Edge MS65: This coin represents President Theodore Roosevelt’s initiative to beautify American currency, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. It’s historically significant as the first year of issue for this design and valuable due to its rarity and high grade.

2. 1830 $5 Capped Bust MS65: Produced during a period of technological advancement at the U.S. Mint, its rarity and high grade contribute significantly to its value.

3. 1879 $4 Flowing Hair Stella PR66: This dazzling pattern coin was produced as a potential international trade coin. However, the illustrious $4 gold Stella was never authorized for official use in circulation. Its unique $4 denomination and limited mintage make it highly valuable and iconic for collectors.

4. 1863 $10 Liberty Ultra Cameo No Motto PR65: Minted during the Civil War, this coin is an extreme rarity, as only nine or ten are known to exist. Its historical context and high-quality Ultra Cameo finish contribute to its desirability.

5. 1797 $5 Draped Bust 15 Stars AU58: This ultra-rarity is one of the first gold coins ever struck at the Philadelphia Mint for the United States. Today, only a handful of these pieces of American history are known to exist.

6. 1863 $10 Liberty Deep Cameo PR64: This coin is one of the most elusive American rarities in all grades. Civil War era gold proof coins represent a trophy that only a fortunate few are able to claim ownership of. Owning such a coin is indeed a triumph for a collector that now owns a piece of important American history.

7. 1808 $2.50 Capped Bust AU58: This Quarter Eagle is a stunningly beautiful example of early American coinage and is considered one of the most important pieces of early American numismatic history.

8. $5 Bechtler 128 Grain AU58: This legendary, privately minted coin carries with it a rich history of the North Carolina gold rush in the 1820’s, featuring inherent rarity and precious metal value.

9. 1805 $5 Draped Bust MS65: The memorable design, created by Robert Scot, highlights the essence of our young nation’s aspirations and ideals. Its rarity, historical significance and elegant design make it a prized addition to any collection.

10. 1796 $10 Draped Bust AU58: This gold piece is highly prized, due in large part to its original mintage of just over 4,100 pieces. Today, survival estimates for all grades total a mere 150.

Investor Confidence and Wealth Building

Investors are increasingly confident in the stability, peace of mind and wealth preservation opportunities that precious metals and rare coins offer. Investors view these investments as part of a steady, long-term wealth-building strategy, adding to their portfolios whenever possible. Steady accumulation of rare coins and bullion has proven to be the most successful approach to building wealth over the long term.

The rare coin and the bullion markets continues to thrive, driven by increasing demand, limited supply, and a shift in global financial strategies. Investors and collectors alike can find confidence in the historical and financial value that rare coins and gold bring to their portfolios.

If you desire to build wealth for yourself and future generations, Blanchard can help you achieve your goals. Over the past 40 years, we have helped clients invest in American numismatic rarities and investment grade silver, gold, platinum and palladium bullion to protect and grow their wealth. We can help you too.

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