The market for US rare coins has certainly gone through major changes lately, and the upcoming year should see the continuation of these trends. The outlook for coin collecting remains bright, though the means of acquiring coins will begin to change.

Nationally, the number of local rare coin shops will probably decline due to several factors. First, the proliferation of modern issues released by the Mint dominates a huge percentage of the total spent on coins. For a collector to keep up with just one of each product, tens of thousands of dollars must be spent annually. The days of many collectors speculating on extra proof sets appear to be finished, as most people's budgets can't handle even one of each issue. Therefore, shop owners do less business in the after-market and may not even see those collectors who are offered a variety of new mint products, such as coin jewelry and watches. The collector who at one time bought a $5 Liberty from a dealer to use in jewelry may now purchase a modern gold coin from the Mint along with one of the government's selection of bezels and chains.

Grading services, primarily PCGS, have become so accepted in the marketplace that the old days of a collector going into a local shop to check some of his purchases from the national mail order dealers is just about over. The standard that PCGS established has essentially eliminated the perceived need to check with local dealers on more expensive coin purchases. Finally, coin auction companies continue to dominate the market when collectors wish to liquidate their holdings. The Pittman Collection, auctioned by Akers, should be one of the years top stories as these phenomenal rarities see the light of day for the first time in decades.

So where does the collector expect to see his coins heading if the older days of coin shop activity is declining? Well, perhaps up, because the coin business is seeing new approaches to marketing all the time. Financial planner's investment packages of $10,000 worth of MS 65 coins are certainly no longer in vogue.

Today, lower-priced coins are incorporated in decorative items with historically interesting designs. These products are marketed through general interest magazines and cable TV to a wider audience, introducing coins in a new fashion. Without the hype of future financial gain, many of these new buyers may develop an interest while not risking sizable amounts of money. This potential new base of collectors bodes well for the future of the hobby. Innovative long-term dealers are now hard at work increasing the presence of coins on the Internet.

As a collector, it would be wise to evaluate each particular series of interest and consider possible changes or emerging trends. If a coin like the Kennedy half were to end as a series now that we are approaching a new century and be replaced by a Teddy Roosevelt half, many people would involve themselves with this series. Albums and holders with the dates complete, rather than all the outdated holders which haven't included the most recent issues, would give collectors a new sense of challenge and satisfaction. This possibility makes the Kennedy half and some modern series very intriguing at present.

Small Cents: Key date coins continue to lead the activity, especially in mid-grade circulated condition. Any dealer with problem-free examples of F to XF 1869, 1877, 1908-S, 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, etc., has no trouble finding buyers. Modern rolls have never recovered and remain a thing of the past. Uncirculated copper still has many wary of preservation, primarily due to spotting.

Nickels: The last few years have seen a tremendous increase in the number of Buffalo nickel fans, while the earlier Shield and Liberty series lag behind, especially in mint and proof condition. The Jefferson series appeals to beginners as they remain affordable and available after sixty years in production.

Dimes: While advanced collectors pursue the Mercury dime with a vengeance, seeking out those fully split rounded bands, many collectors have relegated this series to the back burner and not upgraded what used to be picked out of the silver. The Barbers have a special breed of followers who fully appreciate just how tough many of these dimes are in any mid grade.

Quarters: While the Washington quarter has languished in the doldrums for several years, Standing Liberty quarters are high on the list of many collectors. A design difficult to improve upon aesthetically, coupled with striking variations, makes this truly one of the most popular series in all of numismatics. As with the dimes, the Barber quarters in F to XF are still bought by date and mint rather than as a type coin.

Halves: Franklin halves have dropped considerably in the past few years due to cheap silver and the great numbers of people who hoarded these coins. The whole series also went through an upheaval the last few years when late dates from the sixties were found to be more rare than the traditionally thought of key dates like the 1949-S. Short set Walkers (1941-47) have yet to recover from the investment hype of the 1980s. Population reports show their true availability in MS 65 and, consequently, prices are at a fraction of former highs. The early dates 1916 to 1933-S are most difficult to locate in popular collector grades. Again, the Barbers provide a challenge which few are able to complete in midgrades, but many enjoy pursuing.