Coins We Love: The Final Interview with John Brush
First of all, thank you for all of the messages regarding the first two parts of the interview. It’s been a lot of fun interacting and seeing our customers' thoughts on some of my comments. Perhaps it’s naïveté, but I’ve always been one to honestly share my thoughts and I’ve not been great at filtering them (just ask my wife!). So, what you’re seeing is kind of raw…and I know that a few things I’ve said haven’t been popular, but that’s ok. We can live with differences - that’s what makes coin collecting fun, as no collection is going to 100% be the same.
So, today we’re throwing in the 3rd part of the interview! If you’re already bored or don’t care about my opinions, I’m ok with it. Just scroll down and enjoy the coins!
You are now in charge of a major grading service, what changes would you make?
- The legacy grading services being led by corporations who only value a return on investment is a problem in more ways than one. Innovation has become limited and finances are determining the answers to questions that are pennywise and pound foolish. They need more industry insiders to bring influence to the overall companies and to look towards the future. Having a dealer/collector summit to bring in 100-150 leaders in the industry would be my first step to see what needs to be changed.
Gold Spot is nearing $3,000 per ounce. Is this price point detrimental to your business? If so, what gold coins are you recommending to the coindexter on a budget of around $3,000 — nearly the price of an ounce of gold?
- I wouldn’t say that it has really affected our business. It changes the outlook for investors and I think it gets people excited to see the price of gold going higher. But investor-types have long been the ones that are most affected by this and I haven’t seen a change for those dealing in more numismatically-related pieces.
Amazingly, at present, MS63-64 Saint Gaudens Double Eagles are being offered at 3.5% and 4.75% over melt value. Is there still a numismatic component here or are these type coins being relegated to mere “bullion” status?
- They are bullion for now…the market has far too much supply and the demand hasn’t caught up yet.
Silver Spot seems to be a bargain in the $30+ range. What type of silver coins would be the best option for the coindexter having $2,500 to spend?
- I always suggest Silver Eagles when the premiums are just a few dollars, or silver rounds close to melt. There are a million ways to invest in silver, but it’s also bulky, so I’d suggest just buying a $20 Saint!
Do you foresee the second Trump Presidency having an impact on the coin/collectibles market? Positive/Negative?
- I’m just glad that the election season is over. I suspect that the Trump Presidency will have a positive impact on the market as the economy seems to be gaining strength. I don’t credit a presidential change for this, but instability and the lack of assurance is always something that concerns me, so I’m just glad it’s over!
That jolly old elf from the north has gifted you a round-trip passage back to the exact time period you requested.… You have a 24-hour pass and $100 dollars (or world currency equivalent) to spend. What coins or other collectibles will you try to locate and bring back to the present?
- I’m a stickler for US numismatics. I’d love to go back and procure the 1822 $5 or join Israel Switt and exchange my $100 for (5x) 1933 $20 Saints. I wonder how many more his family has!
Your Mild or Bold Prognostication for 2025
- The University of Tennessee wins at Ohio State University this Saturday on their way to an NCAA Football Championship.
- We’ll see a major US collection hit the market. We’ve not seen one on the marketplace in a few years, so it’s time to find one that’s far less known enter the marketplace and it’ll bring record values, as all of the rare coins are these days!
Numismatically yours,
John Brush
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