From Florida to New York City and then across the Atlantic to Berlin, the global numismatic calendar opened 2026 at full speed. Over several weeks on the convention circuit, strong markets, record auction prices, and volatile metals shaped dealer sentiment worldwide.
From Florida Heat to New York Momentum
After an intense week in Florida, many dealers specializing in world and ancient coins headed directly north for the New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC). In earlier years, NYINC ran the same week as the FUN Show, which hurt attendance at both events. That scheduling conflict ended several years ago. As a result, dealers from around the world now attend both shows.
NYINC has long been known for its slate of world and ancient coin auctions. Auction houses rotate sales throughout the week, with the first sessions beginning on Sunday. Most auctions still take place live and in person, a rarity in today’s online-dominated environment. While bidding now comes primarily through the internet, sitting in the room still offers an educational and engaging experience.
Record Prices Set the Tone Early
After the record crowds and nonstop activity in Florida, many wondered if that energy would carry into New York. When our team arrived on Tuesday, excitement already filled the air. Dealers buzzed about extraordinary prices realized for top-tier ancient coins sold by Heritage Auctions.
One standout result came from a Roman Empire Manlia Scantilla gold aureus, which realized $292,800. That same sale also featured two NGC-certified highlights: a Great Britain 1839 Una and the Lion 5 Sovereign, which brought $915,000, and the Manlia Scantilla aureus, which achieved its impressive price at auction.
An Intimate but Intense Coin Show Environment
Although NYINC officially opens on Thursday morning, trading begins well before that. Dealers meet in hotel rooms and designated spaces starting early in the week. The convention takes place at the InterContinental Hotel and occupies much of the second floor.
Unlike the sprawling bourse in Orlando, NYINC feels compact and crowded. The show spans two main rooms, with additional tables on the mezzanine. This layout creates a more intimate environment and concentrates the action.
Table holders gain access at 8 a.m. on Thursday. Early-bird attendees may enter at 10 a.m. for a $150 fee. Our team does not take a table at NYINC, partly because we were still recovering from the prior week’s pace. When doors opened at 10 a.m., a solid but manageable crowd entered. The steep early entry fee likely filtered out casual buyers.
Later that day, general admission began. NYINC strongly encourages online pre-registration, which kept check-in lines far shorter than those seen at the FUN Show. After Florida’s frenzy, many professionals watched closely to see whether New York would sustain the same intensity.
Metals Prices Rise as the Coin Show Unfolds
Gold and silver prices continued climbing during NYINC week. As expected, metals prices became a frequent topic of conversation. While world and ancient coins do not track metals as closely as U.S. issues, rising bullion values still influenced sentiment.
The show stayed busy throughout its run, though it lacked the feverish pace seen in Orlando. Nearly every dealer reported a successful event. However, few described it as their best show ever. Many participants had already traded heavily in Florida, and inventories had thinned. That reality limited fresh acquisitions in New York. Our own buying reflected that trend, with far fewer purchases than the previous week.
The ANS Gala and a Historic Transition
One highlight of the New York week remained the annual American Numismatic Society gala. The fundraising event took place at the Harvard Club, an elegant and historic venue filled with portraits and memorabilia, including items tied to Theodore Roosevelt.
This year’s gala focused on the ANS’s upcoming move from New York City to Toledo, Ohio. Founded in 1858, the ANS has long been a fixture of the city’s numismatic community. However, rising costs made continued operation in New York unsustainable. The opportunity to acquire a striking Art Deco building on the Toledo Museum of Art campus ultimately drove the decision. The new facility promises an exciting next chapter for the organization.
A Strong Market, Even Without Mania
We concluded our NYINC business on Friday. Attendance remained steady and consistent with recent years. The market for world and ancient coins remains strong, and exceptional pieces continue to command record prices.
Berlin Beckons: The World Money Fair
After only a brief pause, the numismatic marathon resumed in Berlin with the World Money Fair. This event focuses on modern world mint production and features some of the most elaborate displays in the hobby. No other show matches its scale or presentation. The crowds are massive and enthusiastic.
The show’s defining feature is its nonstop schedule of meetings. Hundreds of tables fill the hotel lobby as mints and distributors pitch new products. World mints introduce innovative concepts, while mass-market firms search for the next breakout issue.
Metals Volatility Shakes the Industry
As the World Money Fair opened on Thursday, gold and silver prices reached new highs. Mints worked quickly to adjust pricing structures as input costs surged. However, conditions changed abruptly.
By Friday, the metals market reversed sharply. Silver dropped more than $35 per ounce by day’s end, the largest single-day decline on record. Many deals struck earlier in the week now require significant adjustments.
Despite the volatility, retail attendees appeared unfazed. When doors opened at noon on Thursday, thousands packed the lobby. The aisles stayed crowded for days. During a Saturday meeting, show organizers projected attendance exceeding 20,000, setting a new record.
Observing a Truly Global Market
The World Money Fair does not rank among my most commercially critical shows. Our role there remains largely observational. Still, understanding the global coin market matters, and long-standing relationships continue to grow through consistent participation.
The U.S. Coin Show Circuit Resumes
After just two weeks off the road, the U.S. market prepares for another demanding stretch. The Long Beach Show returns in a scaled-down format under new ownership by Stack’s Bowers Galleries. Our team looks forward to returning to the West Coast.
The American Numismatic Association will then host the National Money Show in Savannah, Georgia. Savannah’s historic charm makes it an appealing destination, and many dealers eagerly anticipate the event. Immediately afterward, the Whitman Expo returns to Baltimore. The March edition consistently ranks among the strongest shows of the year.
Thinking about these back-to-back-to-back conventions alone feels exhausting.
A Promising Year Ahead
The market feels energized. As many predicted, 2026 continues to shape up as one of the strongest years the hobby has ever seen.
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