Visitor traffic continues to be strong as most dealers are encouraged by the amount of inquiries from collectors; sales are somewhat mixed, although those normally engaging in retail sales are having a better show than expected. Some of these dealers have been kept busy at their tables for so long, they have not been able to visit other tables.

        In the afternoon, a couple of important seminars are featured. Bill Fivaz will present a "Counterfeit Detection Seminar" educating new collectors as well as the experts on how to look for forgeries. Next up will be the "Silver Dollar Investors Forum for the New Millennium" presented by Al Johnbrier and Randy Campbell. They will discuss in depth various issues that have a chance of scoring big gains in the years ahead.

        The Grading Services, PCGS, NGC, ICG, ANACS, and SEGS, all have been offering opinions to the public, as well as certifying coins during the show. The certifying winds down today but the opinions still attract visitors. This is the last day for seminars, although Sunday the bourse is open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

        As the doors opened to the public Saturday morning, the stampede began as hundreds of collectors, once again, stormed over to the U.S. Mint display table to get their free Massachusetts Quarter. The Mint soon ran out of their 250 coin allotment for the day. Nonetheless, not all of the collectors were interested in the quarters and judging by the crowd at this early stage, expectations for today's attendance could well be met.

        The Department of Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing has a fantastic display of Paper Money that always attracts lots of attention. Visitors especially enjoy the sheets of $100,000 notes, along with several other lower denominations. There is also a $500,000,000 and a $100,000,000 Treasury Note, both of which have been cancelled.

        One of the special seminars this morning, monitored by Anthony Swiatek, "What Coins Worth Less Than $1 Right Now Could Be Worth Hundreds in the Future" is sure to be a popular program. Later, the Society of Paper Money Collectors will have a meeting on "How to Scan Your Collection". Of course, there are many other exhibits and events to see. If you are in the area, hurry on down and enjoy the show.

        The overall show remains reasonably busy and many dealers are fairly satisfied to this point. Still, it looks like coins under $10,000 are more readily salable. U.S. Gold is more active than some expected and many dealers are doing very well in this area. Another very active area is Silver Dollars. Rare dates, better dates, and DMPLs are inspiring sales on a wholesale and retail basis.

        At 3:00 the Love Token Society has a scheduled meeting and, at 3:45, JT Stanton will speak at an educational seminar "A Review of Significant Major Varieties of the 20th Century". The Fifth Session of the Heritage Auction begins at 7:00 pm. Also at 7:00, the Original Hobo Nickel Society will have their board meeting.

        The FUN Committee is hopeful that Saturday will be a day of very heavy attendance.

        The show opened at 10:00 am and much of the crowd made their way to the United States Mint table where they were giving away a new Massachusetts State Quarters to many of the early entrants. It was officially released on January 3rd , the sixth of fifty state quarters. Soon afterwards the crowd dispersed throughout the bourse room and trading began. It appeared that attendance was slightly higher than yesterday, at least to start, and activity seemed to be much more intense.

        This is probably the most interesting day for collectors as the number of educational seminars and meetings is quite heavy. One seminar is scheduled for noon on the classic head large cents of 1808 to 1814, "The Magnificent Seven." Also at noon, the Fourth Session of Heritage Auctions begins. Later, Paul Nugget will speak on "An Analysis of U.S. Gold Coinage" and at 2:00 CONECA will meet and discuss Errors and new discoveries.

        While business was brisk this morning, it has slowed a bit. Transactions continued to take place, but the number of visitors had dwindled by late afternoon. The U.S. Mint maintained steady business throughout the day, however, did not get the attendance they have come to expect.

        There has been consistent traffic viewing Heritage auction lots. The second session began at 12:00 noon and the third session will start at 7:00 P.M.

        There are numerous fascinating exhibits available throughout the show well worth your time. One of the more interesting of the afternoon educational seminars was conducted by Andrew Kimmel on "Myths and Theories About Natural Toning." Friday will begin with an early session of the Liberty Seated Collectors Club at 9:00 a.m. At 9:30, the Bust Half Nut Club will meet.

        Doors opened to the public with a few hundred visitors crowding the bourse floor immediately, and typically, the noise level in the room began to rise. Many of the visitors were recognized as advanced collectors knowing how important it is to arrive early enough to explore the new purchases of their favorite dealers. It has been at least two months since most of these dealers have been to a major show and much of their material is fresh.

        All the major dealers are here in attendance and ready for the market to show some direction. Many anticipate a slow start, but expect it to pick up almost immediately. Maneuvering through the large bourse floor, business seems brisk for collector coins and even for U.S. Gold. One of the major dealers and importers of U.S. Gold from Europe reports that business is better then expected so far.

        More later.

        Dealer set up for the Fun Show began with wonders of how the coin market would hold up as the gold markets weaken. There is definite concern that lower bullion prices will put a damper on any new money coming into numismatics, at least temporarily. However, as we spoke with several dealers just prior to the opening of the doors, some are seeing an influx of contrarian money buying gold coins even as the price falls.

        Set up appears to be a little on the quiet side; we did not see anybody moving frantically through the aisles trying to fill want lists. However, we are sure that specific dealer and collector needs will surface as the week progresses. So far it looks like the majority of dealers will be in the market for coins up to $20,000; anything over that looks like it may be a hard sell as the new year begins.

        Throughout the show, we will bring you updates of activities, seminars, and special events.

        The Florida United Numismatists is host of the nation's largest coin show, held annually the first week of January. Over 15,000 collectors and dealers from around the U.S. and the world converge in the sunny climate for the first bellwether gathering of the year. The FUN Show this year is being held January 6-9 at the Orange County Convention/Civic Center in Orlando, Florida. A major coin auction is held at every Florida United Numismatists coin show. Conducted by Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc., the Bullet Sale (Jan. 8th) & Signature Sale (Jan. 5th-7th) showcase millions of dollars worth of rare and historical coins and paper money of the U.S. and the world. Detailed information on these upcoming auctions is available at the Heritage Rare Coin Galleries web site at www.heritagecoin.com.

        Be sure to visit the FUN web site at www.funtopics.org/coinshows.html for a bourse floorplan, convention center info, auction and event schedules, dealer directory, hotel information, and more.

        NumisMedia will be represented at the FUN Show by Dennis Baker and is sharing tables 102 & 104 with Stanton Printing & Publishing of Savannah, GA. Come by and let Dennis know what you think about our site, price guides, or just chat about numismatics. We will be offering subscriptions to the Monthly FMV Price Guide at half-price and giving a few away as well.