Jeff Garrett, past ANA President, numismatic author, and longtime figure in the industry, during the 2025 Central States Numismatic Show to talk about the current market, collector education, and what the next generation of dealers needs to understand. In this interview: 📈 Jeff talks about long-term cycles in the coin market, including why we may be entering another peak 📚 The role of education and mentorship in keeping the hobby alive 🧠 What makes a good collector vs. a good dealer—and why there’s a real difference 💬 Why it’s so important to teach young dealers how to grade, buy smart, and think long-term 🪙 Plus: his thoughts on what’s changed since he started, and what still matters just as much today If you’re new to numismatics or have been collecting for decades, this is one of those rare conversations where a veteran breaks it all down in plain language.
Time Stamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Jeff Garrett at Central States 2025
00:35 – The Kentucky Hoard: 800 Gold Coins Found in a Cornfield
02:06 – Handling the Discovery & Preserving Legal Safety
03:15 – From Collector to Red Book Editor: 50 Years in Numismatics
05:09 – First Love: Lincoln Cents & Whitman Folders
06:11 – Life-Changing Summer Seminar & Early Career Success
07:26 – $100K Collection Strategy: Buy Rarity, Not Grade
09:37 – Jeff’s Top Picks: 1911-D $2.50, Fugio Cent, Key Type Coins
10:25 – Craziest Coin Show Story: The 1980 Market Crash at CSNS
12:18 – How the Internet & Social Media Saved the Coin Market
13:28 – The Value of Coin Shows in the Digital Age
14:45 – Undervalued Market: Ancient Coins & Global Appeal
15:12 – Coolest Collection Ever: The Dahlonega Gold Set (Duke’s Creek Collection)
16:48 – Final Thoughts: It's All About the Stories & the Community