The coin market is feeling the effects of the economy more than at any other time in recent history, possibly the most since during the high inflationary days of the late 1970s and early 1980s. "High impact" events have been happening almost daily recently, deepening the current crisis and adding new factors to the mix.

No clear trend has emerged for the long-term market for numismatic coins, but a high demand trend has emerged for precious metals. Physical silver and gold is in short supply in the market, whether it is in the form of coins, bars or medallions – people just want to buy, not sell.

Fear of the unknown in the economy and a compelling need for safety of assets is drawing people to coin shops and shows in order to purchase these products. However, many people have been leaving these places without precious metals, because the products just aren’t available. Physical control of these assets is of supreme importance to these buyers.

Such visits to shops and shows by the general public exposes them to numismatic coins and many people will undoubtedly become interested, either anew or again, increasing demand. Saint-Gaudens gold $20 double eagles, for example, may be good alternatives for buyers who are having trouble finding American Eagle gold coins.

One important factor: The Federal Reserve has refocused its attention from keeping inflation in check to providing financial support to beleaguered firms. Those in authority to implement helpful changes within the financial system have realized that urgency in fixing this economic crisis is now more important than keeping inflation in check.

If inflation is allowed to grow, this is generally good for the coin market in terms of increasing demand and prices. However, if the economic fixes fail to shore up the system and we fall into a depression, this could cause a crash within the coin market.

But when weighing the possibilities of what could happen, it is more likely that those in position to implement major changes within the financial system will try to avert a depression rather than cause the population long-term financial stress from trying to keep inflation in check.