There was a time when no-one cared about mintmarks. They were tiny, insignificant details. Interestslowly grew, especially in the decades around 1900. Now mintmarks are a vital part of numismatics,as important as the date.

There was a time when no-one cared about errors. They were defective garbage, and the few peoplewho took notice called them "freaks" and "oddities." Interest slowly grew, especially in the decadesaround 1960. Now errors are an important part of numismatics, giving insight into the manufactureof our favorite objects.

There was a time when no-one cared about certified coin holders. They were containers that did asimple job. Interest slowly grew, in the decades of the 21st century. Now collectible slabs, such asvintage or sample pieces, routinely appear in major auctions, in coin publications, and in dealercases.

Part of this is a virtuous cycle in which more interest leads to higher prices, which leads to moreinterest, and continues. Once an item has enough value to be worth a dealer"s time, that dealer paysattention. This helps explain why so few unattributed vintage slabs still exist, and why a significantminority of dealer cases at shows hold collectible slabs at retail prices or higher. Money gets respect,and sales of four, five, and even six-figure holders command attention.

Another part of this is generational. There aren"t many slab haters left. Although you willoccasionally meet one, most haters have changed their mind or died of old age. In contrast, many ofus don"t remember, or barely remember, a time when certification did not exist. Newer generationsof collectors, who entered the coin hobby in the precious metals boom of 2011 and pandemic boomof 2020, skew younger. These newer collectors see the coin and the holder as a combined package,with the holder sometimes more important than the coin.

The study and collecting of slabs is now similar to medals, VAMs, toners, or any other specialty.Most people won"t share your exact interest, having their own preferences, but nearly all willacknowledge your specialty as a worthwhile part of numismatics.

Slab friends, we are now mainstream.