We all want to understand the antiques marketplace in order to try and get ahead of the curve of what is hot and what is not. Its the same practice that one sees with the stock market or nearly any other speculative item. Covid has put us in a position of not knowing from day to day what the future of antiques will be on a daily basis. We worry that high gas prices or inflation or stagflation or fear of contagion will all keep customers away. I would offer a few thoughts from the peanut gallery about all of this. First is that for collectors, those who have it in their blood and soul, there are relatively few obstacles to keep them away from their mission. Yes, antiques are not vital commodities like food or fuel, but as collectors, we are seeking out things all the time. Second is that the casual collectors who see antiques as a recreation still want to be out shopping. After all, who wants to sit home on a rainy Sunday when they can hit the local antiques market? So what are my experiences in a few areas? Post Mid-Century Modern is Hot I was in a store in Havre de Grace, Md., that focuses on 1960s-70s items, and there were people in line to buy things. The stores success was definitely built upon the owner(s) having a great eye but also in being able to find quantities of items. That seems to be a formula for success in this market. Roman Coins I have collected Roman coins for years, and as a category it has been one that is pretty old school and pricing is kind of stoic. Well, in the last couple of months, I cannot touch any of the coins that I want at auction. Hmmm, there is not a bullion value, so I am not sure what the story is. Photography Regular readers know that I often cite photography as an undervalued antique and/or collectible. There is a lot of material out there, and pricing is really a buyers market since for every high end dealer there are dozens and dozens of folks who sell items in all venues for very low prices. In the last two months, I have been beaten out in both online and live auctions of numerous lots. So, my assessment is that for all the reports of the demise of the market, there may be just as many areas what are alive and strong. My suspicions as to what is driving the market includes the following: Changes in how we live. Collectors who are buying their first home are certainly driving the market on furniture at this moment. Conversely, existing collectors may be pursuing small items such as coins and photography. These store well, and its easy to have a big collection in a small space. The impact of internet shopping. While the exercise of going out and shopping remains strong for many of us, I do think the convenience of virtual shopping at 10 p.m. on a Thursday remains a driver in the virtual market. Money burning a hole in our pockets, despite the downward spiral of the antiques market since 2008. I would argue that many of us still believe in the value of antiques and that owning a Chippendale chair provides far more pleasure than a virtual stock. Right or wrong? I welcome you to figure it all out! Born to collect should be the motto of Peter Seiberts family. Raised in Central Pennsylvania, Seibert has been collecting and writing about antiques for more than three decades. By day, he is a museum director and has worked in Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Virginia and New Mexico. In addition, he advises and consults with auction houses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly about American furniture and decorative arts. Seiberts writings include books on photography, American fraternal societies and paintings. He and his family are restoring a 1905 arts and crafts house filled with years worth antique treasures found in shops, co-ops and at auctions.