In response to the call for newsletter articles, I have been analyzing Bill Cohenour's database of almost 1800 $10 Nevada strikes to date, putting together lots of info on the number and theme of new strikes issued by year, and the number of casinos issuing new strikes. My original goal had been to try to correlate these factors with the ups and downs of collector interest in an upcoming article, as measured by Club membership and unique buyer IDs at auction. I don't know how much of this later data I will be able to get. I'd certainly be interested in what things you all have questions about that could possibly go into this analysis, data and time permitting!

A sneak preview -- after 5 years of decline, 2005 is turning out to be a year of tremendous recovery in new issues, hopefully, but not necessarily sustainable. This should attract new collectors in the short term, especially with the new, not so subtle machines. Yet one thing I've noticed that could be a detraction to the long time collector is the declining thematic variety of new designs.

A few casinos do put some real thought and creativity into their new strikes. Palms and FQ (recent, non-convention red caps only) have been good examples of late. Yet the majority of casinos show little creativity (or is it little economic desire to invest in an artist and new strike die?). Unlike the Palms, most of them don't encourage collectors to send them ideas for new designs. Perhaps the new and casual collectors don't care about the designs as much as the thrill of winning that strike, and they account for the largest part of strike machine profits.

How many of the same famous landmarks, or casino restaurants, bars and now golf holes do we want? Will we collectors eagerly chase the new issues, regardless of design? Sure, maybe someone wants to build the ultimate collection of Hoover Dam strikes. Or we just want to fill every new hole in our collection. And perhaps we should just be grateful that strike issues are on the upswing again.

Care to share your thoughts? Email or post. Let's make this a fun read in the newsletter.

--Norm