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VISION - II

"MY EVOLVING VISION IS A DIRECT RESULT OF MY COLLECTING EXPERIENCES." As stated previously, I began collecting coins in 1974. For me, this was a satisfying, but solitary adventure. I persued this hobby alone for the first 6 years. It is my firm belief that this was a severely "Vision-limiting condition". The following factors were strong influencers of the direction and scope of my Numismatic "Vision". -Collecting friends and partners: After 6 years, I finally "roped" 4 co-workers into

Wissahickon Collection

Wissahickon Collection

VISION - I

The blindness of a beginner. For the past few months, I have been thinking about the need for "Vision" in one's collecting pursuits. Then, about a month ago, Oldtrader 3 posted a journal entry that provided the catalyst that organized my thoughts. To start at the beginning, I began collecting coins in 1974. It was an impromptu beginning rather than a planned entry into the hobby. Not much thought went into my collecting, just, "This looks pretty. I'll buy it". My "vision" extended no fu

Wissahickon Collection

Wissahickon Collection

THERE'S NO ACCOUNTING FOR TASTE

Why does one coin type appeal to a collector, while a similar denomination or design leaves him disinterested? Recently I brought a large group of coins home from the bank for a weekend visit. While looking through the collection, I began to notice what seems to me, at least, to be a bit of an oddity. And that oddity is my collecting preferences.   This is what I noticed: I love Barber Dimes and Quarters, but have no interest in the Half. I own but one for my type set.   I am an e

Wissahickon Collection

Wissahickon Collection

THE JOY OF COMPLETION

"What is it about looking at a complete, matched set of coins that brings such pleasure?" I'm sitting here; glass of wine in hand; looking at an attractive group of coins lined up on the desk; and feeling pretty good about today's numismatic accomplishment. For today, the last coin needed to complete a set, arrived in the mail- an 1875-CC, 20 Cent, NGC-63. My 4 coin uncirculated set is now complete! I've been searching for this coin, in this condition for a couple of years, now. It's anot

Wissahickon Collection

Wissahickon Collection

YOU NEVER KNOW.....

WHAT MIGHT POP UP!!! A recent purchase was an 1861 Half Dime, MS-62 NGC. It's initial appeal was primarily nice luster and very pretty, light gold toning. Once I had the coin in hand, it had a rather unusual look; so out comes the loupe, and here's what I found: -Very strong die clashing on both sides of the coin. -The obverse strike was especially sharp on central devices (head, torso, and foot details). I'm now thinking, "this little beauty is really undergraded!" -Obverse perip

15 MOST WANTED LIST

UNEXPECTED CAPTURE!! For several years, I have created at the beginning of each year, a list of the 15 coins that I would most like to add to my collection. Actually finding and purchasing these little "gems" has been an effort with mixed success from year to year.   One coin, the 1898-S Barber Quarter, has been an especially elusive target. It has been on my list for 3 years, without me ever seeing one advertised, let alone actually seeing a coin. This Spring, I was the underbidder for

COIN PURCHASE WITH A SURPRISE

COULD THIS BE A NEW DESCOVERY? The mail man delivered my latest purchase today - a 1943-D 50 Cent, NGC MS-66. With my usual excitement, I tore open the package; scanned both sides of this new "gem"; and then focused in with my 5X glass for a closer look. Immediately, upon scrutinizing the reverse, I noticed "something" about the mint mark. It just looked different. So I went to the 15X microscope, and sure enough- there is a clear repunching of the MM to the North. I grabbed my copy of

COINCIDENCE OR THE COIN GODS AT WORK?

GOOD THINGS COME IN PAIRS!! While looking through some of my collection, I was struck by the fact that several of my key coins were acquired in pairs.   On May 15, 2002, I found a 1901-S and 1913-S Barber Quarter in a favorite dealer's inventory. I swallowed hard several times, and purchased both. Thank God! - as I haven't seen their equals since.   On March 13, 2003, the same dealer offered me a "deal" on an uncirculated 1884-S and 1889-CC Morgan dollar. On this occasion,I swallowed

MEMORIAL DAY MUSINGS

What price freedom and liberty as symbolized on our coinage... As I was viewing a group of coins this weekend, it suddenly struck me - the strong, unwavering, and continuous focus on United States coinage of this country's citizens' right to "Freedom and Liberty". And on THIS weekend , I couldn't overlook the significant price paid by so many to repeatedly assure that we all continue to enjoy these "gifts". This sacrifice has been made from the Revolutionary War; to the Civil War; to th

1895-0 & 1894-0 BARBER DIME DATE POSITIONING

Is this a meaningful issue? I am aware of the 3 positions known for the "5" on the 1895-O Barber Dime relative to the Bust: -Far -Near -Touching. Today, I looked at 5 of these coins and noted 2 had the 5 touching, 3 were near, and 0 in the Far position. I don't know which, if any are rare. The interesting point (at least to me) is that I pulled out 3 1894-O Barber Dimes and looked at the date position. I am totally unaware of any varieties here. SURPRISE! 2 coins had the "4" to
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