...But I'm back with a plan.

After an absence of about 2.5 years, I renewed my membership back in March. I can't put to words how happy I am to be back as a contributing member. The big reason for all of this has been financial. But with the help of my brother, my bank, my CPA and my stockbroker, I now have a plan to always have money for my expenses, with a little left over for coins and my other hobbies. While I'm thanking people here, I should put in some good words for Six Mile Rick, who helped me out to finish my Lincoln's Life proof set, my 2004-2005 Lewis & Clark nickels, and for a good start to my Franklin halves.

My collecting goals haven't changed, it's been more on what sets I'm going to make, and how I'm going to make them. For example, for those of you who know me from my previous journals know I love silver (and gold too when I can afford it). Also, one part of my plan is to limit the silver to the mints west of the Mississippi river. However, a few coins from Philadelphia will also be included; as there are some commemoratives I like which are minted in Philadelphia, along with some older coins which were only minted at Philadelphia. Since NGC does not have any just silver sets for each mint, what I'm going to do is make custom sets for each mint, and then put my silver and gold there. I'm never going to have enough cash to do any more full sets besides my Franklins; so I'll buy nice coins and put them in my custom sets. I'll try to add better descriptions (about the coins and about some of the history going on in the US during the date of the coin).

But, my biggest problem is (and probably always will be) is I've never met any (well maybe just a few) U.S. coins I didn't like. The only one right now I can think of are the Sac and Presidential dollars. When I was collecting as a youngster, I loved the Liberty Nickels. So what I'm planning on doing is to make a circulated registry set of the ones I like. Again, for those who have stuck with me, reading my journals, will know I really like coins with a western theme. So 2 of the circulated sets with be Indian head cents and Buffalo nickels. Also, I love the Large Cents and Half Cents from 1840 till the end of mintage. Also, I'll do a few Liberty and Buffalo nickels. I have always believed (at least for me) that a nice, circulated grade (say from VF20 to AU) can be nice coins for the money.

Well, I think this gives you an idea of what's in store. If I can keep my health, I'm hoping to have 20 more years of collecting. I may not complete all the circulated sets, but I should have a nice batch of coins to enjoy.

I still plan on having a coin for each journal, but it will begin with my next journal post.

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