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Michael Byrne

A journal by MIKE BYRNE

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Collecting Coin,Tokens,Medals

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MIKE BYRNE

Entry posted by MIKE BYRNE ·

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Hi fellow collectors . I'm writing this today basic simple collecting. Why? Why do we do it? Why do we spend money to buy money? Some do it for an investment maybe an I.R.A. Some do it simply because we like it. That's me.I like it . Because not only is this hobby enjoyable it's interesting. We have a saying at the ANA. knowledge is power. I be live that four year of college I have learned more about world history and our history researching what I collect. Everything tells a story. I look down at a coin or token I want to know why it was made were when and how. Now our coinage it's history compared to the rest of the world is short but just as interesting. Tokens tell a different story. They tell of survival saving a country a family that needed food during war and had financial times. Most collectors go for coins I still do. But tokens I feel get a raw deal. I saw a Brutish tokens It came the Social and political series in MS 61 well it sold for twenty seven thousand dollars it was of George Washington. One of the grading company's graded One MS 66 same  of George Washington marked best of kind. Now I called an auction house in England  were i was told that could sell for sixty thousand that was Baldwin's Basement now Baldwin's St. James. It has changed hands why mintage and it's beautiful. But saditily it's only a token. Yes one they wished they owned. The civil  war tokens saved the feet of soldiers food for there family back home. Just tokens. Some go for tens of thousands. Coins come with the same prices but that's because of mintage when it was made and by who nothing wrong with that. Especially when it was made here. By a St Gaudins or a Morgan or Barber. I'm not  writing telling anyone what to collect. That's a golden rule we collect what we like what brings us enjoyment. I'm into detail and workmanship rarity condition. Spanish coins were legal tender during the fight for Independence. Reals, all different denominations. Soldiers had to be paid. They would send it home. Some were made by a die sinker named Suttler. He sold the less than a mile from the battlefield and both confederate and the army of the Platonic bought at the same time.  They bought what they like and I encourage you to by what you like. If your buying to flip them that's easy your not a collector. A collector collects to own. Then one day it comes to all of us it's time to make that decision. Does it go to the kids or the family or do you sell it. It's a tough one mine is already in my will my boys will get it all but one set. The Kempson Coventry set will go to Heritage and the money to the wife. So I touched on a few things. I hope you enjoyed it. If not I can take it. When your my age you have heard it all. Take care keep collecting Mike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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4 Comments

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thisistheshow

Mike, 

Thank you for taking the time to examine these ideas which are so important to us as collectors. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts. 

I have recently become interested in medals after a few years spent enjoying only coins. I have not yet purchased any tokens, but my interest in medals has exposed me to some and I am sure they will be part of my collection eventually. Why? Because of the history that is made tangible through them and the inspiration to continue learning that they give me. 

Thank you again for writing this. 

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MIKE BYRNE
On 2/15/2019 at 12:55 PM, thisistheshow said:

Mike, 

Thank you for taking the time to examine these ideas which are so important to us as collectors. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts. 

I have recently become interested in medals after a few years spent enjoying only coins. I have not yet purchased any tokens, but my interest in medals has exposed me to some and I am sure they will be part of my collection eventually. Why? Because of the history that is made tangible through them and the inspiration to continue learning that they give me. 

Thank you again for writing this. 

Thanks for your comment. One of the great collectors Newman said.il never collect medals. I think that was his only mistake if  it's true. I found a sleeper a medal in Heritage it said the range was 750. I saw the name of the artist and said I heard of him. So I looked it up he was famous for doing European Cathederals. There was one bid. So I placed one woke up and won. I couldn't be live one in for such a small price but when I checked the cert number sure enough that's what it was worth in that grade it was of Westminster Abbey. And absolutely gorgeous. Everyone I showed it to loved it. Then I picked up the famous Centennial Exposition medal. Another rare an expensive one I stole. Medals are part of our hobby weather the rich like them or not I buy and you should buy what you like. Doesn't matter what it is. Medals can just catch your breath. Don't have a collection of them but if one that I see catches my eye who knows.Collect what makes you happy and you will enjoy your collection. By the way most of Kempson and Skidmore are Medelets. Just thought you should know.Mike.

Edited by MIKE BYRNE
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longstrider

Great story Mike. because of you I started collecting Civil War Tokens. Then Condor tokens. I love them both. My wife and I have collected a few medals. They are big enough so the artist can really put fantastic detail in them. Thanks for your work and help..

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MIKE BYRNE

Thank you my friend. I'm glad you enjoy them . It was because of the blogs I wrote when I would pick one up. Not enough collectors don't know enough about them you bought a book and looked into them. Buy the book before the token I always say. Some don't know there missing out on a special part of our hobby. That's why books are written about them. It makes me feel good when someone likes what they choose to collect. You did it the right way no impulse buying. You learned about them first. That's the definition of a good collector. Thanks and enjoy them Mike

Edited by MIKE BYRNE
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