Got my 2 NGC Award Plaques today...

I almost opened the package in my car..it was a box from NGC and could be only 1 thing, the Awards that I was granted for best Collectors' Journal and the other for Most Creative Signature Set.

I am writing this in all humbleness and gratitude because I am one of the little guys. I often see coins sold at some of the big auctions that are worth far more than my entire collection and although I love to look through the catalogs I get in the mail, most of those great coins I can only dream about. In fact I have never spent more than $3000 on any coin, and I am grateful that I can do that because there was a time in my life where $300 for a coin would not have been feasible.

For any of the newer collectors who may read this remember that NGC has set up a wonderful sight here where even the smaller budget collectors can find a niche in a signature set, world set,year set etc..and be the best in their category.

For all of the incredible sets on this sight and the many wonderful coins that I will never be able to afford- a little guy with 2 daughters in college to boot-was actually the only member to win 2 of the special award plaques. And although not as prestigious as Best Overall Set-my little niche is alot of fun collecting for me.

The commentary on the Journal Award was very flattering-"represents the spirit of the collectors journal by recording his collecting experiences". When I started writing journal entries I understood that it was intended almost as a coin diary { I like to think of it as a ship Captain's log-more manly than a diary}..the purpose of the journal feature is not to solicit opinions, ask questions, or raise topics for discussion {there are seperate chat boards for this here at this sight} but only as a PERSONAL log of our private collecting experiences...

For the journal option and the wonderful signature sets I want to thank NGC for both and hopethey continue with the excellent work they do here.

It has been another great year of collecting and I am living proof that even us little guys have our place and I can call myself a Numismatist..

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