breaking the rules

Dear Journal: In the 2+ years that I have been using the journal feature I have never broken the spirit of the journal purpose. I understand it is supposed to be about my personal collecting experience and not an open forum for discussions. I recently read an entry that riled me up enough to almost insist on a reply.

Through my years of life there are few things that disgust me more than those who would complain about the rules,refuse to adhere to societal rules/laws or insist that rules be altered or changed to fit them personally.

First off, to make the statement that the only "real sets" are those with 60 coins or more is idiocy. I'm sure that collectors of Franklins, 3-cent nickels, 3-cent silvers, 2 cent pieces, Indian head cents, proofs of almost any series, shield nickels, Liberty nickels, St Gaudens, Indian half eagles, indian quarter eagles,indian eagles, Peace dollars, trade dollars, etc etc etc..would beg to differ.

"Facing reality"-it does not take cunning or luck to build a #1 set of coins where 100's of millions were minted. It only takes the willingness to spend thousands of dollars on common date coins at the dozens of auctions held daily/weekly/monthly.

The awards are designed to reward outstanding "collections" or "sets" which by definition implies completeness. This is just my opinion, but I believe a "set" should be 80% or more to be considered for an award. The primary joy in the hobby is the accomplishment of assembling a special collection over TIME...not just "deep pockets".

A very good friend of mine, a very humble and generous man, has been collecting for almost 40 years. Although not considered a "set" worthy of mentioning by some ( it only has 15 coins or so)--he has been working on a mint state Quarter Eagle Indian set. After years of selectively acquiring choice PQ pieces and upgrading/replacing and upgrading again he finally told me he had finished. He invited me over to take a look at the final coin. He had upgraded his 1911-D from an MS 60 to an MS63. It was a choice example with a well struck D and had it been a bit freer of hairlines it would have been even higher graded. Being the gentleman he is, and true numismatist, he showed as much interest and enthusiasm in the modest coins that I brought to show him as I did for this nearly $50,000 coin that is worth almost as much as my entire collection.

He will never complain about not getting an award for his set-even though his set is worth much more than other sets that will get awards. He will never claim foul or disparage anyone elses collection. He will never brag about the amount he has spent on these coins. He is a man of character who collects for the enjoyment {not to " anyone off") He loves coins for artistry, beauty and their history..the rest is incidental.

My friend George, is a true numismatist.