...and to all a collecting update!

I can't believe it's only a few days till Christmas. It seems the last couple of months have flew by, with my work, my mom being in the nursing home & hospital and my collecting interests.

I do want to wish everyone in the Society a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Even with all that has went on the last few months, I do count myself blessed; with my family, my friends here where I live and my online friends here in the Society, and all the nice people at NGC.

I have slowed down on my purchases, although I have bought some coins. Most have been in slightly lower grades than I would have liked, but so far I've been pleased with the results. Especially pleased with my new Franklin Half set, most are 64FBL's but a couple of 65s, 63s and 62s mixed in. I'm happy with it, I do still love the Franklin half.

However, I'm sadden to have to sell my higher grade 1849 Large Cent and Half Cent. As I mentioned to another member here a couple of days ago, I'm liking the Large Cents and Half Cents more and more. I may make a partial set of them, albeit in lower grades, probably in the VF-EF range.

I did finally send in 5 submissions to use my current coupon which was set to expire in early January. I sent 3 Proof Silver American Eagles, my Proof SF Mint commemorative, and my gold 2006 Buffalo. I really like the gold Buffalos, and I want to make a set of them, but they're going to have to wait probably 3 years or so before I buy any more. I guess I can still go ahead and start the set when NGC sends this one back to me.

Thanks to Backdraft (hope you don't me saying your name sir), I also sent in a National Bank Note to get certified by PMG with a coupon. Thanks again Backdraft!!!! I have more notes to send in, I can forsee 2009 being more of a grading submission year rather than any major coin purchases year. For example, in front of me as I'm typing this right now I have: 3 more Silver Proof American Eagles, both Franklin Commem proofs, Clad and Silver Bald Eagles in both denominations, proof WW2 dollar, proof Constitution dollar, Lewis & Clar proof Dollar, Jackie Robinson proof dollar, and the Mount Rushmore and the Statue Of Liberty sets. Whew, that's a lot. Plus Jamestown, plus 5 Silver State Quarter proof sets. Also at least 5 notes to get graded. I guess I'll probably get the top tier of membership when my renewal comes up next month. So, NGC I hope you're happy!!!! Just kidding, I'm really happy to have such a pleasant problem, what to grade next.

Plus, I still need to do a ton of research on my Mexican Speciman notes. Besides trying to figure out how many are out there, there is also the matter of researching some of the people and scenes that are shown on the notes. It still never ceases to amaze me, the talented engraves who engraved the scroll work and the vignettes. I was in the printing business a day short of 19 years, and I can spend hours looking at notes and the engraving.

Geez, I've sure rambled on haven't I? Anyway, again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!!

The image attached is a medal I just received, felt it fit in with my Wild West theme. Now I have to find out if NGC will cross it over.