actually I "clicked the mouse"

Some of my favorite journal entries are those of my fellow collectors that let me into their heads a bit. I really enjoy LowBudget's journals because I get to see how a fellow collector like him methodically hunts his "prey".

An in depth education and knowledge comes first, followed by many hours studying coins on-line, at auction in hand, auction histories..varieties..it is just fun to see how others collect.

However there are a myriad of "right" ways to hunt and buy. I also love the entries of fellow collectors who struggle to stay "focused" with their primary target coins...ever struggling to hold back when a chance for an attractive impulse buy arises.....I guess I enjoy these insights into the hunting and buying strategies and styles of my fellow collectors because I share a little in common with each of you.

Today I finally pulled the trigger on a bigger purchase ( for me it was bigger). So far this year I had been buying a lot of $25-50 coins with a few $100 buys mixed in. Here's the quick story..........

About 6 weeks ago I spied a very attractive coin that thoroughly fit my taste in Walking Liberty Halves. The coin would be a very nice upgrade in both quality and numbered grade on the slab. However, enticed that I was, I just could not convince myself to pay that much at the time. With the seller's images imprinted in my mind however, I checked the auction later to see what it sold for..It Hadn't Sold !!..and it was re-listed back in the "inventory." I visited it often but just couldn't commit.. About 3 weeks ago, it was again put on the auction block, at a lower starting/opening bid !!...this time passing it up was far harder mentally, but easier in another way..I just didn't have the funds to spend on the purchase. ...but my obsession continued.

While browsing some of the auction sites and on-line inventories last weekend..there was the coin again in inventory , only this time the price was down even more! That was it! the seller, probably completely oblivious of my obsession, had continued to sweeten the offer. I made up my mind that if it were still there this Friday (payday) I was gonna jump all over it. Well I checked today and ....not only was it still there but there was a "make an offer" link also !! For the heck of it I made an offer at $200 under the list...I got back a counter-offer that was $100 under list...and the rest is history.

After 6 full weeks of watching this coin, scanning the pictures over and over, checking to see the affect it would have on my points and ranking within the series..etc etc..I finally "pulled the trigger"---or more appropriately, I "clicked the mouse"......This type of approach may not be for everyone--sometimes this patient approach costs me some nice coins...but once in a while it pays off...

Here's the reverse of one of my newest Walker Purchase...notice the fantastic strike ( for Walker collectors, you know what I'm talking about) on the Eagle's leg feathers and breast !!...1944-D MS67 PCGS- CAC sticker