Why I can only afford 1 addiction at a time.

Being a very opinionated person, I just love giving other people advice. If you haven't read WKF's latest entry yet, you should, it's a real hoot. My advice to WKF is he needs a bigger safe! Although I don't share his passion for raw precious metals, I can certainly see the attraction. Having silver or gold ingots is pretty cool. Living in Nevada, I am especially fond of the 3 oz. Nevada bar with the shape of my state embossed in it.

I am finding it interesting, reading some of the latest journals from some members that I have a great deal of respect for, how they are selling off their 'modern' coins (mint products) and investing/collecting in more 'historic' coins. As WKF admits 'what we write is just our opinion' and others really should not be offended when 'we' submit our views for all to see. I have a few newer issues myself for my grandchildren's mint sets, but I have found through experience that it makes no sense (to me) to chase the MS-70 of any mint issue within the last 5 years or so. If you track values of most of these issues they spike in value when first issued and then steadily decline for about 5 years before they level off. With all the complaints regarding the Mint's products (i.e. quality, packaging, delivery, etc.) I haven't purchased anything from the Mint for years and am perfectly happy to buy what I need a few years later already in a slab and paying less than what the original buyer paid!

Pictured is one of my latest acquisitions; an 1823 Capped Bust, Lettered Edge, half dollar. The picture doesn't do it justice. Whether you like toning or not (opinion), this is a beautiful coin...tourquoise and golden patina that literally shimmers as you twist and turn the coin in your hand. Where has this coin been?, who has had this in their pocket during their travels? If only coins could talk! Modern coin story: I was just a blank (planchet), then I was under a lot of pressure (to acquire an obverse and a reverse), then I remember falling into a bin with thousands if not millions of others, then I was rolled, then shipped, and finally slabbed. What a life! I am sure some of you are offended (you shouldn't be), I just wish someone had opened my eyes BEFORE I spent all that money on modern commems, etc. One final thought, what NGC or PCGS lists as a 'value' for you're pride and joy is probably greatly inflated unless that particular coin has some asset (toning, blemish, mint error, etc. that sets it apart from most, if not all others.

In closing, collect what you have a passion for. Different strokes for different folks; and above all, Kerry, get a bigger safe! Happy New Year!

Dan