Ramblings from the office

Hello fellow collectors. After perusing the journal entries for the last few months, I thought I?d tip-toe across the diving board and jump in with my own contribution. This is also a way for me to look like I?m working while not really working. For those Office Space fans out there, you know what I?m talking about.

This first paragraph is going to be the obligatory ?about me? section. You know, the life and times of Shanky. Honestly, it?s no great shakes, but I started collecting coins as a wee lad. Looking back, it was a natural hobby for me. I enjoyed history, I loved the different designs of the coins, and I enjoyed toting around a box of silver in an old check register box. Most importantly, I loved money. I loved owning something that was tangible, and historic, and far different than the 1981 Topps baseball cards my friends were carrying around. That first collection consisted of some Kennedys, an Anthony or two, maybe an Ike, and I seem to recall a Canadian quarter. It was, my friends, a veritable treasure chest.

I collected until I was about 13, and then puberty hit. The flea markets I so dearly loved were replaced by the local mall, and old Mercury dimes gave way to teenage girls in braces. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose.

I?m 38 now, and after having my son four years ago, I decided to revisit the world of coin collecting. It was, as they say, my first true love. My motivations are two-fold: To create a nice collection of certified coins for him and his progeny to own, admire, pass down, sell, or whatever they ultimately choose; and to bring back those old familiar feelings of my youth when I gazed upon a coin for the first time and yearned to add it to my collection.

With a wife, two stepchildren who just *have* the latest electronic devices, and a youngster of my own constantly hitting me up for Transformers, I am obviously limited by finances with my new hobby. . .as I?m sure you all are. So, my additions will not come in droves. Unlike the collection of my youth, I?m striving for quality this time around, and have started a type set collection with what I hope will be predominantly mint state coins. My latest purchase was just last week from a fellow collector ? a 1974D NGC MS66 Ike dollar. It?s due to arrive at any time, so I?m anxious to unwrap it, gaze at Dwight?s bald head, and place it with the others.

Happy collecting everybody, and stay warm, safe, and most importantly don't get roped into working on Saturday.