If you don't win...don't whine! It takes the fun out of collecting.

Dear Fellow Coin Collectors; I have been reading the various comments both pro and con regarding this year's Registry Awards. I am new to journaling here and also to the chat and message boards so, excuse me if I just jump right in with some of my facts and opinions. My #1 set of Proof Buffalo Nickels won a 'Best Classic Set' award this year and I am both honored and proud for the recognition of my achievement. I am a 100% service-connected, paralyzed veteran. I live within modest means and sacrificed dearly to build my set to where it is today. I am proud enough of my coins to present them in professional photographs. I am a history buff and coin collecting to me is a disability-friendly endeavor and I enjoyed very much writing about my coins with the sense of history which they represent. I own all the coins in my set and as I upgraded in the building of this set I promptly removed old ones from the registry. The thrill of winning this award, I must admit, has been somewhat dampened by some of the comments against the winners. I don't know anyone at NGC and I am unaware of any criteria except my personal one of trying to build, within my means, the best set I can and to present them with a certain pride of ownership. Some of you who decry this year's winners are lucky that you can travel to shows. I would gladly give up my award for the opportunity to travel pain-free to an event where I could spend all day looking at our coinage heritage through a glass. Be grateful that you have what you have. It all comes out the same in the end. For those who would like to look at my collection - I invite you. I am proud of them. I worked hard, too. Respectfully, Leonard "Dusty" Raines.