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coinsbygary

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Journal Entries posted by coinsbygary

  1. coinsbygary
    The joy and focus in assembling a registry set
    One of my favorite categories of collecting is type coins. I put together a set of major designs (no die varieties) that fit into a picture frame size Capital Holder. I can remember my joy when I purchased a 1799 Bust dollar to fill that last hole (a single hole in a set drives me crazy, kind of like a 1916-d Mercury dime hole in a Whitman folder).
    Since then I have discovered the registry set. One of the cool advantages of registry sets is that these sets help you organize your collection. It also gives you goals to attain. My PCGS and NGC coins I have transferred into ?Gary?s Type Set?. Several other coins I have need crossover grading from holders not eligible for the registry. Yet still other ?problem coins? will never fit into any registry set. Six of my problem coins I listed on EBay and with the proceeds purchased an NGC 1930-S MS-64 Standing Liberty quarter. Not a bad trade off, since one of the coins sold was a Standing Liberty quarter. Now I have five coins I need to purchase to take the place of those I sold.
    The largest advantage of the registry set may be the focus on quality coins. Purchasing quality coins to fill slots in the registry only improves the value, quality, and appeal of my collection. This does not mean I only purchase MS-64 and higher coins. It only means I buy the best my budget allows. An affordable VF coin with good eye appeal can be an acceptable alternative to an MS-64. Since type collections focus on the type, I can purchase cheaper higher quality non-key dates.
     
    Now my registry set has slots for die varieties, giving me an excuse to purchase new coins to fill those slots and further increase my collections value. The only problem I have with my registry set is that there is no slot for my VF-20 PCGS 1799 Bust dollar! Since that is the case, I know I have a slot in my journal to post it. Enjoy collecting coins! The possibilities are near endless.

  2. coinsbygary
    Discover the hours of pure fun you will have assembling one of these sets!
    I thoroughly enjoy building registry sets. I have been collecting for more than 30 years and just ?discovered? registry sets less than a year ago when I joined Collectors Society. I started assembling competitive sets with a goal of completing a few of them with the best coins I can afford. Other sets I am targeting for healthy competition. Still others I use to store coins that buttress my overall points standing. However, there are those I use as feeder sets to pursue my real passion for collecting, my signature sets.
    There are several reasons I enjoy building my signature sets over my competitive sets, the main reason being is that I determine the theme and the coins that fit the theme. In many respects, my signature sets represent what I enjoy about coin collecting, my personality, and what interests me. Filling slots determined by Collectors Society, while fun is mechanical and non-flexible. Let?s face it competing depends on the amount of money you are willing to spend to build a quality collection. That is why my goal is simply to complete a few of my sets.
    Another reason I love signature sets is that I love allegories, and I enjoy deciphering allegories for the ?story? the coin is trying to ?tell?. All sets have an option for owner descriptions; I use the owner description to tell the coin?s story. While it is true you can add descriptions to any of your coins, the signature set is the only place they can all be together in one location.
    I mentioned in a previous paragraph competitive sets are non-flexible, not so with signature sets. With signature sets, you can evolve your set from one thing to quite another. For instance, my ?Inspirational Ladies? signature set started with only allegorical coins. It has evolved to include historical, monarchal, and athletic women that inspire. I even have general and special coin slots to define either a group of women or that unique coin that reminds me of someone special. The only downside, if you can call it that, is that you never complete your signature set unless you narrowly define it, just ask ?Jackson? about his ?High Seas? signature set.
    If I were to meet any of you, we could talk for hours about our next purchase or a possible upgrade, maybe even the dream coin we would purchase if we had enough money. However, just as my signature set is a window into what makes me tick, so it is with others who are assembling signature sets. I have never met ?Jackson?, but we could sit down and talk about maritime history. The same is true with ?Revenant? who is building a set called ?Modern World Silver Bullion?. We could talk about how he assembled those meticulous owner descriptions.
    If you have never considered assembling a signature set, maybe now is the time. Collectors Society allows coins to be in multiple sets. You need not buy new coins to do it; I have a set dedicated to nothing more than my MS-70 submissions. My sets have given me untold hours of pure enjoyment, give it a try!
    Happy Collecting! Gary
  3. coinsbygary
    The final word on my Ultra High Relief.
    As I am writing this journal, my Ultra High Relief is on its way home with a grade of MS-69, Early Releases. Once home, it will be photographed and taken to the safe deposit box, ending a seemingly long and interesting journey for me. One of my final acts will be filling out the survey the mint sent me on the ?UH1?.
    While I am a little disappointed with the grade, getting a 70 is like winning the lottery and totally depending on the coin you receive from the mint. I feel sorry for those five people from the population report that got 68?s. For the most part, I have a good track record with gold submissions. Of three first spouse submissions, two have returned 70?s. Of three commemorative half-eagle submissions, I have two of three returning 70. Not too bad, I?d say.
    Over time, I am developing an eye for the 70 versus 69. While I cannot point to any discernable defect in the 69, the 70 seems to have a certain ?look? about it that puts it over the top. Of course, I will never be 100%, but I am improving with each submission. However, with my Ultra High Relief, there were discernable defects. Near the eagles head on the border of the reverse, there are fine scratches. While I was hoping NGC would overlook this and focus on the devices of the coin, I knew that with those scratches it could never be a 70.
     
    Do not get me wrong, I am still delighted with my coin, and I will not be looking to towards upgrading it. After all 69 or 70, it is still ?my? coin, and I am proud to own it. Kind of like kids, not perfect, but still your kids. Think of what it would be like sending your kids in for an upgrade, absurd. Now I am not trying to compare kids to coins, my kids are infinitely worth more to me than all the ?stuff? I own, but in this case, my Ultra High Relief is my kid coin. I may buy another if the mint increases the one per family limit, but this one is worth keeping.
    Move over MS-62 1924 St. Gaudens, the ?Lady? has arrived. My Ultra High Relief is now a proud member of my award winning ?Inspirational Ladies? signature set. On another footnote, I received the accompanying book yesterday, it is well put together and fascinating, and I will read it from cover to cover. Kudos to the mint on that, happy collecting all!

  4. coinsbygary
    Honesty is the best policy
    In my experience, I have found people who collect coins to be among the most honest people I have met. It is in part, this sense of honesty and comradely that attracts me to this hobby.
    I to have made foolish purchases on EBay, I purchased a double eagle and a 3 dollar gold piece that turned up being counterfeit. These two coins would have meant a significant loss to me had those people I purchased them from not been honest and refunded my money. Since then, I have made it my policy when I buy gold on EBay to buy certified coins only. It is true that most often, I pay a little more, but if I pay fair market value or less, I consider it a good buy.
    I collect coins for fun, but dealers make their living off them. Since this is the case, I really do not mind paying a retail price for coins. In return for this, I demand that I be treated fairly and honestly. I have found when I treat people with the respect they deserve, they will in turn bend over backwards to help me, and get me the best possible deal available. If someone is not up front and honest with me, I simply do not have any dealings with them any longer.
    In another respect because I am a Christian, I try to live my life according to the precepts of the bible. Almost two years ago, I attended the ANA?s ?World?s Fair of Money? in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I had a blast; any of you that get a chance to go to one of these should. While there I stopped by a dealers table and bought a PCGS graded MS-64 Washington Dollar with missing edge lettering. An hour or so later I noticed that the dealer had given me a PCGS graded MS-65 dollar. I went back to the table and pointed this out to him. I do not know if he thought I came back to gloat over him, but he gruffly said ?keep it?. Insignificant, maybe, but I prefer to live my life with the highest integrity, living black and white as opposed to grey.
    Recently I have had several coins returned to me in body bags. Shortly, I will be selling most of these coins and I fully intend to point out the defects on every one of them, even at the cost of a few dollars to me. What price can I put on a clear conscience? In living above the fray, I am contributing to the overall integrity of the hobby we all enjoy. You will not find me buying an 1893-S Morgan dollar for $17.00. Happy collecting! Gary
  5. coinsbygary
    Suffering the consequences of mistakes made years ago.
    From my journal post on March 1, I described many of the lessons I learned over the years on building a quality coin collection. In that journal, I documented a desire to get my entire collection certified. Foolishly, I sent the bulk of my raw coins to NTC (Numistrust Corp). In the past year since joining Collectors Society, I discovered the joy of building registry sets. With the registry accepting only PCGS or NGC graded coins (NCS accepted in Signature sets); I decided to crossover grade my NTC coins.
     
    Having to crossover grade my coins gave me an idea for a little experiment. I would submit half my coins cracked out of the slabs and the other half submitted in the slabs. I was interested in comparing NTC with NGC on grading raw coins. Curious and anxious to get my coins into registry sets, I mailed the cracked out coins to NGC.
    The results are in and they are not pretty.
    1. 1876 20-cent piece NTC graded VF-20; NGC no grade, improperly cleaned.
    2. 1831 Bust Half NTC graded AU-55, artificial toning; NGC no grade, improperly cleaned.
    3. 1859 3-cent silver NTC graded AU-55; NGC no grade, damaged.
    4. 1898 1 cent NTC graded MS-63 RB; NGC no grade, artificial color.
    5. 1835 ? dime NTC graded XF-40; NGC no grade, improperly cleaned.
    6. 1896 Barber quarter NTC graded AU-55; NGC no grade, improperly cleaned.
    7. 1900-s Barber half NTC graded VF-30; NGC no grade, improperly cleaned.
    Now for the good news.
    1. 1909 vdb cent NTC graded MS-64 RB; NGC graded MS-64 RB (The only match).
    2. 1923 Peace dollar NTC graded MS-65; NGC graded MS-64
    Years after this monumental mistake, I am living with the painful consequences. I must sell these coins and purchase replacements. How could NTC be so inept at not finding these problems? Even I was suspect of a few of the coins, but I sent them in anyway hoping that they would grade. It is no wonder they are out of business. As for NGC, they are a first rate grading company, and occasionally, in my case, painfully so. Because of NGC?s high standards, we all reap the rewards in our collections.
    Now, because of my collecting priorities, I will not replace these coins anytime soon. The proceeds from the sale of these coins will go towards my signature sets and my Britannias. Shortly, I will send NGC the other coins remaining in NTC slabs I want to keep, selling the rest intact in their slabs. I have two other coins in ANACS slabs that are not problem coins. I expect these to crossover well.
    Fortunately, I bought most of these coins more than 20 years ago when slabbing was a fledgling business. I may even realize a small profit from the sale. Back then, I bought a good portion of my coins through mail order (another potential problem with a lesson to learn). All told, today I am a more experienced and wiser than I was when I purchased these coins, and I am learning what to look for in problem coins.
    For now, I will lick my wounds and get back in the saddle again; man do I love this hobby!
  6. coinsbygary
    Strategies for building a top rated set!
    One of my favorite coins to collect are silver Britannias. The reason I like them is that they are allegorical, featuring ?Britannia? the national personification of the United Kingdom. Another reason I like them is the design changes every year based on a single theme, ?Britannia?. However, another more nostalgic reason is my wife?s British heritage. You can imagine my delight when I found that Collector?s Society added the series as a competitive set. Most of my Britannias, having been graded, I immediately added to my set, the others I submitted for grading. This became my first set with 100 percent of the slots filled!
    Now with my set filled, I am looking to the competition. The best I can hope to do is purchase the entire series in MS-69 condition. My problem according to the NGC population report is there are few Britannias graded, let alone those graded MS-69. I am not sure about the PCGS population report, but I suspect much of the same. Currently there are no coins graded in MS-70 condition. The person who gets just one coin in MS-70 condition will have the best set. Unable to purchase NGC or PCGS certified coins to upgrade my collection, I must develop another strategy to upgrade my collection.
    I am considering purchasing raw coins in large lots, submitting what I feel are the best and selling the rest. Buying coins in larger lots will allow me to purchase them for less. While I am sure this strategy should achieve my goals, I have two problems. The first problem is I am not a professional grader, even if I submit the best coins, they may not return with MS-69 or 70 grades. Another problem is selling the rest of the coins at what I am sure will be a loss. Maybe I should get every coin in the lot certified. This will take some of the guessing out of the submission with lower graded certified coins tending to sell better than raw coins.
    The best way to take the guessing game out of the equation is to purchase already certified coins. To do this, I have Britannias saved as a favorite EBay search. If a certified coin comes up for bids, I will know immediately. I have already purchased a 2005 in MS-69 condition and a 2001 in MS-67 condition from EBay listings. However, these listings are infrequent, and I cannot solely rely on them to build my collection.
    I think the best way to proceed is to upgrade my lowest graded coins first. For instance, I currently have a 2006 Britannia graded MS-62. If I submit another 2006, and it returns as say an MS-68, I replace the 62 with the 68 and start working on the 64?s in my set until I have all 68?s and 69?s.
    As you can see, these types of dilemmas are what make this hobby so much fun! Hopefully, in time, if I am patient, I will have the top rated Britannia set. Maybe, just maybe, I will find that elusive 70. I am sure it exists as a raw ?diamond in the rough? out there some place. May the one who is fortunate enough to find it win! Enjoy the best hobby in the world!
    Gary

  7. coinsbygary
    The only fly in the ointment to an enjoyable day when my UHR arrived.
    Yesterday evening I received an email from the mint stating that my UHR is on the way. Typically, I receive my items the day after notification. As fate would have it, I worked the graveyard shift last night, assuring I would be home to sign for my delivery. Returning home, I slept on the couch to make sure I would hear the doorbell. Early this morning I heard a heavy truck approach my house and the UPS man (brown really did it for me today) nearing the door to ring the bell. I went to open the door just to see him walking back to his truck, my valuable parcel sitting on my doorstep. Glad my UHR finally arrived; I was perplexed as to why the mint did not require me to sign for my UHR. If I had been at work, my UHR would have sat on my doorstep until I arrived home. If anyone of you still have UHR?s on the way, be careful of how they are delivered to you.
    As I opened the box (like a kid on Christmas day), I was awestruck by the beauty and size of the presentation box, what an appropriate way to house and display such a beautiful coin. It is almost a shame to have to send it to NGC for grading, knowing it will never go back in the box. As a partial resolution to this situation, I took photographs of my UHR displayed in its box, taking photos of the obverse and reverse along with several photos of this amazing coin outside the box.
    My only regret now is that I did not mail my UHR priority or overnight. I hope it arrives by Monday for early releases. Naturally, every submitter wants their fine coins to return MS-70, and should mine not return that way, it will still be one of the finest additions to my collection. I could not be happier with this coin. It was certainly worth the wait and all?s well that ends well. I hope all of you find a similar joy in your UHR?s and may they come back to you as 70?s. Enjoy these photos of this truly fascinating coin.

  8. coinsbygary
    As there are lessons to be learned in life, there are also lessons to be learned in coin collecting!
    Over my years of coin collecting, I have made many mistakes. Most often, my mistakes have cost me money. The positive aspects of these mistakes are the lessons learned that have made me a better coin collector (I wish I knew what it takes to call myself a numismatist). For instance, at one time I used to buy raw gold coins from e-bay listings. Two of my purchases ended up as counterfeits. Since education is the best way to protect myself, I bought books dealing with counterfeit identification. Fortunately, the two e-bay sellers were reputable and refunded my money. After that, I established a policy with myself of buying certified gold and non-common coins only (lesson learned). Now because of the NGC registry, I only buy NGC or PGCS certified coins.
    About four years ago, I decided that I wanted my entire collection graded. Joining PCGS?s collectors club, I made my five free submissions. Four of the five coins returned graded, the other one returned in a body bag (rim ding and a lesson learned on problem coins). For whatever a reason, I did not participate in PCGS?s registry and let my membership lapse. Still wanting to get my coins in slabs, I took my coins to my local dealer. This is where I discovered that one of my e-bay purchases were counterfeit. How embarrassed I was to have the dealer proclaim my coin was a fake (1882 $3 gold, a popular coin for counterfeits). Still figuring that the cost was formidable to get my entire collection graded, and desiring to have my problem coins graded (lesson on problem coins not quite learned) I shopped for a company to grade my coins and ended up with NTC (Numistrust Corp., bad choice). I made my first submission and for the most part, I was happy.
    Fast forward to May 31, 2008, the day I joined Collector?s Society. It took being involved with a professional organization to discover my mistakes. I had allowed far too many problem coins into my collection. Do not get me wrong, problem coins do have a place, especially high-end rarities (two of which I will post in this journal entry), but I had allowed too many common date problems into my collection. Now I must sell these problem coins and replace them at a cost to complete my registry sets (problem coins lesson finally learned).
    Now my problem is what to do with my NTC slabs. Grading companies come and go, but in the end, the cream rises to the top, and you get what you pay for. NGC and PCGS are going strong and NTC is no longer in business. I had no other choice, but to spend the money for cross grading that I could have spent buying new coins (lesson on grading companies learned). Now I will prepare my coins for cross over grading and will make future journal entries on how that process goes, it should be an educating experience.
    One lesson I thankfully did not have to learn the hard way involves where best to store my coins. For years, I had kept my coins in a safe that was in my house. Then I read an article in Coins magazine on the subject suggesting the best place to store coins is in a safe deposit box at the bank. The article suggested taking digital pictures of my coins, enjoying the pictures while my coins are secure at the bank. My own Mom thought I was nuts for storing my coins this way and told me to get them in a safe deposit box. Finally, I did the wise thing and moved my valuable coins to a safe deposit box for $30.00 a year, a small price to pay for peace of mind.
    In the end, all of life is a growing and learning process, whether I am maturing in my spiritual life as a Christian, or as a person, or as a coin collector. The shame in life and coin collecting is missing our learning moments (problem coins) and having to learn the same lessons over again. Making the most of every learning moment makes me a better Christian, person, and coin collector (someday I hope to be comfortable calling myself a numismatist while I have no problem calling myself a Christian).
    The problem coins pictured, fit well into my collection, even though they will never be in a competitive registry set. One of the coins resides in my ?Inspirational Ladies? signature set as a rim damaged NCS AU details 1908 Austrian ?60th Anniversary of Reign? 100 Corona gold piece. This coin with one of the most beautiful designs in all of numismatics on the reverse has the rim ding showing on the obverse only! The other coin, an ICG graded VG-8 1795 ?Flowing Hair? half dollar with scratches and adjustment marks fits well into my type set, though it cannot be recognized as such. The prohibitive prices of these coins in comparable grades as non-problems, made buying them as problems the only way to go for me. In fact, I got the 1795 half for about half the cost of a comparable non-problem coin. For a coin grading VG-8, it has more eye appeal and detail than many of the non-problem VG?s. Maybe I will put this coin into my ?Inspirational Ladies? signature set as the allegorical ?Lady Liberty?.

  9. coinsbygary
    A journal entry that mislead me, but turned out well
    Today I saved $50.00 on a coin purchase because of a journal posted by Collector?s Society member ?davidricher? written yesterday. For those of you who read his journal, he stated that the mint would BEGIN shipping UHR?s April 24 and then only to those who placed orders on Jan 22. This afternoon I received an e-mail from the mint stating that they have begun to ship Feb 22 and expect to deliver UHR?s ordered between Jan 22 and Feb 23 BY April 24. I believe the information in the journal, though false, was an honest mistake. Based on the information in ?davidricher?s? journal I placed an order for one each, Elizabeth Monroe and Louisa Adams gold proof coins yesterday afternoon. Now you are probably wondering how I get from a journal entry on UHR?s to a first spouse order, let me explain.
    I do not have to tell anyone out there who has a 401K retirement account that the stock market is in the tank. I think I have lost 30 to 40 percent of my money in the past 6 months. I do not look at my statements for fear that I will get depressed, angry, or both. It will probably take a long time for me just to break even again. If you are a coin collector, I do not have to tell you that the price of gold is sharply rising either. The UHR I purchased on Jan 22 for $1189.00 now sells for $1339.00, $150 more than my order one month ago on Jan 22. If I continue to work and earn a decent salary in this current economy, I see a GOLDEN opportunity. Where else can I invest in a rising commodity and fuel my passion to collect coins at the same time during a poor economy? Now to be fair I do not buy coins primarily as an investment. I buy them for the enjoyment they bring me as a hobbyist. Unless I need to liquidate them to survive, I have no intention to sell them. Therefore, I will never realize a profit. With that said it feels nice to have my coins appreciate. If only I could move the money from my 401K to gold coins, but then again, how could I retire if I am not willing to sell? No, my strategy is to give investing in the stock market a break and take the extra money I earn and buy gold coins.
    Now, since my UHR order supposedly moved to April 24, and I did not have that charge on my credit card for the next billing cycle, I purchased the coins yesterday for $629 each. With the mint?s new pricing guidelines in place, the same coins listed today for $654 each, saving me $50! Generally, though, when I take a course of action based on incorrect information, things do not usually turn out well. Before I make a decision based on Collector?s Society journals, I need to verify the content of the journal, even though I believe them to be well intentioned. I still may be in trouble though, if the mint ships my UHR before the first week in March, I will see both charges on my credit card. I will have to deal with that when and if the time comes. For now ?davidricher?, if you are out there, thank you, because of your journal entry, I will get a better deal on two fine coins!
  10. coinsbygary
    It just does not get any better than this!
    What an incredible coin-collecting weekend! NGC and Collector?s Society are the best. I sent three submissions to NGC for grading. They posted on the web site as received on Feb 16. I made one world submission and two US submissions. The world submission posted finalized/shipped Feb 20 and the US submissions posted finalized/shipped today. The turnaround time at NGC is incredible!
    To top that off, I am delighted with the grades my coins received. My world submission consisted of 4 proof coins and 4 MS coins. All the proof coins graded PF-69, two of them being gold coins from Canada! The MS coins returned three 67?s and a 68. Of the eight combined coins on the US submissions, two returned as PF-70 and one returned a grade of MS-70! The two proofs were a 2008-w Van Buren?s Liberty and a 1999-p SBA dollar. The MS-70 was a 2008-s 50-cent Bald Eagle commemorative. I could not wait to enter these coins into my registry and signature sets. Only a fellow coin collector understands that kind of excitement.
    If that was not enough, I received my plaque for the 2008 ?Most Creative Signature Set, Inspirational Ladies? on Saturday. The plaque now proudly hangs in my living room. I still find it hard to believe that I won this award because my peers are the best collectors in the world! This also serves to humble me in that my registry and signature sets were considered for awards, being among some of the finest sets in the world. Winning this award encourages me to keep building and improving my sets. My dilemma now is which five coins from my winning Signature Set to send for photo proofing.
    The only blight in an otherwise perfect weekend is my UHR double eagle order. People have already received and had their coins graded. My order, just 7 minutes after they went on sale is still not here. The last I heard is that it expected to ship Feb 22. I do not know what is wrong with the mint?s website, but the feature that tracks orders is not working. I called the mint and they verified my order, but gave me the pat answer of possibly 6-9 months for them to complete the order. I get this sinking feeling that something is wrong and see my ?early releases? designation in jeopardy. I still have a little time though and now hope for the elusive MS-70 grade. I have a hard time believing in the mint?s policy of first in, first out. The next time I get one of them pop up surveys from the mint, they will get an ear full.
    All told, it does not get much better than this! I am posting a photo of my four world proof coins from my submission. They will make a fine addition to my ?Inspirational Ladies? signature set. Isn?t coin collecting the best hobby there is?

  11. coinsbygary
    The Buffalo Nickel since its release in 1913 is still a collector favorite. Today the legacy of the Buffalo Nickel and its sculptor live on in the 2001 American Buffalo Silver Dollar and $50, .9999 fine, Gold Buffalo. As such, when collectors hear the name of James Earle Fraser they almost invariably think of the Buffalo Nickel.
    Likewise, but to a smaller degree are some of the medallic works of Laura Gardin Fraser and in particular her rendition of “Fame” featured on the obverse of the National Institute of Social Sciences gold medal. The National Institute of Social Sciences gold medal, first awarded in 1913 continues to be awarded today on an annual basis. The obverse image of Laura Gardin Fraser’s portrayal of Fame appears prominently at the head of every page on the National Institute of Social Sciences website. As such the image of this beautiful medal is permanently associated with the National Institute of Social Sciences and it is a legacy to the artistic abilities of Laura Gardin Fraser. [1]
    The National Institute of Social Sciences was founded in 1912 under the charter of the American Social Science Association incorporated by Act of Congress, January 28, 1899. From Article II of their constitution the object of The National Institute of Social Sciences is to, “promote the study of Social Science and to reward distinguished services rendered to humanity, either by election to the National Institute, or by the bestowal of medals or other insignia.”
    Consequently, the annual awarding of their gold medal is one of their primary functions as an organization. This medal is of such importance that its design is set forth in Article XI of their constitution as follows: “Presentation medals shall bear the Figure of Fame resting on a Shield, holding wreaths of laurel. The shield to bear the name of the Institute. In the left hand, the figure to hold a palm branch. The reverse to show a torch with a name plate and Dignus Honore, the motto of the Institute.” The Latin phrase Dignus Honore is translated, “Worthy of Honor.” [2]
    It is said that within the context of armed conflict you will find both the best and worst of humanity on display. To recognize the humanitarian contributions of those persons involved with the war effort during Word War 1, the National Liberty Committee of American Social Science Association adopted the following resolution dated January 18, 1918: “In view of the fact that, except in the army and navy, no provision has been made by any competent authority for the recognition by a medal or other suitable insignia for notable humanitarian or patriotic services for the national welfare: Therefore, the executive committee of the American Social Science Association, one of the oldest of nationally incorporated bodies, recommends that a medal to be designated "Liberty Service" medal be authorized. The committee further recommends that the National Institute of Social Sciences be empowered, in accordance with the object of its organization, to award and bestow said medal upon such person or persons as have rendered or may render notable services which merit such special mark of distinction and recognition.” [3]
    The effect of the National Liberty Committee resolution was that Liberty and Patriotic Service medals were awarded to a number of individuals, both civilian and governmental for their service in a time of war from 1918-1920. The medal in my collection is a bronze Patriotic Service Medal awarded to the Director of the Bureau of Field Nursing Service of the American Red Cross, Clara D. Noyes. The following is the text of her medal citation and response.
    July 1, 1919
    To Miss Clara D. Noyes,
    As Director of the Bureau of Field Nursing Service of the American Red Cross at national headquarters, you rendered to your country and its wounded a service of high and inestimable value. During the entire period of the war you had charge of the distribution and placing of all the Red Cross nurses assigned to the army, navy and public health. Under your direction, 19,877 nurses have passed through your bureau.
    American Red Cross, Washington, D. C.
    My dear Dr. Johnson:
    It is with keen appreciation of the honor conferred upon me that I acknowledge the receipt of the citation and the Patriotic Service Medal, presented to me by the National Institute of Social Sciences, in recognition of the services I have performed during the war as Director of the Bureau of Field Nursing Service of the American Red Cross. In the selection and assignment of approximately 20,000 nurses to military and civilian duty, I was always keenly alive to the privilege that had been accorded me. Any work or anxiety connected with this responsibility has been more than offset by the devotion, the courage, and the fine character of service rendered by the nurses while engaged in the care of our sick and wounded soldiers and sailors, and the civilian population of our allies. In the name of the nurses I represent, and my own, I again thank you for the honor conferred upon me.
    Believe me, Very Sincerely yours, Clara D. Noyes, Acting Director, Department of Nursing. [4]
    According to Medallic Art Company historian D. Wayne Johnson, Laura Gardin Fraser utilized one of eleven monograms when signing her medallic creations. Of interest to me is that she signed this medal “Laura Gardin Fecit,” which is reminiscent of C. GOBRECHT F. on the Gobrecht Dollar. Thus, as long as the National Institute of Social Sciences awards their gold medal, those persons associated with the institute are reminded that “Laura Gardin made it.” [5]
    As I become more familiar with the work of Laura Gardin Fraser and by extension the work of her husband, James Earle Fraser I am able to see certain similarities in their medallic art. For instance, except for the flame, the torch on the reverse of this 1913 medal is exactly the same as the torch on the obverse of the 1914 American Museum of Public Safety Edward H. Harriman Memorial Medal modeled by James Earle Fraser. Furthermore, I also see similarities in the fonts both Frasers used on their medals. When I mentioned this to a friend who is much more knowledgeable in all things “Fraser” than I, he suggested that if James couldn’t expeditiously finish a medal, Laura would complete the minor devices of the medal such as the torch and legend on the aforementioned public safety medal. Accordingly, it seems that not only did the Frasers have a good marriage but that they were also an artistic team complementing each other.
    1. http://www.socialsciencesinstitute.org/
    2. Proceedings of the ... annual meeting of the National Institute of Social Sciences., 9th:no.1 (1922) pg. 99-100
    3. Journal of the National Institute of Social Sciences Volume IV April 1, 1918 pg. 173
    4. Journal of the National Institute of Social Sciences Volume VI July 1, 1920 pg. 103
    5. http://medalartists.com/fraser-laura-gardin.html

  12. coinsbygary
    My latest submission, my view on the NGC/PCGS registry debate, and a recent purchase.
    Wow! Nine days from received to finalized shipped! My NGC world submission received Feb 2, 2009 shipped today Feb 11, 2009. My only wish is that my UHR double eagle order from the mint could be half as fast! As with any submission, there are surprises and disappointments. The disappointment, a 2006 silver Britannia, returned as a MS-62. I bought the coin on EBay and should have returned it, knowing there was a chance it might even return ungraded. I bought it from a listing with a ?stock photo?. When buying raw coins on EBay, insist on high quality photos of the coin you will receive in the listing. My biggest problem is, when it comes to buying coins, especially those on EBay, I am not patient. I should set myself hard and fast rules for buying on EBay and pass on the coins that do not follow those rules. Inpatient purchases always ends up costing me more and in this case getting a less than desirable coin. Onto the surprises, a French, 1995 Centennial of Cinema, Audrey Hepburn, silver proof 100 francs commemorative coin with a touch of cloudy toning returned a grade of PF-68 UC. I expected it to grade PF-67. An Austrian 1995 ?Olympic ribbon dancer? silver proof 200 shillings coin returned a grade of PF-69 UC. Of course, there were those coins that graded what I expected. For all I spent, my MS-62 Britannia fills a hole, but only earns 3 points for my registry set.
    I have enjoyed reading the recent journal entries debating the NGC, PCGS registry issue. The first point one should remember is NGC and PCGS are the best grading companies in the industry, hands down. Next, all grading is subjective to the grader; however, NGC and PCGS have the most consistent grading standards, a point that makes them the best. The problem I have with PCGS is that their registry is not inclusive and accepts only PCGS graded coins. One reason I love the Collectors Society registry is that it is inclusive. Because of its inclusiveness, there is a larger supply of graded coins in the marketplace with which to choose and purchase! Most often, when I make a coin purchase, I purchase graded coins rather than roll the dice on a raw coin that it will grade well or worse that I miss some defect and have it return ungraded. Buying from a larger pool of graded coins takes the guessing game out of buying coins. With all that, I do prefer coins in NGC holders.
    Now onto one of the joys of coin collecting, the occasional purchase of a high-grade, key coin. This past week I purchased a PCGS 1893 MS-63 Isabella quarter in an old green holder (OGH). From the high quality photos on the EBay listing, I thought that this coin was under graded. The coin has a strong strike and nice eye appeal and I think it should grade MS-64. I paid a lot for it, but in this case, I did not mind because quality is worth a few extra dollars to me. This coin will make a nice addition to my ?Inspirational Ladies? signature set. Additionally, I earn 1073 points in my silver commemorative competitive registry set as opposed to 3. I wonder if I should have it crossover graded, then again, it is a PCGS graded coin so I am reluctant to do so. If I were to sell it, I would have it crossover graded, but then again, it is not for sale. Enjoy the photo I have attached, it does not do the coin justice. I may crossover grade it because there is a scuff on the reverse side of the holder partially obstructing the view of the coin!

  13. coinsbygary

    What Gives?

    By coinsbygary,

    I don't understand how the US mint operates or in this case doesn't
    What gives with the US Mint? My UHR double eagle order status was listed as "in process" and the coin listed as "in stock and reserved" with an expected ship date of 2/6/09. Today 2/6/09, I get an e-mail from the mint stating my order is "back ordered" with an expected ship date of 2/21/09. Which is it? I thought in stock and reserved meant they have my coin and need to ship it and back ordered means they do not have my coin , but expect to have it a future date. What is so hard about knowing whether you have an item in stock or not? Why is there a difference between the emails and my order listing taken from the mint's web page? Where's the rocket science in this? How could the mint be so unprepared for this, knowing how popular this program was going to be? If someone can tell me, I sure would like to know. At any rate, I do have something to look forward to, I have a submission with NGC scheduled for grading and another I am sending soon. Perhaps I will have these coins graded and back to me before I see my UHR double eagle!
  14. coinsbygary

    My UHR Double Eagle

    By coinsbygary,

    Looks as if the earliest ship date is Feb. 6
    The order for my UHR Double Eagle chimed in at 7 minutes after the hour, meaning that mine should be amongst the earliest ship dates. I have an expected ship date for the coin and book of Feb 6. I will post a new journal when it arrives at which time I will send it off to NGC for grading and early release designation. It may be a blessing in disguise that mine has not been shipped yet. If my coin ships on Feb 6 it will fall into a much more convenient billing cycle on my credit card!
  15. coinsbygary
    After Conservation my coins are returned NGC graded
    Recently I submitted several coins to NCS for conservation. The Silver and nickel coins had PVC residue on them and the copper coins had carbon spots. One of the copper coins a 1911 Italian 10 centismo I purchased raw for $26.00. I knew of the carbon spotting, but I noticed the coin had a particularly strong strike with no noticeable wear on the high spots of the coin's relief. To see what level of spotting was gradable I sent the coin to NGC and sure enough got it back in a body bag. One of the other coins, a 1974 Haiti 50 gourdes I purchased in it's original soft vinyl mint packaging which over time left quite a residue on the coin. I made no attempt to send this coin to NGC because I knew they would send it back in a body bag. I thought that there was a good chance NCS could conserve the coins with PVC residue, but I was not sure they could conserve the copper coins with carbon spotting. To my surprise they successfully conserved both coins and submitted them to NGC. The 1911 10 centismo came back NGC graded MS-63 with an approximate E-bay auction value of $80.00! The other coin came back graded PF-67 Cameo. The conservation done on this coin probably cost me the Ultra Cameo designation. I believe though that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so I use flips made of inert materials to store my raw coins. Whenever I do have problem coins though, it is nice to know that a professional conservation service such as NCS is there. Notice this before and after photo of the 1974 Haiti 50 Gourdes.

  16. coinsbygary
    The hard part now is waiting for my coin to arrive from the mint.
    When NGC announced how they were accepting submissions for the new UHR Double Eagles I wondered how I would submit mine as an early release knowing I do not have 4 other coins to meet the 5 coin submission minimum. I decided to inquire about this using the link service@ngccoin.com . Good news! For this coin NGC is waving the 5 coin minimum! I got mine ordered 7 minutes after it went on sale! Now the anticipation of waiting to gaze on one of these beauties for the first time!
  17. coinsbygary
    Upgrading from NCS UNC details cleaned to NGC MS-64
    One of the features I like about the Signature Series registry sets is the option to populate slots with NCS slabbed coins. Not that I want to fill my slots with these coins, but I sparingly fill slots with expensive coins that I can purchase for less. When I do populate slots with these coins, it is with an eye to upgrade them at a future date. From time to time I comb e-bay for these coins to see; 1. What prices are my coins bringing on e-bay and 2. Can I upgrade a coin I currently own inexpensively. The opportunity to upgrade came yesterday with a coin currently in my "Inspirational Ladies" Signature Series Set. The coin was a 1897 Netherlands 10 Gulden gold coin I originally purchased raw for $234. Since it was evident this coin was cleaned, I sent it to NCS and they returned it detail graded UNC cleaned. Yesterday I purchased an 1897 Netherlands 10 Gulden gold coin graded NGC MS-64 for $260! If an opportunity to upgrade comes for only $26.00, I'll snap it up every time. Since I had the NGC certification number from the e-bay listing, I immediately updated my set and will add photos when I receive the coin. Another advantage in upgrading is selling the old coin and minimizing the cost of the new coin. Rarely do opportunities come to upgrade this much for this little money. So when opportunity knocks do not delay, these opportunities are few and far in between!
  18. coinsbygary
    Amazed my set won the 2008 Signature Set award for "Most Creative"
    I had just returned from a short term mission trip to Brazil on January 13, on January 14 I linked up to my signature set "Inspirational Ladies" for the first time in about two weeks. To my surprise, I saw the "2008 Most Creative Signature Set" icon on my set listing. A sudden rush of joy, surprise, pride, and a bit of disbelief overcame me. I still look at my set listing and the judges comments next to the award icon on the winners page with a little awe that I actually won. I remember when I thought it would be nice to win the "Most Informative" award when I completed my reasearch for bio write ups on the women in my set and write ups on the allegorical coins decyphering the meaning of the allegories. However, I did not have enough time to complete the write ups before the deadline and thought "oh well maybe next year". Now, without even thinking myself in the running, my set is named the "2008 Most Creative Signature Set". In many respects this award is better than the other one in that when I began putting this set together I never thought to be going for the "most creative" award. I simply thought this as a fun way to share my passion with like minded people. My set description described my passion and Collectors Society gave me a forum with which to share my passion with other collectors as I in turn enjoy veiwing other collector's signature sets. For mine to be selected for this award above the other sets in the signature series is an honor. I wish to thank NGC and Collectors Society for selecting my set for this award. In a way by selecting my set, NGC and Collectors Society is recognizing the important roles and significant contributions women have in history. This set is by no means complete as I have a number of raw coins needing to be certified and purchases of other coins to make. I simply see this set as a growing set in the years to come because of the countless women memorialized on coins around the world. Finally, the last coin in my set with a slot name of "Special" is a tribute to a very special lady. Gary
  19. coinsbygary
    The National Geographic Hubbard Medallion is named after the first president of the National Geographic Society, Gardiner Greene Hubbard. It is the National Geographic Society’s highest award and is conferred on persons who distinguish themselves by a lifetime of achievement in research, discovery, and exploration. This prestigious award was first presented to Arctic explorer Robert E. Peary in 1906. [1] [2]
    The Hubbard Medallion redesigned by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1951 is struck in 14 karat gold, weighs 474 grams and is 93 mm in diameter. [3] The medallion in my collection is struck in gilded bronze that gives it a similar look to that of the 14 karat gold medallion. The edge inscription on my medallion is “MEDALLIC ART CO.N.Y. BRONZE.” Thus, it seems probable that my medallion was a trial strike, perhaps struck with the same dies used to strike the gold medallion.
    According to Medallic Art Company historian and senior consultant D. Wayne Johnson on his databank, the redesigned Hubbard Medallion has a MACO die number of 1951-016. [4] This ingenious method of cataloging dies devised by D. Wayne Johnson himself signifies that the dies for the new Hubbard Medallion were the 16th job in 1951. (Incidentally, Medallic Art Company retains all the dies they ever used in an environmentally controlled die library). [5] That said the first recipient of the redesigned Hubbard Medallion and the 15th overall was Arctic explorer Donald B. MacMillan on January 9, 1953. Ironically, Commander MacMillan was an aide to the first Hubbard Medallion awardee, Robert E. Peary.
    The obverse of the Hubbard Medallion features the Western Hemisphere seal of the National Geographic Society and the year of the National Geographic Society’s founding in 1888 with an oak leaf cluster on each side of the date. On the reverse appear land, sea, and sky, races of man, animals, birds, and sea creatures. [6]
    Of particular interest to me is a non-cited quote by Laura Gardin Fraser concerning her design of the Hubbard Medallion: “My idea in using animals was to have them represent, along with the races of man, the continents of the globe. I chose such creatures as would readily be recognized as having inhabited their respective regions from man’s earliest remembrance.”
    “The hemispheres are those shown on the cover of the magazine the Northern, Southern and Eastern Hemispheres since the obverse shows our own Western Hemisphere as the seal of the National Geographic Society. A decorative element is two groupings of oak leaves on the obverse. They were also taken from the cover of the magazine.”
    Finally, when I examine a piece of medallic art I sometimes wonder what the sculptor of that medal or coin intended to communicate through it. I also believe that the said sculptor derives a certain degree of satisfaction when he or she sees the desired effect of their medallic art on its recipients. In some cases, the legacy and effect of a sculptor’s work continues after their death. Such is the case with Laura Gardin Fraser (1889-1966) and the Hubbard Medallion.
    The following is the story of a very proud woman whose great-great-great uncle received the Hubbard Medallion posthumously.
    Matthew A. Henson was an Arctic explorer and right hand man of Robert E. Peary. Unfortunately for him, very few African Americans were recognized for their contributions in discovery and exploration in the early 1900s. In fact, evidence seems to suggest that Matthew Henson was the first human to stand on the geographic North Pole, not Peary. Then on November 28, 2000 some ninety-four years after Robert E. Peary was awarded the Hubbard Medallion, Matthew A. Henson finally received his long overdue recognition when he was posthumously awarded the Hubbard Medallion. [7]
    Leila Savoy Andrade had been a security guard at the headquarters of The National Geographic Society for three years. Few people where she worked knew that she was the great-great-great niece of Arctic explorer Matthew A. Henson. When she showed up at the award ceremony in civilian cloths the president of the Society, John Fahey asked her, “What are you doing here?” She replied, “That’s my uncle.” Leila was one of nine family members to attend the ceremony and she was quoted as saying this about her uncle, “Everyone in the family always said great things about him when I was growing up.” Somehow I believe that if Laura Gardin Fraser were alive today, she would be thrilled about this story and the role she played in it. [8]
    1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubbard_Medal
    2 https://www.nationalgeographic.org/awards/hubbard/
    3 http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19144/lot/182/
    4 http://medalartists.com/fraser-laura-gardin.html
    5 http://www.medallic.com/die-library.php
    6 The National Geographic Magazine, April 1953 pg. 564
    7 http://joytripproject.com/2014/the-legacy-of-arctic-explorer-matthew-henson/
    8 The National Geographic Society Magazine, June 2000, “The Ties That Bind” A medal ceremony becomes a family affair