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moondoggy

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Journal Entries posted by moondoggy

  1. moondoggy
    This doesn't make sense to me
    I still don't understand why a CAC certified coin carries a premium I mean take an NGC certified coin. It has gone through 3 graders to arrive at the particular grade. So now you send it to someone else to "see" if they agree ? As most know, grading is not an exact science, so how can someone pay a premium for a CAC coin which in essence it is just another graders opinion. A total waste of money and time in my opinion.
    Where does it end .......
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  2. moondoggy

    A Major Addition

    By moondoggy,

    Keep swinging for the fence .....
    Greetings once again all;
    Today I am proud to add a major addition to my Franklin collection. I started this collection with the dedication of ONLY buying raw coins and submitting them for grading. Along the way I have conversed with a few here about the Franklins and researched various avenues.
    I was fortunate to "win" an on-line auction the first part of July for a 1951 Franklin Proof I really thought could be "special". Until you actually get it in hand though, you're not really, truly sure. Although I have known for almost a week and a half as they post the grades before shipping it back to you, until it was in hand I wasn't about to say anything as I have encountered a "mechanical error" before and wanted to be sure.
    So today I have added my 1951 Proof Franklin graded PF68. To date out of 1803, there have ONLY been 7 graded at this level with one being a star but none at a higher grade and with mine the population is now 8 !!!!
    So with my teaser line stating keep swinging for the fence, you never know when your next swing (submission) is going to be a home-run.
    Attached is a photo
    good luck to everyone and here's hoping all hit one out of the park .....
    moondoggy

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  3. moondoggy
    It's always great to "talk" coins with a friend
    Greetings once more my friends and colleagues.
    Wanted to share and maybe pass on to those interested what was advised to me from a friend here on the chats.
    I had the privilege of talking to Kerry (aka W.K.F.) a couple of weeks ago by phone as we discussed our passion of Franklin's and Kennedy's. I had originally contacted him to discuss this one Franklin in particular and our conversation turned to the overall collection of these two under-appreciated half dollars. Kerry turned me on to a great book titled "A Guide Book of Franklin & Kennedy Half Dollars by Rick Tomaska" I order the book and received it last week. I read the majority of it in a day and man did I become much more educated in these two collections. The insight that this book afforded was worth more than the price of the book itself.
    So I would offer this, do yourself a favor and check out "The Official Red Book" line of various coins to provide you with a solid base of understanding the collection(s) you have started.
     
    Good luck to all in their pursuit of that one elusive coin you really want !!!
    No coin photo this time but to those old enough to remember, maybe this photo will bring a smile to your face remembering this role in a certain genre of 60's movies.

  4. moondoggy

    Is Everyone Stuck

    By moondoggy,

    Early Release Label and all
    In the recent past this subject has been broached more than once. (The Like or Dislike for various "labels" i.e. Early Release and such. So do all the individuals who would not buy a slab with an early release AND collect Mint State ASE not fill the slot that calls for the 2011 ASE from San Fransisco Mint Seems, and correct me if you know different, that the ONLY way you can get a coin in that slot is if you purchase the certified coin that carries the Early Release (Bridge in Red) label. Although the coin will NOT have the S mint mark, this seems to be the only alternative at the moment? I for one have no problem with the label. Are you going to pay a premium for it, of course. I ordered mine today. Will it be available in plain labels down the road ?
    Anyone like to share their thoughts on this one ?
    I've attached a stock photo from on-line in case you are not aware of the coin.
    moondoggy

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  5. moondoggy

    Finally acquired

    By moondoggy,

    "Mistake Morgan's"
    I finally acquired the last "Mistake Morgan's" that I needed. This is the one with 8 tail-feathers on the eagle. In reality, eagles have 7 tail-feathers, not 8.
    The slab is a bit scratched up on the reverse side but not enough to warrant replacement.
     
    moondoggy

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  6. moondoggy
    another + coin
    I added another addition to my Morgan's. I won an on line auction for this super 1882 S Morgan, graded MS65+ last week.
    Super coin for the price. Just lucky, being in the right place at the right time for this gem. Also added a 1898 in an MS64 grade and will add another this week as soon as it arrives. More to follow ..........
    moondoggy

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  7. moondoggy
    all for under a dollar
    I sat here today continuing to research on how I could make my coin photo's better. As with most of you I continue to learn the more advanced settings of my Canon EOS digital camera. If you recall back in December I purchased an "Ott" type lamp which really made a big leap in the quality of the photo's I had taken before the lamp. Now today as I was sitting here the proverbial lamp went on over my head (pardon the pun)
    Construct a light box and shoot the photo's inside.
    The more I read and researched many articles talk about having the correct "White Balance". Well, most digital camera's set this automatically. You can custom set it by going to the more advanced settings and I am working on learning those but for the time being I have been using auto settings.
    Well, the light box made all the difference in the world. I took a small cardboard box and cut it down to a bit smaller size. I then lined the inside with double pages of 96 brightness printer paper. Then tried a few shots and was amazed at the results. I have attached a photo I took today of the obverse of one of my Franklin Proofs. I did use a tripod and set the shutter timer on the camera. I will be anxious to shoot some of my other coins especially the Morgans and see the difference. If anyone is interested in seeing the box and lamp let me know.
    Good luck in getting the shots you want.
    moondoggy

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  8. moondoggy
    not exactly accurate
    Actually if you buy the boxes at Paradise Mint the are a tad over $9.00 each not $5.00
    I have been purchasing the NGC storage boxes from NGC for awhile now. It is the best deal I have found anywhere. The one caveat is you have to order 10 minimum. So next time you need to get some storage boxes, do yourself a favor and save some money and give NGC a call.
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  9. moondoggy

    My two cents

    By moondoggy,

    and then some
    I must say I totally disagree with those that think modern coins have no value albeit points, rarity, or value. Unless I missed it a long time ago I thought the meaning of collecting was a type of hobby one pursued for enjoyment or investment or both. Again many posts have polarized the description to fit within their meaning. We could go on and on with varying parameters such as Modern vs. Ancient or US coins vs. Foreign coins or Gold vs Silver. What some are saying is very self serving to say the least. It is a HOBBY. How can you say your side of the street is any better than the other side. The value is with the owners. There are some here who only care about attaining the highest possible points and reaching # 1 of a particular set. Great go for it but don't spit on the next person's collection because it doesn't fit your definition of what is worthy of points or value.
    I could go on about other various examples but I'm sure you see what I am talking about.
    Believe me, if I sat around and worried about points being assigned to another's collection, I would find a different hobby or just stay off the board and not look at the other collections.
    I just don't understand how someone's collection(s) can get another person's shorts all tied in a knot. To me "It's Much Ado About Nothing"
    I collect what I collect because I like what I collect and that is the whole collection......
    moondoggy
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  10. moondoggy

    This & That

    By moondoggy,

    what about some of this and a little of that
    Well my fellow collectors I can tell the weather has warmed up by the slowness of the board here (nothing wrong with that) so I thought I would share a fleeting thought I had this morning.
    I cannot remember who the poster was but they had submitted a couple of coins to NGC that came back as a non-genuine coin. They (the submitter) then sent them into PCGS and they came back with a MS grade !
    Now I have yet to encounter a situation such as this but I would think it would be a great service and good idea that when a grader determines that a coin is counterfeit he/she should "explain" in detail how they came to that particular conclusion.
    What features (details)default the coin. Instead of receiving a generic non-genuine we would actually know and maybe "learn" from the experience. I don't know, maybe they do provide a detailed report/ but, if not don't you think it would be a good idea to ?
    As summer fast approaches I imagine we all will be devoting a little less time sitting in front of a PC monitor wetting our appetites over that next purchase and spending more time outside.
    Does that mean coin collecting is seasonal ...... not with myself but maybe .....
    Submitted another round of coins for grading. They are in QC as I type this so am anxiously awaiting the posting of the grades and hoping for some great news. (hey did you guys get that C note I enclosed with those coins (just kidding)
    Wishing everyone great success in acquiring your next coin !!
    moondoggy
  11. moondoggy

    BIG JUMP

    By moondoggy,

    WOW could this be true
    Just checked the points on my MS ASE Collection and couldn't believe the adjustment on points on the MS69 grades but then again I do considering the way SILVER is climbing like a rocket.
    GO SILVER GOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  12. moondoggy
    Could some people really be this slow (or) How I spent more than you for the very same item
    Ok, I just don't get it or maybe a whole lot of individuals know something I don't. I've sit here at my PC for months and watched this with amazement ! Now I don't think by what I'm about to "tell" you here and now is a big secret that most of you don't already know or haven't figured out but I can't take it any longer without sharing a laugh with everyone here. Now it's not a laugh of humor so much but you'll get it.
    As a number of collectors here not only "collect" their coins but acquire a holding of silver, gold bullion. Well, this has to do with silver bullion and to be more specific, the buying it through bidding on E-Bay. One particular "seller" on E-bay sells a large quantity of silver bullion in various forms. Without advertising their name here, suffice to say they are located in the state of AZ. and that should tell you who it is. If you can't figure it out yet they are named after a city in AZ. that starts with an S and ends in an E. Anyway enough of that. So they have these auctions all the time on the bay. When you win one (auction) you receive your 1 troy ounce of silver bullion and enclosed is their business card with their website on it. You go to their website and click on products and listed there is the very same item they are selling on E-Bay. (ONLY) at their website you can get the very same item (1 troy ounce of silver bullion) with free s/h for 5 - 10 dollars cheaper than the going top bid on the Bay.
    What is it that drives someone to pay 5-10 dollars more for the very same item ? Yes, I buy some of my silver bullion from their website and everytime I buy some I laugh at all the ones paying a "premium" for a few Bay cents. I just checked an auction at the Bay that is ending in 30 minutes and the top bid right now is $52.00 You can buy the same thing at the website for $47.19.
    I don't know, sometimes I just don't understand the power of stupidity.
    I have attached a picture for extra help.
    thanks for letting me have fun with this journal and hope I didn't offend any of the most intelligent people that have ever graced this site.

    moondoggy

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  13. moondoggy
    Have to admit it is fun to do
    Greetings once again my fellow collectors of metal art. I am happy to state I have started another new journey into my newest collection. I have started a collection of Franklin Proofs. This time though I am doing it the raw way. I am purchasing raw Franklin Proofs and submitting them for grading. I plan on doing this for the entire set. I must admit I have never attempted this in the past as I have always relied on slabbed coins to fill my empty slots. Oh, I have added a few coins that I submitted raw for grading but for the most part it has been slabbed. So as I continue to build my Franklin's I will upgrade when I can. I have started with an initial entry of 7 Franklin's one of which I just received back from grading at NGC. The 1961 was returned to me with a grade of PF69. NGC has graded over 8000 Franklin's of the 1961 variety with none attaining a grade of PF70 and ONLY 30 graded PF69 with an additional 11 star attributes so I was really pumped to add this to my collection to start with. I am really looking forward to the coming summer as I build another collection. I have already purchased more raw Franklin's to be submitted for grading later.
    I have added a photo of the 1961 with this journal.
    Good hunting in finding the coins you need for those empty slots
    moondoggy

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  14. moondoggy

    The Ike's Have It

    By moondoggy,

    Another finished set
    Holiday Greetings;
    I filled the last slot of my Ike Collection with this Ike the other day to finish it.
    It's not a large collection but it is now complete and now moving on. Like most of you, my purchasing will probably come to a halt with the holidays as I reroute the funds to other forks in the road. The nice thing is that those forks somehow always lead back to here. It is like having a GPS unit. I may stray away but I always find myself back here.
    So good luck in filling your slots, and may everyone have a safe and thankful holiday.
     
    moondoggy

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  15. moondoggy

    Morgans Marching

    By moondoggy,

    from the mailbox to the front door, c'mon in ......
    Greetings my like minded collectors of the round. I decided to add to my Morgan collection this month. Today, the two I won on an on-line auction arrived. Very nice acquisitions to fill a couple of empty slots.
    Good hunting in filling your empty slots.
    moondoggy

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  16. moondoggy
    Missing since Jan. 12
    Greetings once again from IL. I guess I should explain my title. I have a standing subscription with the mint as many here for various coins, set's etc. Well my 2011 proof set was shipped but never arrived ....... After filing "paper work" and after a just placed call to the mint I am still in limbo. So I will "wait" until such time as they arrive. bummer !!!!!
    On another note. As everyone here has different goals with their collections and what they actually would like to accomplish at days end I encountered a "fork-in-the-road" the other day. Unlike Yogi, when he advises to "pick-it-up, I chose to pick a direction with one coin. I had been looking for the 2003 MS American Silver Eagle in PF70 for a month or so. As I further researched the PF70 as opposed to the PF69 one glaring fact stood out. (Now this is where the "new" features here come in to play) When I compared the FMV of each over the course of time, the PF70 showed a loss and the PF69 showed a gain. Yes, the PF70 would give me more points but I just wanted to get as close to completing this set as I could. So I went ahead an purchased the PF69 for the time being. Who's not to say somewhere down the road I may still purchase the PF70 to slap in that slot but still keep the 69.
    One more train of thought. Don't know if many have taken advantage of all the "new" features available to us now but one I found last week allows you to (see) print the rate of return on your collections. I was very happy to see my Kennedy collection showed a rate of return of 60.67%. When I average out all my collections I showed a rate of return of 33.5%
    Hey, wall street beat that !!!!
    I did not factor in my silver holdings which seem to be on the climb again, although I haven't checked them today.
    If you haven't used some of these tools available to us now, check them out. There is some interesting info available for you.
    I have attached one of my Lincoln's I recently received back from being graded just to mix it up a bit.
    Till next time,
    moondoggy

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  17. moondoggy
    back to 100% but always looking to upgrade
    I added my last Kennedy for 2011. The silver PF70UC and another Early Releases to boot. But what also makes it nice is it is
    coin #001 !!!!
    moondoggy

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  18. moondoggy
    Early Releases to boot
    My newest Kennedy arrived today. The 2011 PF70UC Clad with Early Releases designation. This is a first for the Kennedy coins. Never before have they been authorized for "Early Releases"
    The photo does not do justice to this beauty. It is just so stunning. The cameo is unmatched. Needless to say I am proud to add this to my Kennedy set.
    Much luck in filling those slots and hope everyone made it through whatever that was that went through here the other night and dumped ice and snow on everything.
    moondoggy

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  19. moondoggy

    2011 MS SAE Addition

    By moondoggy,

    Red Label Special
    Greetings once more,
    My 2011 MS Silver American Eagle arrived today.
    It has the coveted "Red 25th Anniversary Early Releases Label w/Eagle in the background".
    Am really happy to add this beauty to my collection.
    Continued success to all in filling those open slots
     
    moondoggy

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  20. moondoggy
    Added another Morgan
    Greetings once again,
    Today, I finally was able to add to my Morgan collection once more. A 1921 S MS64. The coin has more frost on the face than most and it is evident in the photo. Another nice addition.
    I have also listed a few coins on the chat board under the Money Marketplace tab so if you are interested give me a shout for photo's.
    Best wishes in filling those slots
    moondoggy

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  21. moondoggy
    Adding to my MS collections and my first night time photo
    Greetings again my fellow purveyors of the coin,
    Tonight I would like to share on two subjects. First I was fortunate to add four coins to my MS SAE collection 1989, 97, 98, 2000. I won four auctions in the same evening. (must of been a slow evening) or I was just lucky.
    Secondly I would like to share some info on a previous journal I posted about my "New" Naturalight lamp. Tonight was my first attempt at shooting photo's at night time with an artificial light source. I have attached a photo of the reverse of one of the SAE I just added to my set. I took this photo with no other light source, hand held the camera (no tripod) and use auto focus and no flash on the camera settings. As I stated in my earlier journal this light provides a "Natural Light Source" I chose this sample photo because it shows the hologram on the reverse really well. Also the detail of the coin itself. I imagine with a little practice and "tweaking" some settings I can now take photo's anytime day or night. Where once I was restricted to daytime ONLY photo shooting the new light has expanded my choice.
    NOTE: the line across the left side is a hairline scratch on the slab
    moondoggy

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  22. moondoggy

    Time to add another

    By moondoggy,

    One more and a Moondoggy !
    Greetings all once again;
    Well, today I added this MS70 to my Eagle Collection. Last week I added a few MS69's. Am trying to get as close to finishing this collection as I can by Spring.
    I have also included what a moondoggy looks like along with my oldest son who was home from college for Christmas. My other son had not arrived from his college yet.
    Good luck to all in filling those empty slots.
    moondoggy

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  23. moondoggy

    This & That

    By moondoggy,

    Settling into the New Year
    Greetings my fellow collectors. I have wanted to post a journal recently but was sidetracked with an emergency home repair. Now everything is back to normal so some meandering thoughts.
    First, to all the award winners congrats. You set the standard for us to follow !!!!
    During the holidays I got out all my proof sets and decided to really give them a good once over since I haven't taken a good look at them in a while. I should preface this by saying one of my Xmas gifts to myself this year was a new lamp to view coins and to also assist in my photography of them. So I went to one of the local fabric stores and purchased an "Ott" type lamp.
    Man did that ever make a difference. It provides all natural lighting. If you are looking for a lamp for your coin viewing, it is the best I found. The fabric store I went to were out of the Ott brand so I purchased the equivalent which was "NaturaLight" model UN1017 Check it out at www.mynaturalight.com
    Believe me when I say you will not be disappointed !!!! Looks ultra-modern and folds up when not in use.
    So I get out my proof sets and I couldn't believe some of the "" I had. I mean it was like someone just passed on the crappy ones. I did have some really nice ones but with the new light I could really spot the inferior ones. (NOTE: I also use a visor magnifier with 2 different powers of magnification)
    So I just decided to "crack" the proof sets with coins that were hazy or spotted. If there was a decent coin, I put it aside and just put the rest in the change bowl. I wasn't going to pass this on to someone else when I wouldn't want it myself.
    Another thought.... This has also been brought up here recently. The price of some coins at E-Bay is getting crazy. I'm not talking about the Lincoln cent that was outrageous but MS ASE's. A majority of sellers are asking twice the FMV. Then when you check how many revisions they have made to their listing you can see it has been listed for months. (No wonder it is not selling) I just flat refuse to pay what some are asking. Like someone here said, "it's their coin, they can ask what they want". I just laugh and move on.
    Well, that's about it for now. Take care and good luck filling those empty slots. If anyone decides to check out that lamp let us know how you like it.
    moondoggy
  24. moondoggy

    A Gathering Of Eagles

    By moondoggy,

    2 great Christmas gifts
    Greetings all,
    I trust everyone had a really good Christmas this year. I wanted to share what my family surprised me with on Christmas Eve. 2 more ASE MS to add to my collection. I have also included the PF70UC Eagle that I acquired earlier as well.
    Looking forward to seeing Christmas presents in other journals this week.
    Moodoggy

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  25. moondoggy

    The year is almost over

    By moondoggy,

    Some last minute thoughts and goals for the coming year ....
    Holiday greetings all;
    As the year draws to a close I sit here and reflect on the past year and where my collections were at the start of the year and where they ended up as the year closes. I was fortunate enough to not only complete my Kennedy collection, but advance it with upgrades of numerous acquisitions. My goal for the coming year with this collection is to continue upgrading the Kennedy's as I can....
    Another good fortune was starting and completing my Ike collection. Not a major collection to be sure but one I am proud of. Upgrading this is not in my plans for the immediate future. So status quo with the Ike's
    The ASE proofs finally get a breath of life as the 2010's have arrived. A great addition for many here. Will add mine after Xmas. Let's all hope somehow the mint can learn and not repeat the same mistake. Again, completing this collection is a dream as the 1995 W will in all probability will remain blank. Still a nice collection to be proud of.
    Still talking of the ASE only the other collection is the Mint State's. This is one I am looking forward to completing as near as I can in 2011. With the cost of the 2008 rev 07 and its falling FMV I will lay off that particular coin for now till it's falling value level's out. I will try to add a mixture of 69's and 70's.
    My last, but certainly not my least collection, my Morgans. They are always in my acquisition thinking. If luck be the lady then hopefully I can add a handful in the coming year.
    Now, that just leaves me with what "NEW" competitive collection to start in the new year. I am leaning towards one coin but am still contemplating a few others.
    I end this particular journal with a warm wish for all during the holiday season.
    I have attached one of my "other" coins (not) in any of my collections here at NGC. Just a really nice Lincoln cent.
    Merry Christmas
    Moondoggy

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