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Wissahickon Collection

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Journal Entries posted by Wissahickon Collection

  1. Wissahickon Collection
    Love And Care For Each Other.
    It is once again Fathers Day, so I pulled out your favorite coins. I have been feeling your presence quite strongly of late. This year is special because you are now with the centerpiece of my life. The daughter-in-law whom you loved so much is now with you. I feel both of your spirits watching over me.
    You are not alone this Fathers Day, Dad. Diana is with you, and you are both in my heart. Love and care for each other.
    Happy Fathers Day, Dad!!! I love you.
    Oh, by the way, if you are not too busy, could you point me towards a couple of those hidden gems at the coin shows every now and then? Just thought I would ask.
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  2. Wissahickon Collection
    Missing My WING WOMAN
    My wife and life partner of 41 years has passed away. She was my second set of eyes and best consul in coin purchases.
    Diana was always enthusiastic about MY hobby and attended shows with me. She enjoyed looking at the collection with me, and after her illness, it was one of the fun activities that we still shared.
    After 13 years of illness and disability, she is now with her Mom and my Dad. I will miss her in numismatics; I will miss her more in my life.
    God has a new angel. I am missing my WING WOMAN!
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  3. Wissahickon Collection
    A Pause To Cure My Acquisition Fever.
    Stop And Appreciate The Roses In My Numismatic Garden.From time to time, I find myself buying coins; viewing them briefly; placing them in the safe deposit box; and immediately searching for the next purchase. The search and acquisition becomes more important than the coin itself. Recently, I have begun to recognize signs of this behavior coming on with me, again.So, I go into a forced slow-down mode:-I search for coins as usual.-Write out a list of all that appeal to me.-Research the coins extensively; make comparisons among the candidates; and force eliminations.-Make no purchases unless one has just overwhelming appeal.-Delay purchase for a day or two to see if the appeal remains strong.This eliminates virtually all impulse buys.This time, I am forcing additional scrutiny, as I am currently making a second culling pass through my Morgan Dollars for coins to sell. As I critique coins for elimination, I evaluate purchases more critically also.So I am killing two birds:-Slowing purchases.-Selling old friends.And in the process, increasing my level of appreciation for what I already own.With regard to my Morgans, rather than sell all (my original thought), I expect now that I will end up with a small collection of Morgan KEYS.It is nice to stop and appreciate the ROSES already in my numismatic garden!To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  4. Wissahickon Collection
    I Added The 1909-S This Week.
    My venture into the Indian Cent series continued this week as I found a nice MS-61 Bn example in a dealer's inventory. It arrrived today, and I am more than pleased. The coin is a nice even reddish tan color with smooth surfaces and a nice strike.
    I really like the look of my mini-collection, and have enjoyed the search. However, I have not yet been bitten by the BUG.
    So I will stick with the plan to stay ankle deep before making a collecting commitment to the whole series.
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  5. Wissahickon Collection
    Can Be Intimidating!
    Every collector begins collecting a new series, at least once. As I approach uncharted waters, I feel the concern of making mistakes due to unfamiliarity, as well as the usual cautions related to adding new coins to my collection.
    These questions race through my head:
    -Is this a series for me?
    -Do I really like these coins?
    -Does their history/ reason for minting excite me?
    -Are the coins readily available, and affordable to me?
    -And on and on.
    I am now experimenting with Indian Cents. Unlike many, I did not enter the hobby of collecting via PENNIES. So, after 50 years, I am giving them a try.
    My way of DIPPING TOES in this series is to start by acquiring the copper nickel coins and the two S-Mints ('08 and '09). Creating my own mini-series to suit my interests/needs is my way of easing into a new collecting arena.
    So, once I am ankle deep in the Indian Cent waters, I will decide whether further immersion is desirable.
    Happy collecting and a very happy and prosperous New Year to all!
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  6. Wissahickon Collection
    What Took You So Long?
    I completed my set of Barber Quarters on January 18, 2007, and wrote a journal entry about it. In June, 2008, I sold my 1915-S MS-63 NGC quarter. It was a lustrous, well-struck, white coin with light gold tint. So why sell it, you ask? The coin had a small spot on the obverse that just bothered me. Whenever I viewed the coin, my eye always focused on the spot. So, I sold it and began looking for a replacement.
    15-S is not a rare date, so I thought, this should be a fairly short search- FATAL WORDS! After a couple of years searching in vein, I asked a couple of dealers to join the search party. When I say searching in vein, I do not mean combing through unacceptable candidates. NO INDEED- I did not spot a single uncirculated example!!!
    What is taking so long?
    Last week, while reading the NGC Chat Boards, I came accross a thread in which a collector was praising a dealer for providing a needed coin. The name sounded vaguely familiar, but I had no knowledge of the dealer. I went to his web site, and noticed he had one Barber Quarter in stock. I clicked on it, and there it was- a nice 1915-S MS-64 PCGS.
    YIPPEE!!!
    It was Thanksgiving eve, and I was on my way out the door to do some errands, so I did not call. But I repeatedly looked at the coin Wednesday night and all day Thursday. Finally, Friday morning arrived, and I called: Yes, it is still available. The coin description was good, and we confirmed payment and shipping terms.
    THE REPLACEMENT IS COMING! It is about time-4 years and 4 months; what took so long?
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  7. Wissahickon Collection
    A Walter Breen Encounter
    I was reading the PCGS coin forum, and ran across a thread entitled, OUTSIDE THE ROPES Coin Show Moment. That started me thinking (always a dangerous thing).
    I recalled attending a show sometime in the late 1970/ early 1980 time period. And I do not recall the exact location; either Cincinnati, Philadelphia, or New York. My memory is really vague on both time and location.
    I got in a hotel elevator to go to the show site, and as the door was closing, a very large man with an unusual appearance stepped through the doors. His attire was buckskin-like clothing and a large leather shoulder bag. His hair was long including a long bushy beard.
    I knew who he was immediately from pictures. We did not speak, but I spent our upward journey looking at him while trying to appear not to be looking at him.
    My first and only Walter Breen encounter!
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  8. Wissahickon Collection
    Mother Nature Has A Way Of Clarifying One's Life Priorities!
    As Hurricane Sandy approached the Northeast, my focus was on gathering emergency supplies; insuring the safety of my wife and myself; securing our home; and praying a lot! Coins never entered my thoughts.
    In the aftermath of SANDY, I focused on checking property damage (we were both safe); contacting my insurance agent; and checking on friends; and offering up prayers of thanks for us, and concern for those less fortunate. I had not one thought of coins.
    As we awaited the return of heat, lights, and telephones, My total effort was focused on getting my wife to safe, secure shelter. Never did I consider the welfare of any coins.
    As we finally relaxed in the warmth of a hotel, with the caregivers on-site with my wife, we finally breathed a sigh of relief! After one night, we are back in our home, with utilities restored. I am overwhelmed with a great sense of relief , thanks, and gratefulness that we escaped any serious damage. One of our trees now resides on the lawn of my neighbor. Fortunately, the only damage is to one section of fencing. I offered up a prayer of thanks.
    Finally, last night, I relaxed and turned on the computer; and viewed a few coin sites. I looked at a couple of my own coins, and felt my shoulders slump in relaxation. My return to old coin friends initiated a sense of well-being, and a feeling of now you are back home!
    The collection provides me with great pleasure and relaxation- a diversion from the stresses of life. But true life emergencies immediately put my priorities in perspective.
    GOD BLESS ALL WHO ARE STILL STRUGGLING WITH THIS MASSIVE DISASTER. May you all find safety, and peace returning to your life, very soon!
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  9. Wissahickon Collection
    I Talked My Way Out Of A Discount!
    This morning, I called a dealer about two coins that I saw on his website. This is a dealer from whom I purchase regularly, but not at a volume that would rank me as one of his favorite customers.
    I do not trust internet pictures, so I ask for detailed in-hand descriptions, and compare the words to what I see on my monitor. My standard format is to review strike, luster, marks, color, and finally, overall eye appeal.
    As we reviewed the first coin, he commented, I had not looked at the coin this closely before. If I had, I would resubmit it. After both coins were discussed, I requested his best price for both pieces. Nothing for the first one, he replied. But he did give me a very generous discount on the second piece.
    I laughed and said, Guess I questioned my way out of any price reduction there. His response, Yep- Thanks for making me take such a detailed look!
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  10. Wissahickon Collection
    Barely put a dent in my TO DO List.
    I got off to a shaky start. Made it to the train station platform about 5 minutes ahead of the train. With 2 minutes to arrival, I realized that I hadn't put money in the meter for parking! I dashed through the under track tunnel (the pay box is on the other side of the tracks, of course.), paid the machine just as the train arrived. Ran back under the tracks, and heard the train depart just as I was directly under it. Oh well, it's only a 30 minute wait.
    Upon arrival, and check-in, I went straight to Mark Feld's table. What a great human being, as well as coin dealer! I've dealt with Mark for about 3 years, now, and we have never met. I brought 2 boxes of some of my better coins for Mark's review. He is extremely critical, which is what I wanted, and provided me with another perspective- really quite helpful and informative. Overall, my collection passed the test! This gave us time to calibrate our tastes in coins when Mark is searching for my collection. I then went through his inventory and indicated what I liked and didn't like re. his coins. Thanks for all the time and attention, Mark. Your insights were truly appreciated.
    I then ventured over to Mike Prinz's table. Mike was on his cell phone, so I left with the intention of stopping back.
    My next stop was the Whitman Booth to get their books on Peace Dollars, and Liberty Nickels; a $40 purchase. As soon as I paid, and turned to walk away, I spotted a side display with the Liberty Nickel book priced at $5! A quick, "Hey wait a minute!", and I exchanged the original copy for a "hurt" copy (their term) and accepted my $15 refund.
    Off to the joint Barber/ LSCC Club table. Here ensued a spirited and fun 2 hour show and tell session with John Frost. I share/ he shares/ I share/ he shares... and so on. Thanks, John.
    I looked at my watch, and it was a dash for the train. I didn't make it. After a 30 minute wait it was a standing room only, rush hour train ride... and it was worth it!
    Tomorrow, I get to do it again.
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  11. Wissahickon Collection
    Back In The Fifties.
    Last night, I had another of those WAKE UP WITH A MEMORY OF THE PAST moments. When I was a kid, my parents could not afford many luxuries. So Mom and Dad made a big deal out of little extras so that they became special.
    One such SPECIAL was sirloin steak with button mushrooms on Sundays. Mom was great at making creative inexpensive meals all week, so steak it was on Sunday!
    With the drippings, she made a light gravy that I loved. I have no idea what was in it, except for butter, but we would put slices of white bread into the pan to soak up the gravy. Dad and I would race to see who could get his bread in the pan for the last drop- sometimes, he LET me win.
    I do not remember much else about Sunday dinner other than the fact that the steak was always accompanied by mashed potatoes, and lots of love and fun!
    This memory spurred me to to pull out my copy of the Norman M. Davis 1971 book, THE COMPLETE BOOK OF UNITED STATES COIN COLLECTING. He traces an interesting, but unremarkable discussion of introduction to collecting; grading; coin investing; and a cursory review of each denomination.
    The interesting HOOK to his book for me is that he details for the various denominations what it could purchase at the time of issue. For example, regarding the Seated Liberty Dollar, he writes: If your horse lost a shoe as you rode through Clarksville, Tenn. in 1843, you would probably visit blacksmith R. C. Beauchamp, who would charge one dollar for a complete shoeing job.
    As I read this, the thought hit me- I wonder what that Sunday dinner cost in the mid to late fifties. Whatever the cost, it was a MILLION DOLLAR MEAL in happy memories!
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  12. Wissahickon Collection
    How Do You Know?
    For a number of months, I have been contemplating disposing of a large segment of my collection. Over the last 2 or 3 years, my interest in my Morgan Dollar set has waned significantly. The set has been complete for, oh I do not remember how long- 5 years?; 8 years?
    I ceased seriously looking for upgrade pieces some time ago. Seldom do I look at the set (1 or 2 times per year), and I stopped examining the coins for VAMS years ago.
    As I thought more about selling, I viewed the set with an eye to which coin would I keep aa a token favorite from the old set. I did not have an enthusiastic choice, and still do not! The thought of no Morgan Dollars in my collection does not render any remorse or regrets on my part.
    Recently, I have been thinking a lot more about auction houses and dealers for dispersal than I am about the collection. When I brought the set out of the bank vault 2 weeks ago, I viewed it more like a grader than a collector.
    The signs are adding up: LET IT GO!!!
    This is a beautiful collection that deserves passion and appreciation, not just careful storage and casual viewing!
    I guess this is just one more phase in sculpting MY perfect collection.
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  13. Wissahickon Collection
    A Little Buying; A Little Selling; A Big Giveaway!
    Today, unlike yesterday, I arrived at the train station with plenty of time to spare... and I remembered to pay for the parking. I moved to the edge of the platform as the train approached. The problem is, the train never stopped; it just sped through the station! So as yesterday, I took the second train.
    Upon arrival at the show, I immediately found Mike Printz and introduced myself. We talked for awhile and I gave him 6 coins to put on my want list. Mike was good enough to arrange for an associate to go thru 3 boxes of my foreign coins and identify the keepers for me. Thanks, Roxanna! Two and a half boxes immediately went to the ANA Young Numismatist program. I am sure that they will be put to good use and provide more pleasure than they could possibly provide tucked away in a drawer in my possession.
    After a fun conversation with the ANA reps, I sought out the Civil War Token Society Table. They evaluated my 4 tokens, and one that my sister-in-law gave me this past weekend. Neither of us could recall where we had acquired them. I received a brief history of CWT's, and the names of dealers who would be interested in purchasing this material. The first dealer made an offer, and I accepted. I trusted him; he was holding a baby while dealing coins! How could I not trust him?
    I stopped to say goodbye to Mark Feld, as I won't be going back to the show, and introduced myself to Kathleen Duncan at Pinnacle, after years of phone conversations. Then I went to 4 or 5 tables to meet dealers that I had either dealt with or heard good things about. 2 were away from there tables scouting coins; 2 were with customers; and one refused to look up or acknowledge my presence as I stood directly in front of her for 2-3 minutes.
    As I was heading out of the hall, a case of Peace Dollars caught my attention. I added the missing 1926 Peace Dollar to my collection from PQ Dollars. It is a nice MS-65, gold toned with obverse highlights of rose and blue: strong strike and nice satin luster.
    With that, it was back to the train, and home by 5:00PM.
    This has been a fun 2 days, but the show size can be a bit overwhelming, and tonight my legs are sore from 2 days of steady walking on concrete floors. I am going to sleep well, tonight!
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  14. Wissahickon Collection
    Technology Changes Expectations
    Jeff Garrett's article about "Guarantees in the coin market, today" in NGC's Weekly Market Report, started me thinking. Thinking about my coin collecting experiences in the 1970s.
    I remember Coin World Mail Bid Sales. These were a listing of coins with NO descriptions; just grades. There were sales by 10's of dealers every week. No description; no pictures; just raw coins listed as:
    XF
    AU
    BU
    CH BU
    The ever popular Select BU
    Gem BU
    I made my bids, sent my money, and took my chances.
    I expected to return a substantial number of coins- and DID!
    Dealer patterns of overgrading would become obvious, over time, and bids were adjusted downward to accomodate his/ her practices.
    Some dealers were dropped when the return % grew too high.
    TODAY, this stuff won't fly. No description; no SHARP picture; no phone discussion prior to sale, results in NO BUSINESS!
    However, then just as now, the good dealers rose to the top, and relationships were forged.
    One of my first dealer relationships was with a gentleman in rural Lousiana. I bid on his mail sales for 25 years. We talked on the phone; he sent coins on approval; and I came to feel as if I knew Dan, though we never actually met.
    We discussed a miriad of life's events: spouses, kids, politics, marriages, grandkids, and eventually deaths. I traveled a lot in my career, and occasionally in a hotel bar, I would have an "over a drink" conversation with another business man, and asked if they had ever been in Minden, La. Surprise, in 30 plus years, 3 had! I always gave them one of my cards and requested they drop it on Dan's counter, on their next trip through.
    Over the years, we lost touch, as my collecting habits and Dan's inventory grew apart.
    I don't have any real point to these ramblings. Jeff's article just spurred a thought. Maybe a point would be that our expectations are the same today; just the route to our destination has changed.
    In the old days, we got there by "mule team"; today, we travel by jet plane.
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  15. Wissahickon Collection
    Making A List; Checking It Twice.
    Here we are- one week and counting until the start of the ANA show. I have been giving lots of thought to what I want to accomplish next week.
    Here is my planning process, so far:
    -Checked the show calendar to see what days I want to attend.
    -Created a show Want List.
    -Created a show For Sale List.
    -Created a list of Show and Tell Items.
    -Cut back all lists to a manageable size!
    Daily checking of Lot-3221 in the Heritage Signature Sale: An 1895-O Barber Dime which I am selling from my collection.
    -Check table numbers for Barber Collectors and Seated Liberty Clubs.
    -Review the Show list of dealers and table numbers to create a list of those that I want to visit.
    -Do a quick check of dealer web inventories; then call them with items I want to see at the show.
    -Go to Safe Deposit to remove items I want to take to Philly. In my excitement, I showed up at the bank without the box keys- EMBARRASSING! Today, I made my second trip. Thankfully, it was not the same teller.
    Over the next few days, I will cut this selection down to a size that I am willing to carry around for a few hours!
    At the last minute, I will get some cash, take out my list and check it twice! Hopefully all works according to plan, and I get over my BIG show phobia!
    Happy hunting to all attending, and may you dealers have a great show as well!
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  16. Wissahickon Collection
    Hello Wissahickon Collection!!!
    It's time for a name change. My wife and I retired, and ceased operating the company more than a decade ago. As anyone who has formed and operated a business can attest, it becomes a major part of one's life. So when I joined the coin registry, it felt like a natural transition to transfer the company name to the coin collection.
    It has been a very successful strategy at weening me from the business. But now, and for some time actually, a name change reflecting a new phase of our life's activities seems appropriate.
    And so, we introduce to the registry the WISSAHICKON COLLECTION!
    May it continue to bring us hours of enjoyment and pleasure.
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  17. Wissahickon Collection
    Happy Fathers' Day, Dad!!!
    All day, I've pondered what I wanted to say to Dad. Today is a beautiful day. I watched TV; went for a drive with my wife; cooked dinner; and frequently thought about Dad.
    A number of great thoughts and memories floated through my mind, but nothing grabbed me as a keynote for this journal entry. Then, at 9:35 tonight, it struck me! It wasn't ONE thing about Dad that was so significant in my thoughts. It is the sum total of small, seemingly insignificant experiences with Dad that has shaped my life, and that is what has been "speaking" to me, today.
    So, in memory of Dad's guidance of his son, I am renaming my newest coin interest/ registry set: "Memories of Dad Liberty Nickels".
    HAPPY FATHERS' DAY, HERMAN!
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  18. Wissahickon Collection
    Third Time Will Hopefully be The Charm.
    On two previous occasions, the University of Delaware Football teams have played for the National Championship: 1-AA.
    This year the Women's basketball team has had their best season ever. Ranked 7th in the national polls; 30-1 record, with their only loss to #5 Maryland; undefeated in their conference; and a 3 seed in the NCAA tournament.
    Their first round game is Sunday evening in Arkansas, so once more my Delaware Commemorative Half will sit in a place of prominence on my desk. And, on Sunday evening, I'll be glued in front of the TV, fixed on ESPN2, and clutching that half dollar for good luck.
    Go get'em Blue Hens! FEAR THE BIRD!!!... and the Delaware 50 cent.
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  19. Wissahickon Collection
    Another Childhood Memory
    A recent trip to the dentist triggered a childhood memory. Mom and Dad did not have much money when I was growing up. My less than straight teeth, today, attest to the fact that braces were financially out of the question.
    There was no paying a dentist to pull baby teeth, so Dad made a game of the extraction process. He tied one end of some string around the loose tooth and the other end to the door knob. I do not remember the game, but somehow he would get Mom and I chanting, Slam the Door! When the tooth popped out we laughed and celebrated the grand event.
    Later, at bedtime, the tooth went under my pillow. As best I can remember, my reward went from nickels to dimes to quarters and finally 50 cents before I ran out of trading teeth.
    I figured out what was going on at the quarter stage, but did not want to ruin a good gig. Now, I wonder what dates and mint marks might have been on those coins.
    Nickels- possibly war nickels, and an outside chance of some late-date buffaloes.
    Dimes- mercs and silver roosies.
    Quarters- silver washingtons; maybe a 1932- D or S. (Nah, no such luck).
    Halves- walkers and franklins, no doubt.
    Oh well, just another childhood memory.
  20. Wissahickon Collection
    Achieving Interim Goals Is Fun!
    I always had a bit of completeness compulsion. It shows up in my focus on finishing any sets started. Some sets are too expensive, so type sets and mint sets are a satisfying alternative.
    Some large sets take a while. With these, I sometimes set interim goals to satiate my desire for completeness. In the past, prior to my desire to collect the entire Liberty Nickel series, my goal was to collect an uncirculated set of what I called my Trifecta: the 1885, 1886, and 1912-S.
    Peters and Mohon ranked the three as follows:
    85 -#3
    86 -#1
    12-S -#14
    My unscientific gut-feel ranking was:
    85 -#1
    86 -#3
    12-S -#2 (mostly because it is the only S-mm in the series)
    With time, I have come to appreciate the 1886 more; but personally still rank the 1885 as #1.
    I have owned the 1886 in EF-40 (I think the coin is a definite 45, and possibly 50) since 1996. The 1912-S I purchased in April, 2011. The 1885 in August, 2011. This month, I found the right 1886.
    I now have my TRIFECTA!!!
    1885 MS-62
    1886 MS-64
    1912-S MS-63
    This should hold me while I search for the missing coins to complete the series.
    I DO LOVE THE SMALL TRIUMPHS!
  21. Wissahickon Collection
    Can Be Nice, But...
    I have been searching for an attractive 1926 Peace Dollar for a couple of years. A number of coins were scanned; many I found to be unattractive, or priced wrong, or something just was not quite right. I came close to making a purchase on a couple of occasions, but as of the new year, I am still looking.
    Thursday night I was looking at the Pinnacle website, and there was a new listing of Peace Dollars! They are absolutely beautiful!!! I viewed these coins again and again; finally, selecting 4 coins of interest.
    Again, I viewed the images; checked price guides; and checked recent auction results. Some of the 4 were duplicates, so I contemplated an upgrade decision. Eventually, I decided on the 1926 and one upgrade coin.
    Friday morning, I talked with Kathleen and learned that I was the #3 offer for the 1926! In coin buying, there is no prize after FIRST place- just my still empty slot. This was the prettiest 1926 that I have spotted, so far.
    On the GOOD news side, the upgrade candidate is gorgeous, too! It will be arriving this week and take its place in my Peace Dollar Registry Set.
    As for the 1926...Back to the search.
  22. Wissahickon Collection
    Can Be Nice, But...
    I have been searching for an attractive 1926 Peace Dollar for a couple of years. A number of coins were scanned; many I found to be unattractive, or priced wrong, or something just wasn't quite right. I came close to making a purchase on a couple of occasions, but as of the new year, I am still looking.
    Thursday night I was looking at the Pinnacle website, and there was a new listing of Peace Dollars! They are absolutely beautiful!!! I viewed these coins again and again; finally, selecting 4 coins of interest.
    Again, I viewed the images; checked price guides; and checked recent auction results. Some of the 4 were duplicates, so I contemplated an upgrade decision. Eventually, I decided on the 1926 and one upgrade coin.
    Friday morning, I talked with Kathleen and learned that I was the #3 offer for the 1926! In coin buying, there is no prize after FIRST place- just my still empty slot. This was the prettiest 1926 that I have spotted, so far.
    On the GOOD news side, the upgrade candidate is gorgeous, too! It will be arriving this week and take its place in my Peace Dollar Registry Set.
    As for the 1926...Back to the search.
  23. Wissahickon Collection
    I Am Back/ A Rising Tide Lifted My Boat!
    Recently, my mind was running through the past year: they seem to be spinning by faster, these days. I began to ponder, "What were MY significant numismatic events of 2011?&"; The answer, I believe, condenses to 2 things.
    First, this year marked my return to active collecting after a 2+ year hiatus. Early 2011 purchases of a 1927-D $1.00 and a 1912-S Liberty 5 cent served as catalysts to reignite my numismatic fire. In addition, the 1912-S led to me starting a complete Liberty Nickel collection!
    Second, THANK YOU RISING SILVER PRICES!!! The tide of rising silver prices lifted my coin boat. That boat being an accumulation of low value and mostly overpaid for US and world coins.
    This is a grouping which I long ago out grew; or in which I just lost interest. For years, I have seen no way out! There was not a lot of numismatic demand for them. I had acquired a number of these in my less experienced days; and in many cases, had grossly overpaid. Tuition is, I believe, what we collectors call it, in an attempt to feel better about our mistakes.
    The silver tide allowed me to unload these extras without taking a huge loss; and it funded some new purchases.
    All in all, a good year to get reinvigorated in my favorite pastime!
  24. Wissahickon Collection
    Merry Christmas To Me!
    I've long admired the design of the Hawaian coinage. Years ago, I purchased a book on the coinage; researched its history and pricing, but never purchased any of the denominations. They were all too expensive to indulge my cursory level of interest.
    Then I saw a 25 Cent piece, this week, that "called to me".
    I could resist no longer, and placed a bid. Tonight, IT'S MINE!!
    The coin is a very pretty, white coin with great luster and a strong strike. Both sides have attractive, verigated toning of gold, blue, and russett.
    So, this Christmas, a piece of Hawaii is coming to me!
  25. Wissahickon Collection
    My Fears Were Unfounded!
    On June 17, 2011, I wrote a journal entry entitled,"TO REVEAL OR NOT TO REVEAL", in which I expressed my concern about revealing my coin hobby to my bridge club friends. Well, today, I revealed.
    I read to them another journal entry, "OUT OF THE ATTIC", (2-5-09) which is a story about my family history. In addition to reading the story, I shared with them pictures of my grandpa, working as a butler; my grandmother on her college campus in the early 1900"s; my great grandmother's high school graduation program from 1890; my great-great-grandmother's picture from the mid-1800's; my grandfather's gold watch; and some coins from the attic of his employer's estate (Japan & India).
    They were absolutely facinated with the pictures and watch that augmented my story, but not ONE of them gave the coins more than a casual glance!
    My fears of sharing were unfounded- they don't care about my hobby!!!