• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Mokiechan

Member: Seasoned Veteran
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    1,221

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Journal Entries posted by Mokiechan

  1. Mokiechan
    Nowadays, a lot of us, including me, buy most of our coins via the internet.  This is way different from when I started collecting back in the late 1960's.  In those days, even Department Stores had a coin and stamp counter, Heck even the local Woolworth's had a section of the store where you could buy a Red Book, a Lincoln Cent Folder, and all the other associated supplies.  Local coin shops, at least in the Pittsburgh area, were plentiful, and there was always mail order through a dealer you might have spotted in Coins Magazine, or the Numismatic News. Those days are gone, for the most part, but the local, regional, or national coin shows are still around and are still one of the best ways to fill your want list, meet your fellow collectors (I really do feel completely at home surrounded by my fellow hobbyists), and even learn a thing or two.   The Pennsylvania Numismatic Association (PAN) is hosting their Fall show this week, 17-19 October, in beautiful Monroeville PA. There will be about 120 dealers, ANACS will take your coins for grading, and there are a number of speakers, to include Clifford Mishler, holding forth on the 18th.  As if that wasn't enough, here are the top 11 reasons you should attend the Fall PAN show:

    1.  Parking is Free, Admission is Free, Spending time at the traveling Burns Library is Free, Distinguished Speakers are Free, and the KidZone is Free (for all YNs under 18).
    2.  Clifford Mishler is going to speak about the remarkable Chet Krause on Friday afternoon.  Cliff is a personal Numismatic Hero of Mine.
    3.  The weather should be excellent with no rain, or snow, or other natural calamities in the forecast.
    4.  Monroeville is conveniently located off the Pennsylvania Turnpike for those of you coming from other parts of Pennsy.
    5.  Monroeville is just a Parkway, a tunnel, and a Parkway from beautiful downtown Pittsburgh.
    6.  The concession stand in the convention center actually has moderate prices, an excellent breakfast burrito, and a $5 soft drink you can refill for free all day long.
    7.  The convention center is adjacent to the Monroeville Mall, which is WORLD FAMOUS for being the Mall featured in George Romero's Dawn of the Dead.
    8.  Clubs including the Harrisburg Coin Club, the West Penn Coin Club, the Liberty Seated Collectors Club, Western Pennsylvania Numismatic Society, PAN, and the Barber Coin Collectors Society, will be present to answer your questions and solicit your membership.
    9.  There will be outstanding competitive exhibits available for your viewing pleasure and you can vote for Best of Show.10. Did I mention Ben Franklin?  Ben Franklin, His Honourable Self, will be appearing throughout the show to provide wisdom and selfie opportunities.
    11. Finally, the bourse floor is populated by a number of dealers selling slabbed coins, raw coins, medals, ancient coins, currency, books, and supplies.  If you want it, you will find it.

    I hope to see you there, if you do make it, stop by the KidZone table and say Hi, I will be there all day Saturday. 

     


  2. Mokiechan
    And Chop Marks.
    Folks, I am about to send 8 Japanese Silver Yen and 1 Japanese Trade Dollar to NGC for grading. For the most part they are going to come back as Details graded because almost every one of them has light, to moderate, and in the case of the Trade Dollar, heavy chop marks. I found an excellent page on the net to help with the dating. Most were from the Meiji period (up til 1911 with one of the coins being a Taisho coin from 1914. All these coins are 900 fine silver dollar size and all are part of my larger collection of chop marked trade coins.
    I am still waiting for the return of 2 British Trade Dollars and a Straits Settlement Trade Dollar I sent in at the end of February. I can't wait to get these coins in a new custom set. I have always loved my trade dollar collection. I will post pics of the first group as I requested photo service from NGC.
    this custom set, when its finished, is going to include pictures of each coin, a full description of each coin, and even a little history of the issuing authority.
    My other collections are fun, my chop marked trade coins are my passion.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  3. Mokiechan

    Wow What A Shocker

    By Mokiechan,

    Followup to my early posting about sample slabs.
    OMG, I have been following a 1963 Roosevelt Dime in a PCGS Sample Slab until it closed tonight and the final winning bid was 167.50. Yes, that is 167.50 for an ungraded, but clearly UNC dime jsut because it is in a sample slab. That is so cool!!! I know my similar slab with a 1964-D Roosevelt is probably not as valuable but if there is a growing market for sample slabs, I will put that slab on the market as soon as the heat comes to 1964s as well. Got to monitor this closely, Maybe that freebie dime is going to net me a nice early commemorative sometime soon.
    Love It!!!
    Happy Holidays Friends,
    Malcolm
    PS - the coin pictured is the big seller on EBAY, not the one I own.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  4. Mokiechan
    By Hollywood, of all places.
    Hi All,
    Recieved my 1923-S PCGS MS63 Monroe Doctrine Half Dollar in yesterdays mail. This is another addition to the 50% Is Good Enough set and is also another great example of first generation commemorative half boondoggery.
    Obverse shows the conjoined busts of President James Monroe, and Secretary of State, John Qunicy Adams. The reverse depicts two female forms representing North and South America.
    The Monroe Doctrine was promulgated President Monroe in 1923 and its purpose was to basically place all of Central and South America under U.S. protection. The reason that John Q. Adams also appeared on the coin is because he actually drafted the Monroe Doctrine. For the 100th Anniversery of the Doctrine, Hollywood film interests sponsored an exposition in Los Angeles that had as its theme, U.S. History. Hmmmm, sounds a little contrived to me.
    The reverse design is very interesting in that Chester Beach turned North and South America into you ladies who join hands in "Central America". Although the design is innovative and appealing, the low relief diminishes its artistic impact.
    Hope you Enjoy,
    Happy Holidays,
    Malcolm

  5. Mokiechan
    There is a gentlemen doing business in Colorado that makes amazing reproductions of US coins. Even though his copies are exquisite, he gets away with not affixing the word COPY anywhere on his coins because he creates Fantasy pieces.  I own two of his Peace Dollars, one dated 1918 and one dated 1965.  The 1918 is in high relief (like the 1921) but also includes the infamous broken sword that caused so much controversy before the Dollar was released.  The 1965 Dollar is obviously meant as an homage to the fabled 1964 Peace Dollar, but is given a fantasy date so as not to run afoul of the actually minted 1964 version. 
    Mr. Daniel Carr, the creator of these pieces, takes pains to overstrike these fantasy pieces on genuine Peace Dollars.  Mr. Carr does this same thing with Morgan Dollars (he has produced a 1964 Morgan) and with a large variety of other US coin types.   I also own his 1858 Braided Hair Large Cent, overstruck on a genuine Large Cent of the era and a club medal struck for the Colorado Springs Numismatic Society, which was overstruck on a 1976 D CN Eisenhower Dollar.  You can even see the outline of Eisenhower on the Obverse, it kind of reminds me of clashed dies.   So bottom line, Mr. Carr is prodigious and his efforts sell well on his website as well as on Ebay.  
    I happen to like his products, I am glad he is able to skirt the Copy law, I am assuming, since he only produces fantasy dates, no one can ever be fooled.  What do YOU think?
     
     
     
     


  6. Mokiechan

    My Most Favorite Island

    By Mokiechan,

    Whitman Folder #9088 is a remarkable little folder, a typical 3 panel folder, that has transported me back in time to a wild island off the coast of North America. 9088, the Newfoundland Coin Type Collection consists of 7 denominations for 1 Queen, and 3 Kings of England.  Her Provincial coin collection starts with Queen Victoria in 1865 and ends with King George VI in 1947.   In 1949, Newfoundland joined Canada and became her 10th and last Province. 

    As I may have mentioned in previous blogs, I have a great affinity for Canada and enjoy collecting her coins and ephemera.  I became aware of the possibility of collecting Canadian Provincial issues after completing my Dansco Canada Type Album.  The provincial issues available, in order of their output are Newfoundland (20 coins), New Brunswick (5 coins), Nova Scotia (2 coins), and Prince Edward Island (1 coin).  Of course, these numbers do not count the numerous varieties available within each set.  I chose to start with Newfoundland because it has the greatest number of coins, it has the only Gold coin, and it has the only coin folder. 

    Newfoundland is also a fascinating place in its own right.  L'Anse aux Meadows, on the northeast coast of Newfoundland, is the site of the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America.  Gander on the east coast was the town where 38 Planes, refused entry to the United States, sheltered in the aftermath of 9/11.  The hospitality shown by Gander residents and numerous other Newfies, for the 6000 + passengers is heartwarming and has been the subject of books and documentaries.  

    The Newfoundland $2 gold coin was minted from 1865 to 1888 but was only minted in 6 years between 1865 and 1888.  This was the only gold coin issued by any of the provinces, they chose the denomination because a silver Dollar was considered to heavy for a pocket and a $1 gold coin was considered to small and light.  The $2 was deemed just the right size.  My example is graded AU 55 by NGC.  I am happy to have completed my Newfoundland type set.  Now I move on to New Brunswick, 2 coins down 3 to go.  Completing the Newfoundland set has been a wonderful experience, I hope all your collecting endeavors are equally enjoyable.

    Designer: Leonard C. Wyon

    Weight: 3.328 grams

    Diameter: 17.98 mm

    Fineness: .917 gold, .083 Copper  .0981 oz


     
    Haxby, James A. : A Guide book of Canadian Coins and Tokens, 1st edition



  7. Mokiechan

    My Favorite Set

    By Mokiechan,

    and smallest to boot.
    I started collecting coins in 1968 when a bunch of my friends, who were Boy Scouts, started collecting to earn their merit badges. Suffice it to say, coin collecting soon captivated me and has had me in her iron (copper, silver, nickel, and gold) grip ever since.
    Sometime during the early 70's Coins magazine, I believe, offered a free 1967 Canadian Dollar with each new subscription. That was incentive enough for a young collector to quit buying newstands issues and actually subscribing. The Dollar that arrived would probably be graded MS62 these days but was one of the most attractive designs I have ever seen. The obverse had the mature portrait of Queen Elizabeth while the reverse had the majestic loon. That's coins arrival sparked a torrid love affair with Canadian coins that consumed my collecting efforts for 20 years. I have since sold most of my Canadian collection but I still keep some of my favorites in my personal collection and I give the Canadian Mint credit for inspiring the U.S. Bicentennial series, the era of modern commemoratives, and the statehood quarter set.
    I am particularly pleased that my 1967 prooflike Canadian custom set has far more views than any other set I maintain. Currently about 850 views with the next closest at about 360. Apparently some of you also love Canadian Coinage. Oh Canada, forever in my collecting heart.
    Later,
    Malcolm

  8. Mokiechan
    As many of you are aware, the upcoming World’s Fair of Money will be held in Pittsburgh, PA from August 4-8, 2020.  Education and outreach to YNs are of prime importance to both the American Numismatic Association and this year’s host club, the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists.
    During the most recent F.U.N. show, Dennis Boggs (who plays Abraham Lincoln) and Pat McBride (who plays Benjamin Franklin) worked in tandem to create a remarkable attraction for show attendees.  YN’s flocked to Abe and Ben for their captivating historical presentations and “selfie” photo ops.
    Bringing President Lincoln and Dr. Franklin to the 2020 Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money would adda a vital element of YN-oriented outreach via fun, interesting presentations and personal interactions.  We have set up a Go Fund Me page to facilitate bringing Dennis Boggs to Pittsburgh. Contributions in an amount of your choice are appreciated.  Your donation will help us make the World’s Fair of Money a glorious show along the Forks of the Ohio this summer.   
     
    https://www.gofundme.com/f/get-abe-lincoln-to-pittsburgh
     


  9. Mokiechan
    I have been following a lot on EBAY for several days and waiting to see if their would be any bidders or if it would simply timeout.  I sometimes use this method to monitor a lot I might want, but am not willing to pay the price, for one reason or another.
    Well, this lot of three irradiated dimes caught my eye, and I almost pulled the trigger at the original price but hesitated because the only Dime I was really interested in, was the Dime in the Worlds Fair holder, the other two were nice, but I already had examples.  The price was pretty good though, about $11 each when you added in postage.  The thing that made me hesitate was a thought that maybe if the lot expired without a bid, it would be relisted at a lower price, that happens sometimes, and I often buy when that happens.  

    This lot closed without a bid, and the owner did relist but at a HIGHER price, from 29.99 to 31.99 plus postage of 3.89.  Higher Price, what is this dude thinking? It puzzles me.   Maybe he raised the price because:

    1.  the old marketing concept of perceived value, if a thing is cheaply priced, the perception is the product is inferior, a higher price raises the perceived value in the eyes of the consumer.   The seller thinks the higher price will attract a better heeled buyer.
    2.  Someone told him his original price was too  low and that each of those dimes should sell for at least 15.00 each, he decided to raise the price because he thinks they're correct after doing his own research on irradiated dime sold prices.  But again, it was not a BIN sale, so if there were interest, he should have at least received the minimum bid.
    3.  He put no real thought into the price increase, he just saw that EBAY offered to relist and raised the price for heck of it.  

    What do you think?  I am still following this lot, but I am far less likely to buy it now, if he had even left the lot the same price, I probably would have put in a minimum bid.

     
  10. Mokiechan
    As you're all aware, the US Mint is giving us all an incentive to purchase their proof sets, and uncirculated set in the form of 3 different Lincoln Cents with a West Point Mint Mark.  One of the W Lincolns, standard proof, is already in the wild and will soon be slabbed by the tens of thousands, the other two, a reverse proof, and an uncirculated version.  This is a very smart marketing decision by the Mint, they have guaranteed themselves higher sales for each of the three sets and they have also created some needed excitement in the collecting world.
    My problem, and I speak only for myself, is the idea that the mint is creating a scarce (rare) coin in an unnatural way.  When you look at the history of the Lincoln Cent, certain rarities stand out, the 09-S VDB, the 22 w/o visible mintmark, the 55 Double Die and a few others.  In each case, some unplanned set of circumstances led to the creation of the rarity, it did not occur due to some prior decision by the Mint.  Now obviously the W Cents are going to have a mintage of several million for each coin, but most collectors of the W Cent will want all three and, at least in the early stages, these Cents are going to be pricey.  How high they go and how far they eventually drop is something I cannot speculate about.  I do want to get one of them or my Lincoln Type Set, representing another mintmark, but I am going to be patient and wait for that, hopefully, large drop. 
    So Mint, please do not start making this a habit, I don't want to see a series of W nickels next year, etc.
     
     
     


  11. Mokiechan
    I am getting really excited as October nears and the PAN Fall Coin Show beckons.  We had a planning meeting last night and I presented some things I am planning on doing ifor the KidZone, to include our usual auction with our newly minted auction dollars.  Last May, we could not find our auction dollars so had to use carnival tickets instead.  We also could not find our Wheat Cents and had to scramble to find sources on the bourse.  .  So we now have a whole new batch of auction dollars that I have been printing over the past few weeks and the aforementioned 9000 Cents donated by a PAN member with a PAN dealer committing to another 1000 Cents (Plus the Remainder from Last May).  Suffice it to say, we are going to have plenty of Cents on our table for the YNs Cent Albums.  PAN also purchased 120 one-a-year Lincoln Folders, 1909-2009 at Cost from a national dealer.  They are really nice folders and they will make the Penny Table so much more fun since we can also add Memorial Cents for the first time.   We've got coloring books coming from the Mint, we have Ben Franklin appearing at the KidZone and judging the "Color Ben" coloring contest.  We have loads of donated items, Copper Rounds and T-Shirts for each registrant, and 50 great auction lots to spend their auction dollars on. All For Free!!!!
    I actually went through the donated cents this morning, they were all rolled up so it took me awhile to go through, I checked maybe 2 or 3 dates per roll and found a very good mix with Cents as early as 1910, since I did not find a 1909  (although there is a good chance one was among the mostly unchecked cents), I threw a VF 1909 Lincoln into the bucket so I can honestly tell the Kids, somewhere on the table, is a VF 1909 Cent, and maybe more .   The KidZone will be operating all day, Saturday, October 19th, if you make it to the Fall PAN show, stop by and say Hi, I will be there manning the KidZone Registration all day.  For more details, go to the following link.  It should be updated shortly with information about this October's KidZone auction Lots, etc. 
    https://pancoins.org/pankidzone/
    .



     
     
  12. Mokiechan
    I know this is a bit strange, but.....
    Mr. Bowers, if you read these Journals or if one of your many close freinds in the hobby do so, please please reprint your wonderful book, "American Coin Treasures & Hoards". I only read a portion of your book one time in the library and i thought it would still be available but somehow it seems to have disappeared from the collection. I would LOVE to have a copy of your book but cannot afford the rather hefty markups on Ebay or Amazon. Please consider reprinting for many fans who have loved all your books over the years. Either way, I declare to the world that You are my Numismatic Hero. Well You and Clifford Mishler.

  13. Mokiechan
    A sacrifice to the Gods of Symmetry.
    I eliminated the classic commemorative set from my list of competitive sets today. The set has been bothering me for awhile because I have no hope of ever completing it and because, for some strange reason, I am obsessed with the need to complete any sets I start. The coins, all of which I love, will remain in my general coin holdings, of course. I may try and put together some kind of Custom set with a few of them, we'll have to wait and see if that is feasible.
    Sometimes being a collector is a burden but I wouldn't have it any other way.
    Condinued success in all your Endeavours my Friends.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  14. Mokiechan

    I'm a Member

    By Mokiechan,

    Tell Colin that Malcolm sponsored you.
    Do trade coins, the coins that flowed between Europe, the USA, Latin America and China, fascinate you? Are you interested in understanding an important part of silver and it's impact on numismatic history? Then you should join the Chop-mark Collectors Club [CCC].
    We are a group of collectors from around the world who have one thing in com-mon. We all share an interest in chopmarked coins--the coins that were used in trade in the orient from 1600--1935. If you have any such coins in your collec-tion or are simply interested in this fascinating area of numismatic the CCC wants you.
    Joining is free and there are no dues. We publish a quarterly newsletter entitled Chopmark News. The e-edition of the newsletter is currently free, paper ones by subscription.
    If you are interested please email me at: chopmarknews@gmail.com or write me at the address below.
    I look forward to welcoming new collectors and dealers into the club.
    Welcome!
    Colin Gullberg, editor
    Chopmark News
    29 Tien Mu West Road, 3F
    Taipei 11156 Taiwan
    chopmarknews@gmail.com

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  15. Mokiechan

    Deja Vu??

    By Mokiechan,

    As a result of a recent post, I did some research on the ATB Quarter Series and found out that when it's completed in 2021, the legislation requires the return to the original Washington Quarter Obverse (I wish it were Laura Fraser's Washington Bust) but changes the reverse to depict General Washington crossing the Delaware River before the Battle of Trenton.  This all sounds wonderful until I was reminded that Washington Crossing The Delaware has already appeared on the reverse of the 1999 New Jersey Quarter.  Since the ATB legislation was written long after the 1999 quarter was issued, one wonders how that slipped through and if a significantly different scene will be used in its stead?   I think there are a lot of different Washington Scenes that could be used on the reverse, maybe Washington taking the Oath of the Presidency, Maybe young George Washington at the Forks of the Ohio, or maybe even an Eagle, like it might have been depicted in the late 1700's.  What do you all think?  Should we reprise the 1999 New Jersey Quarter or should we be more creative?  



  16. Mokiechan

    I'm Becalmed!!

    By Mokiechan,

    In the Sargasso Sea of Numismatics.
    Hi Folks,
    It has been a fairly quiet collecting period for me lately due to the fact that I still have 27 coins in the NGC pipeline and I still have 7 more to send. According to Lisa, the first 7 of those 27 (all chopmarked foreign) will be arriving at my home in a week or so. The other 20 coins are U.S. coins that will help me complete my Jefferson Nickel Wartime set as well as add a couple of upgrades to other sets I currently maintain. The final seven coins that have yet to be submitted are also chopmarked foreign coins.
    So here's my dilemma. I am very close to finishing the Jefferson short set, I am very close to getting all my chopmarked coins prepped for my Custom set and the only sets that will continue to grow are the Sacagawea sets and the 21st century set (although not this coming year).
    I can't figure out where my next collecting focus will be. My budget is limited so I will not go for 10 Dollar Gold Pieces or Proof Morgans, etc. Maybe SILVER Kennedys, 1964-1970, or maybe
    Silver Ikes.
    Any Ideas???
    Later,
    Malcolm

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  17. Mokiechan
    and furthering my current interests.
    Hi All,
    Last week I sent 4 Canadian coins and 4 Japanese coins in for grading. The Canadian coins are 1967 P/L coins 1 Cent thru 25 Cent that I removed from their cello pak and will add to my 1967 Canadian Custom Set. I doubt if I will ever get the $20.00 gold piece but I do love the animal themes on the lower denominations and Canadian coins have had that certain something in the last 50 years that U.S. coins seem to lack.
    The Japanese coins will go into my chopmarked trade dollar collection. The actual Japanese Trade Dollar is very heavily chopmarked and will probably garner a VG Details grade. The 2 Japanese Yen will probably be VF Details, XF Details and AU Details.
    Will post pictures of the awful Trade Dollar and the best of teh Canadian quartet as soon as they arrive at my mailbox.
    Happy Saturday Everyone.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  18. Mokiechan
    And another for our Friends in New Zealand
    Folks, I know this is off-topic but I would like to ask all my Friends and Fellow Collectors to take a moment and say a prayer for the Japanese and New Zealand people. The devastation is enormous and I hope their recoverys are swift.
    For my Friends and Fellow Collectors along the west coast, please make sure your earthquake kits are ready and your family plans are set. The farther we are from the last Big One, the closer we are to the next.
    Beaw
    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  19. Mokiechan
    I was sent to the wrong household.
    Well I got my shipping notice from Danny at NGC today and I also got my images. I anxiously opened them up to see how they looked and was suddenly looking at image after image of gold coins, 10 in all. Well I immediately checked my shipping notice to make sure I was getting MY COINS and not the Gold pieces. Mine are coming. Then I fired off an email to Danny asking him to let the Imaging Team know they sent me the wrong pictures. Imaging Team seems to be a weak link as I have had other issues with them in the past.
    Hope to see my images on Monday.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  20. Mokiechan

    Seduced by the Mint

    By Mokiechan,

    Or how, despite my negative feelings toward the Mint, I still had to purchase a proof set.
    When I looked in my Yahoo mailbox this morning, I found a short email from the U.S. Mint advertising the availability of the 2011 Clad National Parks Quarter set for 14.95. Even though I vowed not to purchase anything directly from the Mint and even though I know I'll be able to pick up the set at a lower price leter. I still logged onto their site, opened my account and bought the Proof Set.
    I think I did it because I still have a part of me that wants to support the mints outreach to collectors and I also think I just want to add to my set of quarters only proof sets without waiting.
    Oh well, I will say that I am generally more pleased with this set of designs than the State designs. Probably because it seems there will only be one landmark on each coin not multiple cluttered elements like the California quarter. I also like the template they are using for the reverse to frame each design.
    should be coming soon.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  21. Mokiechan
    It truly was the Renaissance of American Coins
    Friends,
    Happy to report I just picked up a copy of Roger Burdette's excllent Renaissance of American Coinage, 1905-1908 (red)edition. This book normally retails for about 50.00 but I was able to pick up a copy on Half.Com for less than half that price. I thought the book might be a little thrashed but it is in great condition and I can't wait to pore over every word. I already have Roger's excellent Peace Dollar book and the 1916-1921 (blue) edition so I know I am in for an enjoyable journey into a bygone era..
    Those of you who are not familiar with the 3 book Renaissance series should look for a copy to peruse soonest. Mr. Burdette is a great writer, historian, and numismatist. I still have to get the 1909-1915 (white) edition.
    Happy Collecting Everyone.
    Malcolm (the Beaw)

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  22. Mokiechan
    Or at least His Denver version.
    Hi All,
    I recevied two brand new 2011-D Lincoln Shield Cents in change today. These are the first I have seen and they were obtained at the McDonald's in Oceanside CA. Seems like the last three yesrs, it takes longer and longer before the current year coinage appears in my change. I have yet to get all the 2009 or 2010 quarters in change.
    Happy Fourth Everybody.
    The BeAW

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  23. Mokiechan

    The Palladium Age

    By Mokiechan,

    The Mint knows what we like.
    I understand a Bill has been introduced to authorize the striking of a 1 ounce palladium bullion coin with the old Mercury Dime design. Not sure if they also plan on using the same reverse design but the Obverse is what we all like.
    Since the Mercury Dime is my favorite coin of all time, I must admit that the idea of the palladium version is very exciting. However, the more I think about it the more I wonder if the design will look as good all blown up. The Buffalo Nickel design on the Commemorative Dollar didn't really translate well and I think the problem is the fact they blow up a small object without also adding additional detail so the elements expand and the design just loses essential detail. I fear its going to look like one of those very cheesy looking silver rounds.
    Maybe the mint should just leave Weinman's superb effort alone and do some kind of generic Freedom of Thought concept.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  24. Mokiechan
    On how we might devise a more equitable means of honoring collection.
     
    DISCLAIMER: The things I propose would never elevate my sets as I never intend to add pictures or any significant commentary to my completed competitive sets.Here's an idea, we scrap the points entirely and rank sets according to what date they were completed or what date they achieved a specific completion percentageEach year all 100% complete sets are compared to each other based on the quality of the pictures, the percentage of NGC coins (higher percentage is better, and the quality of the comments included with each coin. Sets could not win in consecutive years but would be eligible again after a year has passed.Just some thoughts to kick around.Whattya think!!!To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  25. Mokiechan
    Free Stuff is Always Welcome in the Beaw's Den.
    I stopped at our mailbox on the way home from work today and immediately saw a large fat brown envelope amidst the usual collection of magazines, Cox Cable post cards, and other assorted junk. I pulled the fat brown envelope from the mailbox,looked at the label, and saw it was from Whitman Books. I ripped open the envelope and gazed upon a copy of Clifford Mishler's Coins: Questions and Answers.
    Now I'm puzzled, I have not ordered anything from Whitman in quite a while and I certainly would not order that particular title as it is appears to be targeting the novice collector. Then I recalled a vague hazy memory of completing a survey or something similar with the Prize being a copy of the aforementioned book. Great, I love free stuff no matter how it comes my way. I thumbed through the book briefly and it actually has a lot to offer for even the non-novice collectors among us. Thank You Whitman!!!

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.