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Mokiechan

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Journal Entries posted by Mokiechan

  1. Mokiechan

    A Sad Day

    By Mokiechan,

    A Man is defined by what he does for the less fortunate.
    Folks,
    I know this is off-topic but I have to say the death of Junior Seau, from whatever cause, has shaken me to the core. Not because he was a successful football player, but entirely because of what he did with his fame.
    I have lived in the Oceanside CA area for the last 30 years and for most of that time, Mr. Seau was a man dedicated to helping the youth of Oceanside by raising hundreds of thoursands of dollars for the Boys and Girls club or other worth charities. He was a man proud of his community, a man dedicated to his community, and a man who never forgot his humble origins in one of the largest Samoan communities outside Samoa itself.
    Rest in Peace Junior, you will always be an inspiration to those who strive to make the world a better place.
    Malcolm

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  2. 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.

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  3. Mokiechan

    A Strategic Blunder

    By Mokiechan,

    Or how I lost out on a good deal by failing to launch.
    I had a hundred dollars burning a hole in my pocket so I navigated over to Ebay and decided to pick up a Washington Carver half for my registry set. I spotted a 53-S, NGC MS65, W/C with about 10 minutes to go and a very low bid in comparison to its value. I decided to wait it out and see if I could grab it for 45.00 or so.
    The clocked ticked down to 10 seconds, I hit SEND on my 45.00 bid and VOILA, I had forgotten to actually log into my account. Suffice it to say, in the remaining seconds, my bid never went through and some happy sould picked it up for about 37.00 including postage.
    RaTS another lesson learned. I guess I should use one of those sniping tools but I find the idea a little distasteful so there I sit with my sweaty finger ever poised. Oh well, I am currently watching a MS64 that will hopefully also go for a low bid (vice listed value).
    Happy Collecting Everyone.
    Beaw

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  4. Mokiechan

    A Thought or Two

    By Mokiechan,

    A little rumination on the allowance of PCGS coins in the NGC registry
    I have been a collector for over 40 years but have only recently begun exclusively collecting coins certified by NGC or PCGS. Truth be told, the reason it took so long for me to enter this area was a kind of silly prejudice that I could HOLD my coins while those poor souls with slabbed coins could only gaze at their hermetically sealed beauties from outside it's plastic cell. Silly yes, but that's what I thought.
    Now that I am getting older, I have begun planning for my eventual demise and am feeling the need to make my collection as convertible as possible to my heir. Certified coins are the ideal way, at least in the present market, to ensure she has a chance of a fair deal. For that reason, I have liquidated vast amounts of my collection to create my registry sets.
    For me, since I have zero chance of ever winning a significant category, the registry sets provide a very convenient way to organize my collection and to provide a rough retail (insurance) market value. Of course, the lure of the chase is also enhanced by seeing my list of coins and planning my upgrades. It doesn't matter to me if the coins are NGC (which I prefer) or PCGS as they are both respected in the numismatic community. I am very thankful that NGC has the confidence to stack its coins against the PCGS coins. I applaud NGC for that and I will always look for an NGC coin first before adding any coins to my collection.
  5. 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.

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  6. 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
     


  7. 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.

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  8. Mokiechan
    Or rather joins the soon to be 62% is good enough set.
    Folks, I finally got around to selling a group of 4 coins I had attempted to sell last week and got a nice tidy sum for the 4 coins from a gentlemen who answered by Craigslist ad. I got 300 bucks and he got himself four nice slabs.
    Sooo,I immediately ran to the bank, deposited 250.00 of it and bought myself the nice AU55, NGC, Alabama Half you see pictured below. Since it was just purchased this morning, I don't have it in my hot little hands just yet. Very pleased with the price as it was approximately 75% of FMV. I also received my Columbia SC commemorative half in the mail today so it was a good day to be Malcolm Johnson, Numismatist.
    To round out my perfect day, my Daughter and I spent a wonderful 2 hours at her Elementary School book fair. Hope all your days were wonderful as well.
    Later,
    Malcolm
    PS-Very nice Eagle on the reverse, two unattractive old men on the obverse.

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  9. Mokiechan
    If you are like me, one of your favorite things to collect are type coins, particularly those type coins from the 19th Century.  Well, unbeknownst to many, the Mint recreated some of the most beautiful type coin designs starting in 2007.   These coins were the bronze corollary to the First Spouse series of 1/2 ounce Gold Coins differing in their size and with the mottoes, denomination, and gold content information removed.  The reason they exist is because the President at the time of his Presidency had no spouse.  The enabling legislation specified that in the absence of a spouse, a symbol of Liberty, at the time of the President's term, would be used in place of a spouse. 

    So if you want a pristine set of Nineteenth Century coin design, at least the obverses, then these bronze beauties are the way to go.  I assembled the whole set for approximately $40.  I wish the Mint would have done Silver versions but I am happy with what they provided. 

    2007  
    Thomas Jefferson's Liberty (1801-1809)
    Draped Bust  -  Gilbert Stuart/Robert Scot
    1/2 Dime to Dollar   

    2008
    Andrew Jackson's Liberty (1829-1837)
    Capped Bust - John Reich
    1/2 Dime to Half Dollar
    Martin Van Buren's Liberty (1837-1841)
    Liberty Seated - Christian Gobrecht
    1/2 Dime to Dollar

    2010
    James Buchanan's Liberty (1857-1861)
    Coronet Head - Christian Gobrecht
    Gold Coins- Quarter Eagle, Half Eagle, and Eagle
     
    Reference:  A Guide Book of United States Coins, 2020 EditionFirst Spouse Bronze Medals - http://firstspousegoldcoin.com/first-spouse-bronze-medals/




  10. Mokiechan
    There was a time when PCGS was only another potential player trying to make it in a market that barely existed.
    I was going through some of my loose holding today and I ran across another item i barely remembered even owning. I believe I received it at the time it was first distributed, I have know idea where or why. It is a SAMPLE slab from PCGS. The coin in the slab is a very common silver Roosevelt Dime that was obviously used to simply show potential customer how PCGS planned on slabbing their coins. Given the current looser grading standards, I am tempted to send it to NGC and see if it garners a 65 or 66. Just for kicks, it would be worth the relatively small investment. The picture does it no justice, the Roosevelt is actually quite attractive.
    So what do you think, Crack that slab?

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  11. Mokiechan
    Revenant's recent post about FUNKO POP figures has me thinking about the many parallels between the current numismatic market and the comic/pop culture market.  Earlier today, I saw a press release from Coin World about plans to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Carson City Mint.  According to the Press Release, on 01 August, The Carson City Mint Building will fire up one of its Coin Presses and mint 200 copies of the 1870-CC Half Dollar (with the word COPY stamped in the field, in pure silver).  If you want to obtain one of the first 200, you must buy a ticket to the release party, $140-$150, and then you must participate in a lottery to find out what your number of the 200 struck, will be yours.  On 02 August, a further 2800 will be struck for the general public to buy for their retirement portfolio.  I am assuming the numbers from 201-3000 will be sent either randomly or based on your order date.   Anyway, getting back to the original point, this kind of parallels the Comic Market of the 90's and 00's.   A lot of hype, a lot of "limited editions", and a lot of cost for something that is probably doomed to become relatively valueless over time.  Even with pure silver content, they will each have less than an ounce of silver, and will be worth about $7 at current spot.  $140 cost to get a piece of silver worth $7.  Sounds like the ultimate deal to me. 

  12. Mokiechan

    ANACS, YOU FAILED ME.

    By Mokiechan,

    Or how I hoped to turn lemons into lemonade and came away with just a sour taste in my mouth.
    Well, to make a long story short, I purchased a 1943-D MS63 Walking Liberty Half back in October or November which I thought was NGC graded. It turns out, I did not pay enough attention to the EbaY AD (I think I have Numismatic ADD) and got an ANACS MS63 1943-D instead. Okay, thats the lemon. So, I decided to unslab the sucker, send it to NGC and get it reslabbed as an NGC 1943-D Walking Liberty. It finally came back today after its 11 week turnaround. Came back as UNC DETAILS. AHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I hate Details!!! But, it is my fault in the first place and I have to learn to always pay attention when I buy anything on line. So no lemonade, just a mouthful of seeds to spit out.
    I do have an enduring belief that there is often a very fine line between MS63 and UNC Details. The coin looks great to me, I would have never known some cheesehead dipped it (or did they?).
    Go Steelers!!!
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  13. Mokiechan
    One small step closer to getting all my trademarked coins under one roof.
    I hope you enjoy, this is the obverse of a Japanese Trade Dollar. The Japanese Trade Dollar functioned in much the same way as the U.S. Trade Dollar in that it was meant to circulate in China and other parts of Asia where trade was desired.
    The Japanese fancied themselves a power in Asia and did not want the Brits, the Yanks, and the French getting too large a share of the valuable China trade.
    Seems like we are all enjoying the fruits of a powerful Chinese economy nowadays as the demand for Silver increases, in no small part due to Chinese Demand.
    The reverse of this coin, graded VF Details, is nearly obliterated from the pounding of the chops into the obverse.

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  14. Mokiechan
    A Guide Book of Peace Dollars
    This wonderful book by Roger Burdette with Barry Lovvorn is more history than price guide. Those of you who know 3-Part Renaissance of American Coinage series will recognize Mr. Brudette's name and will appreciate the depth of research he puts into his works.
    Since the Peace Dollar series is relatively short, Mr. Burdette is able to devote much more of the book, than usual, to the history of the coin and the wonderful story of its sculptor, Mr. Anthony De Francisci and the timeframe during which he designed the Peace Dollar. A portion of the book is even devoted to beautiful picture of World War 1 recruiting/propaganda posters.
    We see many of Mr. De Francisci's other works, including a Jefferson Nickel design, and we hear about his contemporaries, and even some speculation on the actual model for the Liberty.
    Finally, we even have a chapter devoted to the 1964-D Peace Dollar. What a treasure, I could not put it down. Buy or borrow a copy, you will find it thoroughly enjoyable.
    Happy Collecting,
    Beaw

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  15. 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)

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  16. Mokiechan

    ANTICIPATION

    By Mokiechan,

    "cause these are the good old days"
    Fellow Numismaniacs,
    I'm currently suffering great pangs of anticipation for the 27, yes 27, coins currently in some stage of grading/encapsulating at NGC. Seventeen of those coins were submitted while still an ANA member so there is no ability to track their progress other than to know they are close as it has been about 5 to 6 weeks since confirmed delivery of the coins. The last ten coins were sent under my new NGC membership upgrade so I have already looked them up and seen they ahve been "RECEIVED".
    A few of the 27 will be upgrades or additions to existing sets, a few more will augment my Trade Coin collection but about half will just be extra coins to add to my holdings.
    There are 7 more Trade Coins to grade then my submissions will cease as the remnents of my pre 2008 collection will finally be liquidated, converted, traded, or given away as appropriate.
    I fondly remember those good old days in the late 60's through early 90's when the bulk of the old collection was formed. But, I must say, I am enjoying the hobby now more than ever, especially with such a lively group of fellow hobbyists in the Collector's Society.
    Malcolm

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  17. Mokiechan
    Is yet another addition to the illustrious 60% is good enough set.
    Received the Bridgeport CT half dollar in the mail today and it represents the completion of the Connecticut commemorative subset consisting of the Connecticut Tercentenary Half and the Bridgeport Half.
    Both of these coins have very Art Deco Eagles on their reverse and the EAgle on this Bridgeport Half, when turned upside down, actually resembles a Shark, mouth agape, about to attack.
    The Eagle similarities are no coincidence as both CT coins were designed by Mr. Henry Kreis. Love his Eagles and love his Charter Oak, not sure if I am as fond of Mr. Barnum. But I am happy to add his stern visage to my collection.
    Good Night,
    Malcolm

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  18. Mokiechan
    I used to frequent the NGC site about 8 years ago.  Back then I had a different handle.  I just found my old journal entries and they are interesting reading as I see the things that concerned me back then.  I will be gradually adding new content to the site as a thought or two strike.  In the interim, glad to be back and happy to see some folks from that time are still here.
    Mokie
     

  19. Mokiechan

    Better Late Then Never

    By Mokiechan,

    But still very late!
    Well I bought some milk and mint chip ice cream today and received 3 very shiny quarters in change. As is my habit, I flipped them over and saw 3 beautiful Gettysburg quarters. These are the first I've seen in circulation, in fact these are the first 2011 quarters I have seen outside of mint sets. Seems like change barely ciculates any more. I put it in my Whitman album. It joins 3 quarters from 2010. I guess I will need to get some quarter rolls from the bank and find the missing ones.
    Oh, forgot to mention I traded in a few more odds and ends today and left my favorite coin shop with a very nice PCGS MS64 Sesquicentennial Half Dollar. I actually think it is worth considering a crack-out as the differential between the MS64 price and MS65 price is quite substantial. The picture you see does the coin NO justice. It is one of the best looking Sesqi(s) I have ever seen.
    Later,
    Malcolm

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  20. Mokiechan
    Does this explain the Washington Dollars without edge engraving?
    Here is an extract from an article I read today:
    "A North Wildwood, N.J., man who worked as a police officer at the U.S. Mint today admitted stealing $2.4 million worth of error coins from the U.S. Mint and selling them to a coin distributor in California, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced."
    the story goes on with more deatil but suffice it to say, this is a big WTF. He apparenly was a major reason those Washington Dollars without edge engraving came to the marketplace. Was he also, along with others, the reason they were produced in the first place? How can a mint employee, even a police officer, manage to get away with stealing so many of the coins (enough to make over 2 Million Dollars) over a period of time and get away with it?
    I have a feeling that there are more folks involved. This is really ugly.

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  21. Mokiechan
    Lessons from the introduction and ultimate success of New Coke
    Any business that wishes to have success and longevity must have three elements in place, a superior product, an innovative spirit, and an understanding that their customers will be the ultimate determiner of success or failure.
    When the Coca Cola company introduced New Coke in 1985, they did so in a manner that made consumers believe their wants and desires were meaningless to Coca Cola. The resulting furor was only assuaged when Coca Cola reintroduced the original Coke as Coke Classic.
    But here's the kicker, even then, most people were fine with New Coke and it was only a very vocal minority (are there any other kind?) that caused this supposed disaster for Coca Cola.
    Coke survived the storm and is still the number one soft drink in the world today because:
    1. It has an excellent product line.
    2. It is willing to innovate instead of staying put and resting on its laurels.
    3. And it was willing to listen if it inadvertently alienates its customer base.
    So what is the point of all this. Like Coca Cola, NGC sprung something on all of us without warning, they have caused a very big uproar among many loyal customers, and they have taken a big risk while hoping for ?increased crossover business?, or some other business goal, unknown to us.
    Here is how I think they can save the day and still meet their goals. Scrub the 01 February PCGS (foreign) purge and grandfather in ALL PCGS coins currently in any competitive set. Bar any new PCGS additions to competitive sets but continue to allow PCGS coins in the Collection Manager (and custom sets).
    This would still be a much more welcoming policy than PCGS and it does not alienate loyal customers by forcing them to disband sets that have been carefully constructed over months and years.
    Thanks for your Time,
    Later,
    Malcolm

  22. Mokiechan
    A little plug for a great org.
    Folks,
    Just became acquainted with the Chopmark Collectors Club through the editor of their wonderful "Chopmark News" quarterly publication. This publication is not the usual 8 or 12 page newsletter with a bit of recent news. Instead it is a full-fledged publication with about 40 pages of very scholarly information about all things concerning chopmarked Trade Dollars/Oriental Coins, etc. One of the issues even showed a Peace Dollar with chopmark. Membership is free and the E-version of the quarterly is also free (although they do suggest a modest 5.00 donation). If you're interested, contact Colin, the Editor, at chopmarknews@gmail.com.
    Later,
    Malcolm

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  23. Mokiechan

    Chopmarks!!

    By Mokiechan,

    are more than mutilation.
    Every coin we encounter in circulation has its history and the older the coin, the more more history has accrued. One of my favorite collections is my set of Chopmarked U.S. and Foreign coins.
    A lot of people think they are simply mutilated coins but I prefer to think about the many hands through which the coins have paseed and the many merchants that placed their mark on the coin.
    I have the following chop-marked coins in my collection:
    1. U.S. - Trade Dollar
    2. France - Piastre De Commerce
    3. Spain - 8 Reales
    4. Great Britain - Trade Dollar
    5. Japan - Trade Dollar
    6. Japan - Silver Yen
    7. Mexico - 8 Reales
    8. Philippines - 1 Peso
    Happy Collecting Everyone.
     
    9 China - Various Crowns

  24. Mokiechan
    And maybe even a little tiny bit Sketchy.....
    Just finished Revenant's entry regarding his coin photography experiences and just had to add my own two pennies. BTW, nice to meet you Revenent and glad you've returned to the Boards so noobs like me can enjoy your posts.
    Anyway, I have a cheap digital camera that flashes everytime I try to take a coin photograph. I realize I could read the manual and determine how to turn off the flash but I just don't care enough to bother. Here are my five primary ways of getting coin photographs.
    1. Let NGC do it, for any coins I submit directly.
    2. Check the cert, sometimes there is a picture present that can be scraped. Did that most recently with my Gettysburg Half.
    3. If bought from an auction site, scrape the picture from the site.
    4. Some of the pictures posted are actually mine, they tend to be the most mediocre.
    5. Finally, and most controversial, Google the coin, 1909-S VDB, NGC XF40, and if you find a picture, and if it looks reasonably like mine, grab the image.
    Now I realize a more honest, less lazy, person could learn how to use their cheap digital and achieve decent photos but I have a 6 year old who demands I play Angry Birds so my time and patience is limited.
    Take it easy everyone, Spring is coming soon.
    Later,
    Malcolm

  25. Mokiechan
    Is near impossible.
    Statehood Quarters were relatively easy to collect out of circulation and they remain very plentiful even today. The Territory quarters were much harder and I have yet to pull them all from circulation.
    These current America the Beautiful quarters are even worse, I've finally thrown in the towel and purchased the 2011 10-quarter (P and D) set the mint for 9.95, since I purchased them with another item, the postage prorates to about $2.50. So I ended up paying the mint $12.45 for quarters whose face value is $2.50. Am I a sap? Possibly, but since I have no expectation that I will be able to obtain all 10 coins, for my ATB album, anytime in the future, I figured I'd bite the bullet and get the set. I still have only 3 of 10 2010 issues so I will still have to search for those quarters. But, going forward, I am just going to spend my paltry 12.50 and save myself a lot of angst each year.
    Oh what a compulsion, this Numismatic thing. But it does beat booze or cigarettes, those vices just suck up your dollars, coins are educational, they increase (hopefully) in value, and they don't destroy your health. Winner Winner ..............
    Have a good night my Friends,
    Malcolm