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audrop

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Journal Entries posted by audrop

  1. audrop
    It's hard to soar with the eagles when you're surrounded by all these turkeys!
    The teaser refers to some of the Morgan S$ I used to have in my possession before I went on this quality over quantity kick. I must be getting picky as to what I think a coin worthy of my collection is. A must in my Morgans is to have well-defined 1)hair over the ear and 2) breast feathers. Now please don't misunderstand me, any coin is better than no coin at all, but I have tried to upgrade my collection by buying the best coin I can afford at the time. One of my prerequisites is that the coin must be worth a minimum of 1,000 pts. to be considered in my 1842-1924 mint sets. For some coins that puts an addition in the 65 or higher range, for others a VG will do. As I have previously stated, I am hoping to amass a 500 coin collection worth approximately 500,000 registry points. Just a goal mind you. I got the idea by looking at some of the collections listed on the registry and admiring the pictures of the higher ranked individual coins....so for me, having fewer, more valuable coins just made sense. Whatever floats you're boat.
    Enjoy and thanks for reading.
    Dan
    Shown: 1893 (P) Morgan S$ in MS65. Pop. 188/3 @ PCGS, 74/3 @ NGC. Needless to say the six coins graded higher are way beyond my means.

  2. audrop
    Either that or I need a bigger room!
    I don't know about the rest of you but I like to display my #1 ranked certificates from the NGC Registry. The problem is my den/office/coin room has limited wall space and it's all used up with certs, pictures, and momentoes of all kinds. I suggested that NGC do their certificates to represent multiple years just like the online registry. I believe it would give much more flexibility to collectors and each yaer we could discard the previous years cert and replace it with a muli-year one, even if the years were not consecutive.
    Let NGC and I know what you think. Thanks,
    Dan
    Pictured: My latest acquisition, 1891 64 RD.

  3. audrop
    So I opted for a half dime instead....
    It appears that most non-gold coins have softened a bit, I've been able to pick up some silver and copper at what appears to be 'reasonable' prices in this market. Everyone I know is touting the desirability of GOLD, sounds to me as though another rush is about to collapse or at the very least experience a correction. Now I'm sure that your crystal ball is every bit as good as mine, but my investing experience is waving the yellow flag (pun intended) of caution. One of the keys to investing is to be contrary. When everyone is buying, be a seller and vice versa.
    Good advice for an investor, thank goodness I'm basically a collector! I will still be looking to acquire the gold coins I need for my collection but hopefully I will be very picky as to price, condition, and rarity.
    Pictured is a very nice 1861 h10c in ms 65 with color. Thanks for reading and may your quest be worthwhile.
    Dan

  4. audrop

    An Ugly Experience.

    By audrop,

    It takes all kinds.....
    I was surfing the web looking for more sources to send my hard-earned money to when I chanced upon US Rare Coin Investments. Sounded good, so I thought I would check them out. What a mistake!! I looked at two double eagles and the prices were way out of line according to the PCGS price guide. I sent them an email explaining that I realized that the PCGS price guide was based on an 'average' coin for the grade and then I offered some friendly advice that they may want to check out Heritage to see what those coins actually sell for.
    I couldn't believe the reply from Tom Pilitowski; "HAHAHA thanks for the laugh. You're a insufficiently_thoughtful_person." I guess sometimes I expect too much from the 'professionals' associated with this great hobby. I was hoping for something more like, "I am sorry that you think my merchandise is over-priced, make me an offer", or "Our coins are not 'average', but hand-picked for the discerning client", or even "Our service makes up for any price differential".
    I can't wait to run into this guy at a coin show and see what he looks like. I might even go up to him, shake his hand, and introduce myself. I might even apologize for my rudeness. Then again I might not. Then he sends me another email saying that I have been removed from US Rare Coin Investments database. Talk about adding insult to injury!
    Hopefully, neither one of us losses any sleep over the diatribe. I just thought it was interesting enough to share. This is part of what makes the world go around.
    Happy collecting, all.
    Dan
    P.S. Reverse of 1893-O from journal entry 'The Last Morgan'.

  5. audrop
    Too many distractions!
    My 2009 half year resolution is as follows: I, audrop, do solemnly swear to only buy coins that fit in one of my existing registry sets (preferably gold). No more temptations, short-cuts, waywardness(?), weak knees, cold feet, lazy liveredness(?), etc. It is time to put the blinders on and continue down (or is it up?) the straight and narrow path to completion of at least one of my sets during whatever is the remaining time allotted for my life. Signed, audrop
    Notice I used my moniker so this is in no way legally binding on the party of the first part, in case I have a change of heart (or mind).
    In keeping with my new tradition, established a couple of days ago, here is my latest addition. An 1855-C half eagle in 55. Thanks for reading and good luck with your collecting.
    Dan

  6. audrop

    The Last Morgan!

    By audrop,

    Now all I have to do is upgrade.
    Yesterday I acquired an 1893-O from my local coin dealer. It was the only Morgan missing from my birth year sets of 1891, 1893, 1898, and 1921.
    Still on my wish list are a 91 and 91-O in 65, a 98 in 67, and a 21 in 67! After reading Jackson's journal entry, if any of you feel so inclined....I'll even pay shipping!
    Nice to hear from Revenant again. I don't know about you but when I don't hear from someone for a while I start to wonder if something has gone awry.
    My best to all of you. Apologize if any post of mine has offended you, as that was not my intent. Enjoy the hunt!
    Dan

  7. audrop
    Just another senior moment.
    About a week ago I was perusing an auction, placing a few bids that I thought didn't have a chance of winning, and then it happened. I got an email stating that I was a winner and here is the invoice for your purchase. I couldn't believe it! First of all it took some time for me to even recollect that I had bid on the coin and secondly, I was at a loss to figure out how to pay for it.
    I am really enjoying the coin and finally realizing an appreciation for 'coppers'. I really like the fraction 1/100 on the reverse. How cool is that? They seem so dull compared to silver and gold; although some of them can take on bronze, green, and a host of other colors. I guess I'm a little prejudiced, after all how many people say they made their fortune mining or collecting copper?
    My best to all of you. Thanks for reading.
    Dan

  8. audrop
    I know, I know, nothing is free, but....
    Just received my Priority Selections bulletin from Pinnacle Rarities and they gave the web address for Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins which can 'be viewed in its entirety online for FREE'. The address is www. breenencyclopedia.com. When I accessed the site it was being worked on, so hopefully it will be up to speed in a couple of days. There is a place to register your email address for notification when that occurs.
    Enjoy the hunt!
    Dan
    Shown 1849-C G$ PCGS XF40

  9. audrop
    One more vote for toned coins...a real beauty!!
    You probably can't see it very well in the picture but it looks as though someone took a very fine brush and touched up 70% of the reverse in gold and left some high points silver. The obverse has rainbow toning next to the rim from 5-11 o'clock (picture in registry).
    Happy hunting!
    Dan
    1920-S Walking Liberty Half

  10. audrop
    Finally willing to admit that my wife may be right.
    So here I sit, fat and sassy (hopefully not too much of either), perusing coins available on my favorite web pages when viola(!), a gold-plated 2008 250 shilling coin from the Somali Republic catches my eye. The obverse has a Statue of PTAH with the skullcap enameled on the coin! The reverse denotes it as one of the Treasures of Tutankhamun. Amazing how nice a $15 coin can be and how expensive the end result will be. It is the start of a new signature set for me; 'The Empire Builders'. Coins from all over the world where diverse civilizations have made contributions to get us to where we find ourselves today. Our ancient ancestors you might say.
    As a history buff, I can't wait to get started. Who the heck was PTAH? I already possess some ancient Greek and Roman coins for inclusion and hopefully will find some Chinese, Byzantine, etc. to add.
    My wife has been telling me I'm crazy for quite some time and I'm beginning to think maybe she has a valid point. Enjoy and thanks for reading.
    Dan

  11. audrop
    I've been so busy working on my Signature set....
    I always (well most of the time!) enjoy reading the journal entries of my fellow collectors. You get my mental juices flowing, which seems to be getting more difficult as I grow older.
    A couple of observations are in order. From my perspective, whether a coin is toned or not does not effect its grade, only its eye appeal. I have some toned coins and some pure white and I have a hard time determining which I like better. See my 9/7/2008 journal entry, "To be (toned), or not to be (toned). I have a hard time believing that NGC or PCGS throws away the guidelines of coin grading because of some surface color. Toned coins do, however, command a premium because there appears to be increased demand. I think this is primarily the 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' syndrome.
    As far as coin holders are concerned, I tend to like the PCGS holder better because you can see the whole coin. The new NGC holder is an improvement though, due to the fact that my pictures in the old holder had a shadow 9 times out of 10. It is disturbing to me that the prongs hide four areas of the rim and denticles.
    Oh, well, maybe I'm just in an argumentative mood, playing devils' advocate so to speak. I find no fault with NGC and PCGS graders and would agree that it probably depends on the denomination or the series being graded.
    My Signature Set is alive and well, even if my finances aren't. My family tree has been researched back to 1654 and I'm furiously trying to find nice coins to fill my slots. I'm finding that graded coins are hard to come by on these early dates. I am going to be 'enjoying the hunt' for a long time!
    Happy collecting, all!
    Dan

  12. audrop
    It's like trying to make dbl. eagles out of noncents!
    Hi everyone,
    First of all, let us assume that everyone can read. I know this might be a stretch in some cases and I am aware of what happens when you assume something (you make an out of u and me)! One other thought for the benefit of all; Let's give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Why should we care if someone feels compelled to break the rules for whatever reason? Let NGC police the journal entries if there is a flagrant disregard for the guidelines. If some of you have ever tried to sell coins through the Chat Boards, eBAY, or other venues, hopefully you have been more successful than I. After re-reading namvete68's entry, selling coins was not his reason for the post. Lastly, last time I checked no one is required to read every journal entry. If you don't agree with an entry, ignore it! A society needs rules to survive but everyone doesn't have to be a policeman of trivial matters. Now everybody take a deep breath and say, "It's going to be alright!" I feel better already. Sorry if my opinion is unsettling to some of you.
    On a more cheerful note, I am having to reconsider (OK eat!), some of my previous words. After checking with NGC about the possibility of mint sets prior to 1837 and not getting the answer I was hoping for, I am starting sets that I have no intention of filling (even if I could afford to), to display a few coins in the competitive sets arena. Please forgive me. I have started a Signature Set and even though I'm broke, I am enjoying it immensely. If you have some time to kill, rather than each other, I invite you to check it out.
    Enjoy the hobby and the interaction with the other society members, I know I do.
    Dan
  13. audrop

    The final straw!

    By audrop,

    How hard is it to take a picture?
    How disappointing?! I read other members journal entries describing their latest additions in great detail; toning, pure white, a visual delight, etc. So, all fired up to get a glimpse and congratulate them on their fine taste in coins, only to be let down by the fact there are no images!! Do us all a favor and take the time to leave a lasting impression on the rest of us who don't have the luxury of seeing your 'gems' in person. If you don't own a digital camera you must know someone that does. Borrow it, or ask them to take the pictures for you. Don't worry about getting the lighting, aperature, depth of field or shutter speed just right. Trial and error is the way I learned and although my pics are far from perfect, I am quite proud of my efforts. With a digital it is sooooooo easy! If it didn't come out right, just try again. Remember: A picture is worth a thousand words!! So come on, give it a try. You'll find it's easier than you thought and will give you something to do with your coins while you wait for the arrival of your next prize.
    Shown: 1870 Shield nickel Pop: PCGS 25/7
    NGC 31/6
    Happy collecting (and photographing) to all!!
    Dan

  14. audrop
    Please don't begrudge my fun!
    Isn't it amazing how you can be collecting for years (in my case over 50) and all of a sudden a certain coin or series kinda 'jumps' out at you. You're like a little kid again, oh, the palpitations! This coin is a ms62PL, the only PL by either service in all grades. Please understand that I worked, saved, and invested for over 40 years so I would be able to buy coins like this and hopefully you will be happy for me, like I am for other members when they share their acquisitions. You don't want to know what I paid for this coin! Wait, someone else already used that line! Even though I know you don't want to know I'm going to tell you anyway. I purchased this 155 year old coin, with all its associated history, for less than what a brand new $50 gold Buffalo sells for today. My point...don't assume that all nice, old coins are expensive. The trick is to find a series 1)where supply exceeds demand, 2)has a really unique history, and most important, 3)you are passionate about!
    On another subject, I agree with Neverman, that we really need a commemorative celebrating Obamas' historic campaign. We could call it 'The Empty Suit Commemorative'!!! I bit my lip until my mouth was full of blood, then I couldn't resist. Apologies to anyone who doesn't share my sense (or is it nonsense) of humor.
    Happy collecting, all!!
    audrop

  15. audrop
    Tried the chat boards but I have a free email account. Don't know what that's all about.
    I know that part of this post is probably not 100% kosher but I tried to register on the chat boards and gave up. I even tried contacting individual members who may be interested, but was not able to contact all of them. So at the risk of being reprimanded by my peers or even some 'higher authority', here goes. I am selling my collection "Paint Your Wagon" to concentrate on my mint sets and will give NGC Registry members first shot before putting the coins on eBay. Let me know if any of my coins pique your interest. Thanks.
    Shown is my latest acquisition; an 1891 half eagle in MS-63.
    Thanks for reading and happy collecting all!
    Dan

  16. audrop
    It must be gravity!
    Can you believe what's happening to the registry? I was at lofty #99 for about two days and then when I checked I was around 105 or so. Several new members have vaulted way beyond me with 100,000+ points registered in a single day. It's great to have the new blood and all, but couldn't they just kind of pass me gradually instead of just blowing on by? I'm finding that the higher I get up the mountain the steeper the slope. I used to be able to pass 10-15 collectors with the purchase of a single coin; whereas now I am buying nicer coins and just spinning my wheels.
    Glad to hear that Jackson made a giant leap when his signature set was added to the registry and good luck to Paul cracking the top 100 by years end! A formidable task.
    I have been quite busy trying to fill my sets by purchasing an 1898-S eagle in 63, a trade dollar and CC double eagle for my 1876 set, an 1849-D quarter eagle (pictured), an 1891-S Morgan in 65 and a real sweet 1891 half eagle to boot. Now how many spots have I moved up on the leader board? Exactly 0, nada, zippo!! Talk about discouraging. At this rate I don't know if I will wind up in the poor house or the looney bin. Possibly both!
    Thanks for reading. Have a great 2009.
    Dan
    P.S. See how close you can guess the grade of my 1849-D qtr. eagle. Study the picture and then give it your best shot. Check my 1849 set for the right answer. Good luck. Your feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

  17. audrop
    Reminds me of my high school foreign language grade.
    The last time I felt good about getting a 'D' was my freshman year in high school when I was afraid I might have failed Spanish I! In this case ,however, I am ecstatic about acquiring my first D mint mark (for Dahlonega, GA). An 1849 G$ PCGS AU-58 for my great-grandfathers set.
    Happy New Year!!
    Dan

  18. audrop
    Deficit spending to new heights (or is that lows?).
    With all this talk about OUR government buying an interest in poorly run companies and bailing out those poor unfortunates that bought more house than they could afford, I figure it must be my turn. All I have to do is stop making my mortgage payments for about 3-4 months and I will qualify for my own little 'bailout'. With that in mind I have gone on a spending spree and probably will need bailouts for 2010 and 2011 also. Isn't this fun, it's like winning the lottery. Borrow as much as you want, fritter away the money, and Uncle Sam will be there with his (I mean OUR) checkbook to straighten everything out. Glory be, and here I thought socialism was somethimg to be avoided. I was just looking at it from the wrong perspective, when the government is taking money from Peter to pay Paul, it makes no sense to be Peter.
    I can only hope that the 'Messiah' will save us from this calamity.....but I'm not holding my breath.
    Merry Christmas, all!
    Dan
    P.S. One of my 'bailout' coins.

  19. audrop

    King of Morgans

    By audrop,

    What can I say...I guess I bought myself a Christmas present.
    I was in the process of negoiating on this coin and sent in four coins as a downpayment to hold the coin for thirty days so I could pay for it after the first of the year when I can dip into my IRA again. Lo and behold, the postman brings me a package (he didn't have to ring twice) and there it was, an 1893-S in VF30 (PCGS) with some very nice toning. What a surprise! Needless to say this coin has been on my wishlist for about fifty years (no exaggeration needed, yes I am that old). I have always believed in miracles but.....
    Merry Christmas all!!
    Dan

  20. audrop
    Don't let your safe deposit box lock away your coins!
    After reading some journal entries about the pain involved in taking a collection back and forth between home and the bank just to get a glimpse of our 'prides and joys'. I think I've come up with a partial solution...get a digital picture frame. You won't be able to oogle over your coins while holding them but being able to see what's in the vault should increase the enjoyment of your collection and allow you to share with friends and family without the hassel of running to the bank. While you're at it, get two, so you can show off your wife and kids, or pets, or whatever. Christmas will soon be upon us and if you're like me nobody knows what to get you...just a thought. It might also get more of us to upgrade our galleries. I think I've finally gotten the nack of it but there is always room for improvement.
    Shown is California Fractional Gold BG-427 in MS 64. Finest known.
    Happy Thanksgiving all!!
    Dan

  21. audrop

    Quantity vs. Quality

    By audrop,

    I really should stop reading these journals...
    Everytime I read someones journal about how they are changing their focus or trying to simplify their holdings, I take it personal and think maybe I'm too spread out, have too many sets, need to get my act together, etc., etc. So here goes...my November resolution is 1)to concentrate on some of my older mint sets, 2)sell all of my Morgan S$ that don't fit in my mint sets, and 3)use the funds to upgrade my gold coins. There, I've made a commitment, it's in writing (in case I forget what I committed to), and boy do I feel good about it!! Looking at the Registry and seeing some members with lots of coins with low point values and other members with very few coins but average point values in the stratosphere, I've decided to take the middle-of-the-road approach. My lifetime goal is to acquire 500 coins with an average point value of 1,000 = 500,000 points. Now if I can only go for say about 2-3 weeks without changing my focus and having to come up with yet another resolution....what was my latest focus??? The start of my 'new' collection is shown, an 1852 Assay $10 gold piece off of the S.S. Central America. Happy collecting all.

  22. audrop
    I'm sure this has never happened to you.
    Here I am trying to save up for an 1893-O S$ in ms63, which for me is a very pricey coin, and I found one at an excellent price, but wait....I find an Indian Head cent for only $$$ and then a Barber quarter for $$$, etc. Then I remember all of the 'good buys' that got away. I know that coins just as nice will come up again and probably before I can afford them. What is a numismaniac to do?
    Happy hunting all.
  23. audrop

    Paint Your Wagon

    By audrop,

    Just 105 coins to go....
    I'm writing this journal to bring attention to my latest set. I only hope I don't bring too much attention to these very small, insignificant coins, as I definitely don't want more competition in finishing my set. Anyway, I hope all is well with you and yours. Happy Halloween!!

  24. audrop

    Re: A Loss Beyond Words

    By audrop,

    Putting things in the proper perspective.
    After reading a number of entries regarding NGCs new holders, what they allow in the registry sets and what is not allowed, and the trivial complants and gripes that we all have with this or that, I read Michael W. Coopers latest entry and I was brought back to reality. Michael needs our prayers and support, fellow members. Please send a message to let him know that his family is in our thoughts and include a few words of encouragement. A final thought; when we are trying to make a point let us not disparage others opinions or belittle their ideas. Let us try to be a little nicer to each other and consider their perspective with increased understanding and compassion. I know that I have been less than patient with some of you and you may not appreciate my sense of humor at times. I apologize for any lack of feeling on my part. After all, this is just a hobby we're talking about. Take care and may the Lord bless you and yours.
  25. audrop
    I just can't make up my mind!
    Why is it I like them both? Ran into this real nicely toned 1891-s Liberty Seated dime and it was love at first sight. An ms 65 to boot. Wasn't exactly a steal, I paid a slight premium for the coin, but I sure like the way it looks.
    As an aside, I've switched gears regarding my Morgan dollars. I will be selling most of my Morgans on eBAY this week, lots of 64s and 65s, as I upgrade to 66s and 67s. You may want to check it out if you have holes to fill.
    Enjoy the hunt!
    audrop