LINCOLNMAN

I've noticed colonial coins that have areas of maroon discoloration. I vaguely recall seeing this on other copper as well. The coins in question aren't details graded. Any idea what causes this, what I'm seeing?

Could be. 50c was a lot of money back then. I would still put the Walker first, but no argument from me if the Buffalo were chosen. Both sides are uniquely American.

It was the PCGS rep that I talked to at the show. NGC was the TPG that sent back my coin. Still, I will try again with both. Thanks for the encouragement.

Agree. Worth a shot.

I did; however, I thought there might be a small chance that they would place my groat inside a foam ring before inserting into a holder - no way?

That would do it. I may try PCGS again, the kid I talked to at the PCGS table was probably a shoe clerk the week before. Many thanks.

Correction, make that 1 in 100.

There is enough going on in Texas to be concerned. I personally know 5 people who have been infected. 1 in 10 Texans have been diagnosed. I'm concerned that I might infect others, I'm concerned about my family and my employees and I have a duty to them and to my investors. Collecting is a 100% selfish pursuit for me. This isn't about being a tough guy. Being careful is a moral decision that should be easy for anyone who cares at all about others and has a sense of responsibility to others who count on them. If a year from now we find that the mortality data has been overblown, so what? The give-up is insignificant and the downside is potentially catastrophic.

This seems possible. NGC couldn't do it. Thanks all.

I sent a Mary I groat to our host some time ago and it was returned in a flip as "too fragile to holder". The flan is very thin. At a show I took it to the PCGS table and the kid looked at me like I was speaking Klingon. The ANACS people were nice enough to give it a look, but had the same response as NGC. Any ideas, I would like to get it in a slab?

An example of a "details" coin that I would love to own. Lovely and sentimentally historical. Just awesome.

US Coins seem to be doing okay, I've been outbid at close to list, and not CAC. My main interest is in foreign medals; biggest problem there is supply. Very little new to pick from.

When I collected SLQ's I tended to buy coins that looked at first glance to have a full head - especially in those cases when there was a large price difference for FH. I stayed away from anything where the design was obviously compromised. I was satisfied with a nice 63 or 64 with eye appeal. I found that with such a busy design the technical grade didn't matter as much to me, particularly considering price differences. Just my own taste, beauty with economy if possible.

One of the problems in achieving transparency is that it isn't possible for scarcer coins because numerous transactions aren't recorded. Expensive coins with low populations might change hands a dozen times before they go through an auction or are transacted on the internet. In addition, even the more common mid-level coins may demonstrate a wide range of prices at similar grades, and must each be subjectively examined in hand before making a value decision (hence CAC, but their criteria may differ from yours). The messiness inherent in collecting things adds to the challenge and the fun.

This, unless you treat the hobby more like a business or make it a business. I'm building a collection that represents about 2% of my net worth. I go in with eyes wide open, knowing that I or my heirs will likely lose something like 20% in transaction costs, probably more on my medal collection. But I enjoy the heck out of the hunt, the research and the challenge of getting the best value for my money; completing a set or goal; looking at my coins on quiet evenings like Scrooge McDuck; organizing and displaying my collection; visiting with fellow collectors and friendly dealers; learning about new, unfamiliar aspects of numismatics; tying my coins and medals to history, learning the history of the coins themselves, who designed them and why they were made. Others enjoy learning about the coining process and what can go wrong, collecting errors; cherrypicking scarce or rare varieties or die states. (P.S. I also play golf. The wife plays competitive bridge. Both are expensive and guaranteed to be poor investments.)

The last red wedding?

Having reviewed some of the comments that have gotten members banned ATS, I noticed that there were comments that were somewhat ambiguous or offensive only to a very sensitive reader. My overall sense is that they are overreacting ATS, perhaps intentionally in order to finally quash political OT or generally offensive posts. Good luck with that.

That's a beauty, good luck with the type set.

Anyone collect coin glass?

I wish Bill Jones were still posting here, I've seen his posts that include political Americana tied to numismatic materials. I collected all sorts of Lincolniana when I was an avid Lincoln cent collector, but sold it off when I got back into US federal type. Sold the cents since then too. Love the sovereign tie-ins posted above! I collect Jean Dassier et fils medals and am looking for one of their watch cases or snuff boxes, assuming I can afford one if I ever find an example.

Great history presented, thanks.