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Jack Robinson11

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Journal Entries posted by Jack Robinson11

  1. Jack Robinson11
    Silver up... $1300.00 per ounce
    I just checked the NGC site melt values... Silver up over $1300.00 per ounce... higher then gold value.... I think some thing really went globally wrong in the world today or, someone punched in the wrong keys when updating the Silver melt value...
    Have fun everyone... we all need to laugh once in awhile.
    Semper Fi !
    Jack
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  2. Jack Robinson11
    Ok, I was not referring to myself
    In my previous post I showed a Lincoln Cent that had -- extra metal -- connecting dates numbers together. I am now posting another oddity I picked up in Northern New York.
    This coin, if real, is an off-centered planchet but, I can not tell of which coin. The dealer who sold it was not present and I obtained the planchant from a huge bin, separated into baskets, of U.S. and foreign coinage. Most, but not all, of the foreign coins were Canadian.
    Since this coin has an partical imprint of the words -- nited S -- it is most certainly an United States coinage. The color is of a golden tone very similar to the Presidential and Sacagawea Dollar coins. The size, however, is much smaller. This planchant is slightly smaller then a Dime and closer to the size of a Cent. What appears to be a partial rim is also visible and does not react to a magnet.
    Any comments or suggestions in regards to the attached image will be much appreciated. Personally, I have no knowledge of this coin except to say that it looks cool.
    Best wishes to all and I hope all will have fun during their coin adventures.

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  3. Jack Robinson11
    I am certain I have a -- one of a kind -- out of a Gazillion Cent pieces.
    Whenever I travel I look for some out of the way shop that sell coins. The dustier the place, the more fun I end up having, looking for coins.
    This time while visiting Northern New York I came across a consignment booth that had nearly 500 cardboard flipped sealed coins, in a bin container. The owner of the booth was gone for the day but, I asked the owner of the shop about the coins and was told that all of the coins were for sale and for the prices listed on the cardboard flip covers.
    After about two hours of purging the pile, I came away with some very interesting error coins and some REALLY nice modern coins -- Cents; dimes; nickels, in crisp condition. Many that I purchased also had some rich NTs.
    One of the error coins was a 1936 Lincoln Cent (BN). The condition of the coin is Fine but, what was interesting about it was that the date had -- extra metal -- that murged and connected the numbers 9 and 3. The extra metal appears to be a circle punch of sorts.
    After returning home to southeastern North Carolina I pulled this cent and other error coins and put them under the microscope and took some pictures. I hope someone who reads this post can give some insight on this error coin.
    To me, it is the first that I have seen. Maybe, just maybe, it is the only one in existance, in all coinage, of the whole world.
    Best wishes to all and thanks for stopping by to read this post and looking at my images.
    Semper Fi !
    Jack

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  4. Jack Robinson11
    Turned 50 Cents into eight dollars.
    For giggles, I visited one of my local banks and asked for rolls of quarters. On a whim, I also asked if they had any 1/2 dollar rolls. The teller, who I did not know, told me that she had none.
    The teller next to her, however, stated that she had only four 1/2 dollar coins. I handed her two dollar bills and took my four 1/2 dollars along with four rolls of quarters, said thanks and headed to my car.
    As I got to the car I casually looked at the 1/2 dollar coins. Two were the 1776-1976, in good condition. The other two brought a surprised smile.
    Two Kennedy half dollars; 1964 and 1965; both silver were in my old hands. The NGC FMV showed a drop in value for 64' and 65' Kennedy Silver coins but, for VG condition, the value exceeded face value.
    Melt value is just over $8.00 dollars for each of the coins, as I understand the melt value thingy posted through NGC site.
    Not bad for a whim from an old U.S. Marine.
    Have fun in your adventures this weekend.
    Semper Fi !
    Jack
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  5. Jack Robinson11
    Results passed all expectations.
    I just received notice from NGC that my two 2013W ASE have been graded PF70; with an -- Early Release -- lable. These are my first self-processed and submitted coins, from the mint, to reach this status.
    Needless to say, I am extremely pleased with my results, and may I add, and with the quality and expedient customer service that I received from NGC.
    Semper Fi !
    Jack
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  6. Jack Robinson11

    2012 goals met

    By Jack Robinson11,

    Hard to believe but, I stuck with it.
    I started my coin collection, from scratch, in November 2011. I did not know what I would actually collect but, after reading many of the comments on this site, doing what I like and what I could offered were the main guidance from the various people who read this Newbie comments.
    I finally decided to focus, as a primary collection, my attention on NGC PF70 Sacawawea and President dollar coins. Along with other coins that I purchased--because they drew my attention--my collection was increasing by each month throughout 2012.
    As of December 24th, I now have a number 1 set of the Sacawawea and another number 1 set of President dollar coins. Both are NGC PF70 sets. Throughout 2012, I read various articles and debates on either/or PCGS versis NGC. Bottom line: pick the coin, not the slab and pick the TPG that you feel most comfortable. IMHO, I picked NGC.
    My final raw coin for 2012, that was just graded by NGC is the--shinny penny-- that my mother received last November in pocket change. The 1999 Lincoln Cent was graded as: MS64 RD. Not too bad for pocket change. For those who wondered, I sent the coin first to NCS to be properly cleaned, then on to NGC.
    To all of my friends on this site, Happy New Years and I hope 2013 brings you some fun during your adventures in life and coin collecting.
    Semper Fi !
    Jack
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  7. Jack Robinson11
    Sometimes looking at both the lable and the coin is a important.
    Yesturday I visited my local -- raw coin -- seller and picked up six WWII Wartime Cents (Steel); all in pretty good condition. I also picked up two sets of WWII Wartime Cents (P-D-S)that were in singler cardboard 3-hole holders. All were purchased less then ten dollars. Twelve coin in total.
    Along with the WWII cents I picked up six additional Cents dating from 1920 to 1948. Each card holder for these coins had the date and the words -- Wheat Penny -- typed on the face of the holder. Since they were all being sold for one price of six dollars; they soon became part of my family of coins.
    When I returned home and started my routine of looking over the coins in more detail, I discovered something interesting. One holder had -- 1946 -- typed on the face of the holder but, the coin turned out to be a 1958-D. Another holder had -- 1953 -- and the coin was a 1952.
    Since I purchased all of the coins due to the low costs and higher value, the issue of mis-typing and mis-coinage is not really a big issue. On the other hand, had I purchased the 1946 and 1952 Cents as part of my primary collections, I would have been disappointed and with a bit of $$$ out of my pockets.
    Lesson to this experience, at least for me.... don't just read the label. Double check the date of the actual coin.
    I have inserted an image of the -- 1946 -- label with the 1958 D coin because, the coin looks pretty good for being in a dirty old cardboard holder.
    Best wishes to all.
    Jack

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  8. Jack Robinson11
    Well, I thought I had a one-of-a-kind coin that only NGC was qualified to authenicate. . .
    Here is a new one for me:
    Received verification that the possible 1857 G50C piece I sent into NGC to get graded and authenicated is coming back as-- Inelible Type.
    For the ones out there, and I am one of them, that do not know when NGC states a coin is an ineligible type, all payments are refunded and the coin is sent back.
    I called NGC and talked to a wonderful young lady, I do not remember her name, that told me that my coin is being sent back unchecked and suggested me to find out where I could send it.
    Does anyone out there know of where I can send this coin to see if it is authentic? I know I can go to my local dealers but, they will, as in the past, say that I need to send it into a TPG to be sure. All research that I have read up on about this coin, also says the same thing... only true way to know is to send it to a TPG. Hence, NGC.
    I feel it is a 1857 California Gold coin or, Token. For those who know somethings about these coins -- this particular coin is paper thin.
    Here is an image:

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  9. Jack Robinson11
    Received some high grades from NGC.
    Received a knock at my door today during some heavy rain. My mail man walked to my door to give me my latest graded coins from NGC.
    My first Star coin is a 1945-D Jefferson 5C. I submitted three mid-1940s Nickels and my MS 65 Star 1945-D Star was a nice surprise. NGC #4143880-002
    Here are the rest of my graded coins that I submitted:
    1989 Silver Eagle: I expected MS66 and received a MS67
    1922-D Lincoln Cent: I expected VF Error but, got VF Details.
    1945-S Jefferson: I expected MS65 and received MS66
    1944-S Jefferson: I expected MS65 Error and received MS67
     
    I also received today a 1961 D Lincoln Cent (Omaha Bank Hoard) -- NGC graded -- MS66RD. A great find on Ebay. Paid about 1/3rd the FMV with free shipping.
    Here is an image of my 1945 D Jefferson 5C MS65 Star:

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  10. Jack Robinson11
    They were the first modern African American U.S. Marines (MPM) but, I got the first MPM Medal NGC census points.
    I received my five Montford Point Marines Medals in the mail this past week. I was dismayed by two things-- I did not get any MS70 grades and I did not receive the -- first issued-- label, as I had hoped.
    Here are the grades: 1.5 inch medal _ 1 NGC MS64; three NGC MS67;
    3.0 inch medal_ NGC MS69 (only one posted onto the NGC Census)
    I did, however, after seeing the census report today on the Montford Point Marines medal, found out that my five coins are the first to be posted onto the NGC census. I base this on the grades that I did receive compared to what are posted onto the census.
    I purchased these medals at 12:05 on the day of first sale. To me, this would be a sure thing for a -- first issue label-- I guess not. I even put a note or, two, onto my submission form that indicated when I purchased the medals and requested the label.
    I am not displeased with the final NGC grades that my medals received since, the one 1.5 inch medal that I ordered separately came to me in a hopefull -- VG -- raw grade. It was a mess. I returned it and received a much better conditioned one. I sent my five coins into NGC in the unopened box that they were sent to me from the U.S. Mint. I did this, to secure the -- first issue -- label.
    Well enough of my rambling.
    Have fun on your coin adventures,
    Jack

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  11. Jack Robinson11
    Close up of GSA 1884-O Morgan Reverse
    Mhomei.... Here is a close up image of the Reverse of my GSA Softpack 1884-O Morgan. I tried numerous times to get a better image of the Obverse but, was not satisfied. I used a holigen (29W) light and my cell phone camera to get this image.
    I attempted to scan the Obverse but,it looked bleached out and dull. The Reverse came out pretty good using my cellphone camera. Notice the dark spot on the Eagle's beak. This is most likely a main reason for not getting higher grade.
    Thanks to everyone who left a post about this coin. You comments, as always, are much appreciated.

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  12. Jack Robinson11
    Finally received my 1887-O Morgan back from NGC.
    To remind readers, I came across this GSA Morgan by accident a few months back when the Seller at a consignment shop, thinking it was a poor condition Morgan, sold it to me for a few dollars over spot. I received the blue envelope, COA and unopened plastic coin pouch for $32.00.
    I submitted the coin to NGC for an array of reasons. The first, just to experience the process of submitting a GSA softpack. Another reason is to ensure the coin is correctly protected for future value. For those who did not know. NGC places the entire plastic pouch, unopened, into a more stiffer holder, adds a label and then seal the new holder around the original pouch.
    The final grade for my GSA softpack 1887-O Morgan, is AU-55. Holder #4143879-001. I am pleased with that grade. I can now use this graded coin and compare it to the other raw Morgans that I have in my collection. I punched in my serial number into the the NGC verification site and found a few interesting things.
    They posted the information but, not an image. Possibly, it is too early and uploading images does take extra time. I did notice, however, that the FMV is posted in red, which inicates that this FMV is a -- comparible -- FMV, based on similar like coins. I do not understand what that means but, at least the coin does have a FMV.
    My Softpacked Morgan may not shine as a MS-70PL but, she is mine and she has a nice home with me.
    Have fun in your adventures. . .
    Semper Fi !
    Jack
    Here is the Obverse of the GSA softpack 1887-O Morgan:

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  13. Jack Robinson11
    I know that Marines can see everything but, this new medal is off a little bit.
    I received my first two Montford Point Marines 1.5" Medals. I am extremely disappointed of the quality of one of them.
    As background, I worked as the "acting" Curator for the National Montford Point Marines Museum in the early 2000s. I organized their less then operational systems, since I was attending Undergraduate and Graduate studies in Museum design and operations at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. To make this a short story, I brought the actions of the WWII era Montford Point Marines to the fore-front of today's generation. Although I left the Museum under less then friendly terms, I respect the men who fought and scarificed for our Freedoms.
    So, I hope you can see why I was pleased with the announcement of the Montford Point Marines Medal. Now, here is the rub: Opening the box from the U.S. Mint one of the coins has a U.S. Marine with a third eye.
    Obviously, it is a poor example of the mint's quality of workmanship. My issue is that this coin was minted within the past three weeks, or so.
    I have provided a close up of the medal's third eye Marine. Take note also of the numerous spots that surrounds the Marines on the Obverse of the coin.
    Ok, now I am venting. My concern is this: I purchased one (1) 3" MPM Medal along with four (4) 1.5" Medals, five minutes after the bell rang to begin the sell of these Medals.
    When I receieved the box and confirmed by the U.S. Mint that they were the coins; the entire unopenned box was sent to NGC for certification. Let's face it, I can brag that I purchased some of the very first MPM Medals since, I paid for them at 12:05.
    Am I in a pickle if the coins that I sent in to be graded and certified, look like the one below? They are being graded as I type this post.
    Since I am still learning from the best, any comments or, sympathies, will be appreciated.

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  14. Jack Robinson11
    If you going to jump, you might as well try to jump as high as you can.
    After six months of learning the basics of coin collecting I am now an Expert; with a capital _ E _.
    Well, ok, maybe not an expert but, at least now I know in which direction I was on, should be on and most importantly, know where I am heading.
    I received my two Sacagawea $1 NGC Proof 70 coins today. Graded by NGC. Many have argued that they are the best third-person grading service out there, in the coin world. I agree.
    The 2009 S Sacagawea dollar--Agriculture-- was purchased on Ebay at a very reasonable price and way below my top bid.
    My 2011 S Sacagawea dollar--Wampanoag Treaty-- looks stuning. It is also another Ebay purchase, just two dollars over the FMV with free shipping. The price value cancelled out the two dollar overage. I have added a close up image of the 2009 S coin, below.
    Learning to stay within or, below your top bid offer has been a challenge for me. Like the slot machine addict, one more ten dollar bet, one-more-time will win the prize!
    You will win, if you keep on bidding. In doing so, however, sooner or later your pockets will become empty. Then, when the next prize comes along, most likely a more quality prize, you will be unable to bid since, you spent two to three times the FMV on the first coin--just to prove you can win. But, did you?
    I found over the past six months that I have a great deal more to learn. This by itself, is a valuable lesson. I have also discovered an interest in the Proof Sacagawea coins.
    Throughout 2012, I hope to obtain many NGC certified Proof coins. Another tip that I have learned through my reading and research -- buy the coin that you like.
    I think I am heading into the right direction.
    Semper Fi !
    Jack

  15. Jack Robinson11
    Picked up my last required Sacagawea Proof 70 coin today, which makes my collection complete..to date
    This has been an adventurous week for me in coin collecting. To me, at least, it was adventurous.
    I received my 2012 (W) Silver Eagle this week; an MS 70. Very strong details with a lot of shine. It is also an early release but, I am still trying to figure out the difference between Early Release and First released.
    I made a post the other day pertaining to the Montford Point Marines Bronze medal that the U.S. Mint began to sell yesturday. I picked up one (1) 3inch and four (4) 1.5inch medals. I paid for the coins at 12:05pm. I plan to send the entire box to NGC for grading.
    I also received my 1969 Proof set back from NGC. Here are the results: 1C= Proof 65 RD; 5C=Proof66 Cameo; 10C=Proof 67; and 25C=Proof 67. I was pleased with the results since I paid less then $12.00 for the entire Proof set. I did not submit the 50C coin but, will later. I did, however, submit a 1999 1C= MS66 RB.
    Finally, I picked up the last coin for my Sacagawea Proof 70 Set off of Ebay, this morning. I paid just over FMV but, in time, it will pay for itself. When I put the coin into my slot, I jumped from 23 to 3rd. Then I added an image, burrowed from the Sellers ebay site, and I went from 3rd to 1st. I dont know what this all means but, I think it is a good thing.
    Lastly, I want to wish everyone a great 4th of July celebrations. Remember our military Veterans, both past and present.
    For those who may not know, this is the two hundreth year anniversary of the War of 1812. A lot of things occurred during this war which some scholars believe to had been our second war of Independence. We also can not forgot F.S. Keys poem, which later, was turned into a very meaningful song.
    Here is a link to a book that I wrote pertaining to one of our local War of 1812 heroes. http://www.lulu.com/jackrobinson
     
    Semper Fi.
    Jack

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  16. Jack Robinson11
    Some of the U.S. Marine Corps' finiest are being recognized with a U.S. Mint Medal
    U.S. Marine Corps - Montford Point Marines - will be receiving the National Congressional Medal today from the U.S. Senate.
    http://www.jdnews.com/articles/montford-105481-gold-point.html
     
    The U.S. Mint will be selling Bronze replicas of the Montford Point Medal. When the Montford Point Marines Museum initially started, back around 2004, I had the privilage of being their "acting Curator," for two years. I met and interviewed many of these Marines.
    I do not know the pricing for these Bronze Medals but, I am certain I will be picking me up a few.
    Congratulations to Montford Point Marines and best wishes to all military Veterans.
    Semper Fi !
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  17. Jack Robinson11
    I found an airtight sealed GSA soft pack 1887 O Morgan. I have to take it out of the air-tight packet BEFORE I send to NGC, correct?
    Ok, I really already know the answer to that question.
    I visited my favorite consignment shop last friday to pass some time looking over some of the Mint and Proof sets that are abondante, at a great price. While there I noticed a blue envelope with the words--United States Silver Dollar--thinking it was an Eisenhower coin, I passed on it and continued my coin purging.
    For some reason, I revisited this blue envelope and after some careful examination, I discovered it was a GSA issued Morgan; 1887-O. Not in the best of shape but, still a GSA Morgan. The dealer was seeing the coin only as a poor example of a Morgan and wanted $3.00 over current silver price.
    Getting home, after buying the Morgan and a good looking Kennedy, Franklin and sets of both types of issue, I did some quick research on the GSA Morgan. I learned that the term to use was--- GSA issue; soft pack. There is also a GSA hard pack but, I did not research that aspect.
    The real question I have is what is my next step: Do I send it to steight to NGC for certification; with all papers and blue envelope that shows a Gold GSA seal? Or, since the coin was sealed-- as is -- and is not the prettiest Morgan, should I send to NCS (with all material) first, and then on to NGC?
    Below is an image of the GSA 1887-O.
    Best wishes and to those that it applies; Happy Fathers Day
    Semper Fi,
    Jack

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  18. Jack Robinson11
    Two MS Error Coins from same dealer and he did not catch either of them?
    Below are images of a 1944-S MS Jefferson Nickel that I purchased at a small Flea Market in Northern New York.
    I mentioned this coin in my most recent post in regards to a 1922 D Cent that I found that also has a possible mint crack/ridge. This coin also has a really nice NT on Obv and rev.
    I hope the below images are clear enough to get opinions from more experienced Error coin collectors. Any comment will be welcomed.
    Best wishes and Semper Fi !
    Jack

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  19. Jack Robinson11
    This may be my first error coin, that I have rediscovered from an dusty shelf of a old consignment shop in Northern New York
    I am hopeful I will obtain some good guidance in regards to error coins. What appears, to me, is a error coin-- 1922D BN Cent -- that I purchased from a small Flea Mall in Northern New York.
    Close-up images below, of the Cent, shows what look like a mint crack/ridge within the -O- of the word -One- on the Reverse. After looking at the Rev even closer I noticed the crack/ridge extends from the -L- of -Epliribus- to the -E- of -Cent-.
    What is interesting is that I also purchased a series of 1944S; 1945S and 1945D Jefferson coins from the same Flea Market dealer (He was not on site and I never talked with him). The 1944S, also appears to have a mint crack/ridge. A post and photo will soon follow this post.
    Any comments, both positive and negative are welcomed. We can not learn, if we do not seek information.
    Best wishes to all
    Jack

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  20. Jack Robinson11
    I was certain that my three early 1800 Morgans would be Proof like 70s.
    I recieved my grades for my first five coin submissions to NGC.
    To refresh everyone, I choice these coins because I know each separate seller have a series of coins that were in similar condition. I wanted to make sure the quality and conditions were sufficient for future purchases.
    Needless to say, I had no Proof like 1800s Morgans. I did, however, find out that two dates were -- improperly cleaned -- coins. This is interesting since, another Morgan, from the same seller that was graded was given a grade of MS-62.
    Here are my results:
    My score: NGC Score:
    1889 P Morgan MS-63; MS-62
    1886 P Morgan MS-62; AU Details (I/Cl)
    1881 S Morgan MS-63; UNC Details (Im/Cl)
    1923 P Peace MS-60; MS-63
    1958 Cent MS-63 RD; MS-65 RB
     
    I am pleased with the outcome of the grades.
    Personal notes:
    Bob and SPHenson, the time line you mentioned was exact. I was pleased as to how easy it was to submit, follow and obtain results.
    Novamomm, the NGC emails were very positive and helpful with the tips that they provided along with the shipping notices.
    Now, I can go to the Morgans, Peace and Cents that I have and use the officially graded coins as tools for comparision. Being new in this adventure of coin grading, I have learned that research, research and reseach is a key element to success.
    Best wishes to all and thanks for taking the time to read this post.
    Semper Fi !
    Jack
  21. Jack Robinson11
    My first five coins to NGC for grading were given to my post office this afternoon. . . Do you think they have arrived and been graded, yet?
    Ok, maybe I am just a little anxious. Just a little.
    I can relate to all of the posts where collectors say they are eager to know their coin's official grades. For me, it started the moment the postal clerk took my box of coins.
    Here are the coins that were submitted: 1889, '86 and '81 Morgans; 1921 Peace $1 and finally a nice red 1956 Cent. I picked these coins because each seller had nearly identical coins for sale, far below FMV. I have examimed most of these coins, too.
    In theory, I repeat, in theory, these first graded coins will give me an idea as to the potential of the other coins that are being offered.
    I will update this post as I obtain info on my submitted coins.
  22. Jack Robinson11
    Went to the mountains of Northern New York for ten days. Found a few interesting things
    I try my best, if my budget allows, to visit out of the way antique shops while on my various travels. I have been in the mountains of Northern New York for the past ten days visiting my mother. Taking advantage of my - gift -- from my Uncle Sam this year, a trip or two to some antiques shops was on my to-do list while in the mountains.
    The first things I picked up were two rolls of 1976 P and 1981 P Pennies. They were sitting on a window sill in a small mom and pop resturaunt. Picked up these unopened UNC rolls for $3.00 each. I feel I did good on this find.
    The next thing I picked up was a 1889 P Morgan. The antique shop had about ten of this coins from the 1880s for sale at a cost of $50.00 each.
    I forced myself to keep my credit cards in my wallet and purchased only one coin. I want to make sure the official grading and quality of the purchased coin matches my expectations.
    Any comments on the images below would be appreciated.
    I am now back at home and have my mom visiting with me for a few months. Along with her two mature well-fed cats and poodle joining my own two kittens this should be an interesting visit.
    My plan is to have this newest 1889 P Morgan sent in and graded before I return to the Mountains of New York. I hope to purchase a few more of these coins, if the quality and FMV is above normal.
    Best wishes to all and have fun on your coin collecting adventures.
    Semper Fi !

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  23. Jack Robinson11
    Set now 75% filled with NGC Proof 70 coins.
    I received my latest purchases from Heritage auction today. Four Sacaqawea $1 NGC Proof 70. All for nearly 1/2 FMV. Even with the Buyers premium, I still was below FMV on all four coins.
    I need 2000; 2001; 2007 and 2008 to meet my goal of having 2000-2011 by the end of July 2012.
    Being new in the adventure of coin collecting, I have learned from many sources, especially through this board, that you should buy coins that you can afford and enjoy collecting. Being a History buff, I leaned towards the Sacagawea since through this coin, in MHO, we can easily trace the evolution of our Great Nation.
    I still am collecting my Franklins, Morgans and other raw coins. I even purchased my first Gold coin. A 1993 $5. She aint big but, she is mine.
    Until next time,
    Jack

  24. Jack Robinson11
    Number of islands, on the same coin, differ.
    As promised, I have attached an enhanced image of the Islands in regards to the error variation of 2008 Hawaii State quarter.
    Previously, I joked that with or without wearing my eye glasses I counted a different number of Islands each time I looked.
    As seen in the images below, I still see two different sets of Islands, on the same 2008 coin.
    A closer examination of the Islands show that, with the right angle of lighting, two of the mid-sized Islands appear to be separated. This may be the cause or, reason for counting 10 Islands rather then the appropriate 8.
    I am hopeful that someone, through theses boards, can produce a Hawaii 2008 State quarter that shows the error of having 10 Islands.

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  25. Jack Robinson11
    Some where a daddy or, mommy is not happy right now.
    While shopping at our local Walmart yesturday I received in my change a 1958 Red Lincoln Cent, in what I would consider a quality condition. What a suprise.
    I thought I had won the lottery. All I could think of it of all of the cents that I could have received, I was given this really nice 1958.
    As I often do, when I come across a historic find, from my days of being a local historian, I headed to my local high end cigar shop, with a big smile on my face.
    Low and behold, in the change I received from the cigar store, a nice 1941 Brown Lincoln Cent. This time, since I knew the cashier, I asked if he would purge his register to see if he had any more Wheat Cents. Sadly, however, we did not find any more of them.
    On the way home, I pondered the obvious and somewhat interesting question. Traveling to two separate stores, both on impulse buying, what were the odds of me receiving two Wheat cents?
    The only humorous answer was that some teenager got into the coin collection of mom or, dad to buy the latest fad in teenagers life. Parent upset, teen in perminant time-out and I, with two nice coins, a 54 year old coin, followed by a 71 year old Cent.
    If anyone is wondering, I did not drive to any other local store to buy a lottery ticket. In hindsight, maybe I should have.
    Even today in pocket change a quality aged coin can still be found. It is not hard to imagine where these two coins, and others like them, traveled to in their experienced circulating life.
    I do know this, I will pay closer attention to my future pocket change. I will also make sure my Grandchildren stay away from MY coin collection, when I am not around.
    Side bar note.
    The 1958 Red Lincoln cent that I received has one interesting variation. A double die on the words, Liberty and In God We Trust, on the same coin. As I understand it, NGC states there has only been one 1958 Red Lincoln Cent to have this variation.
    Yes, I checked my new find. Nope.
    Best wishes,
    Jack
    If you see a military Veteran look them in the eye and say thanks