Henri Charriere

I am going to defer to our resident expert on PMD and PTS. What enquiring minds want to know is: the nature of the offense committed which warranted such punishment, and how much of that thirty-five year stretch did this offender do in the Kingston pen?

[A most regrettable misspelling of a former governor's name.]

Complicating matters is the fact that the two top TPGS have submission centers all over the world. As you may know, I collect French 20-franc gold roosters and it stands to reason I will trust those who grade them frequently than their counterparts in CA and FL who come across them only occasionally.

Great piece of advice. I've used a Brillo pad -- but I had my reason. That was 40 years ago. Look at the result now. Clearly cleaned. Originally caked with mud. Diameter: 2"/5 cms. Quarter-inch thick and heavy. I have no idea what it is, where it's from or its age.

Oops! I did it again.

As two of our much esteemed members are fond of saying, paraphrased here: Back on track. We should be on whether there ought to be a Frozen Star of Texas commemorative... If today's weather is any indication, that anamoly in the South will be long remembered but doesn't warrant commemoration, even on the local state level. If I read the OP -- whose unique brand of humor brightens up many a thread, correctly, his intent was merely to good-humoredly share with fellow members a once-in-a-lifetime event rarely if ever experienced in his neck of the woods with those similarly situated. I trust that with spring right around the corner, warmer days lie ahead.

Nice. It's even got a date! Love that "Let Trade & Commerce Flourish."

No problem. I cheated. I looked it up curious to know if the name was an acronym.

Actually since 1997. Echo Bay morphed into eBay (small e, big B). There are several stories as to how this all came about. Regarding photography and lighting... that was the subject of a recent thread here: fluorescent vs. incandescent. Some have a natural knack for such things; others do not and probably never will. You can also tell a great deal about a seller by the manner in which they package their product for shipment to you. My best advice: always look at the reviews and exercise due diligence.

There isn't a collector alive anywhere who can look you in the eye and truthfully say he has never [or never would] suffer a similar fate.

Halley's comet.

Guess you heard BLAGO was pardoned and released from BOP custody in Englewood, CO. The president when asked said he had received a "tremendously, powerful, ridiculous sentence. "

If that's what you call it, you're worth every penny.

Make more of what's yours. I just renewed my membership and NGC welcomed me back with open arms.

But Virginia is for lovers!

If ever a rumor is started that that is Mrs. Jefferson peering from the window right above the M in Monticello, I will take credit for it. Fine catch! (The coin, not the woman.)

Following are excerpts from "French Gold Rooster Investor Education - Mint State Gold... The use of the Gallic Rooster as a symbol came to France from the Romans. In 58-52 BCE, the Roman's conquered the region and named it Gallia (Gaul). This sounded similar to another Roman word galus meaning rooster. Because of the similarity between the two, Gaul would be confused with galus and so the association stuck. In the 6th century CE, the Germanic Franks would conquer the Roman province. In the 14th century, coins were inscribed with Francorum Rex (King of the Frank's in deference to the reign of Jean le Bon (1350-64). By 1795 franc became the official name of the currency. *** On the coin's obverse is an image of Marianne, a personification of liberty and reason and the national symbol of the French Republic; on the reverse is the rooster, the unofficial symbol of French pride and culture. *** Reliefs on both sides of the Rooster were created by legendary French sculptor, medalist and presidential portraitist of France, Jules Clement Chaplain; the rooster is known to the French as le coq gaulois; his medals for Nicholas and Alexandria of Russia were said to be the finest ever struck.... Since 1878, the Monnaie de Paris has been the sole French mint producing coins.

So what's new... twelve years later? If you go to the doctor, you get a diagnosis from a licensed physician. You're even free to go get a "second opinion" again, from a licensed professional. Exactly what credentials must a grader present on request... for an opinion? Very charming fraternity.

I don't know about a Frozen Star but there is only one thing that will warm the cockles of by then honorary member VKurtB's heart and that is bringing back the Old Spanish Trail Half Dollar featuring that Texas steer skull to be released during the state's quincentenary in 2035, the 500th anniversary of the Cabeza de Vaca Expedition. 😉

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT... Regarding the OP's likely the longest post ever posted within a post, I believe it ought to be made crystal clear that under no circumstances would a TPGS confiscate, substitute or willfully damage merchandise, raw or encapsulated, entrusted to them. (If I am wrong, there are those who would not hesitate to leap at the opportunity to correct me.)

I guess I just don't get it -- and probably never will. Members know full well that when financial considerations are taken into consideration, the coin has no value beyond the sentimental. When I get a Wheatie in change, I give it a quick once-over and place it in jar. I always knew the reverse bore the wheat stalks -- I never knew an undetermined number featured the Lincoln Memodial.

Change is incremental and cyclical in nature and occurs over vast swaths of time. Mt. Tambora? A Year without a summer? That galloping crack on the Antarctic continent? Disappearing Monarch butterflies? Mass deforestation? I do not believe anyone living now has anything to worry about. Just live responsibly, treat others the way you would want to be treated, and yes, that includes those from all walks of life.

[VIEWERS: I have re-taken the above photos which I believe will meet the cropping standards of Coinbuf, Just Bob, VKurtB et al. Look for them, and render your verdict accordingly.]