Henri Charriere

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.]

It was never my intention to represent my '37 buffalo nickel as a proof. It is not. But it is a nice example. I just reviewed some price information and see a value of $20. for an "uncirculated coin." What the range is, I don't know but regardless of value, I would like to send it to you to do with it what you like. 1, 3, 7, 13 and 37 are all my lucky numbers. I do hope this is also deemed a suitable candidate for grading by others particularly those with knowledge and experience in such matters.

1, 3, 7, 13 and 37 are all my lucky numbers. I do hope this is also deemed a suitable candidate for grading by others particularly those with knowledge and experience in such matters.

Best I can do. I would be happy to send this to you gratis, at my cost. You may want to wait to have the congregation comment first.

Terribly sorry for the poor images. I am unable to crop and reposition. I will try again.

If what you've opined is true, and I implicitly trust the verdict of a highly revered member, I would be honored to offer the OP my own uncertified 1937 Buffalo (in slendid condition) which I was prepared to use as my last free grading credit until I apparently forfeited it when, with two months left to go, I declined to renew my membership ATS and my free credit was unceremoniously clawed back with no notice to me, and both my user name and password were stricken from the records. I will post my nickel here, obverse and release, and if it meets with both the OP's and congregations' approval -- I will post it to you without delay free of charge.

If what you've opined is true, and I implicitly trust the verdict of a highly revered member, I would be honored to offer the OP my own uncertified 1937 Buffalo (in slendid condition) which I was prepared to use as my last free grading credit until I apparently forfeited it when, with two months left to go, I declined to renew my membership ATS and my free credit was unceremoniously clawed back with no notice to me, and both my user name and password were stricken from the records. I will post my nickel here, obverse and release, and if it meets with both the OP's and congregations' approval -- I will post it to you without delay free of charge.

Thanks. Now I have to try to remember why I never attended that, or any other, one here.

Would any member the last time (year) when a coin show was held in New York City? Would the reason simply be the expense? I don't know what else the reason could be.

Surely the thought of having this certified has crossed your mind.

Historical Aside: When the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge opened between Brooklyn and Staten Island as the world's longest suspension bridge in 1964 in time for the World's Fair in Flushing, Queens, New York, the toll was 50 cents. The only outcry was over the cost, twice that of any other intercity bridge or tunnel. Today the round-trip fare, once a dollar is $19.00. (I believe the toll for a six-axle rig crossing the GWB exceeds $100.]

No, you won't. You just retired. You have a lot more time on your hands and a big hole to fill. What are you going to do, sit around whittling wood and spitting chewing tobacco into a can? Now you can organize all that stuff you got a hernia moving and, hey, who knows, you may even start a Set Registry. The possibilities are endless. But the one thing you cannot do, indeed are not free to do is quit. The hobby defines you. You are the hobby! Nobody leaves the hobby. 😉

I would definitely make that Twenty-Two one of the two.