Henri Charriere

2 hours ago, MAULEMALL said:

I can take a hint...  The grown-up hat is [back] on.  (I don't think I can take getting sent to bed, nite after nite, without my supper, again.)  😉

11 minutes ago, Walkerfan said:

I didn't that impression from Scott, in any way.  He seemed very genuine.  His 'Coin Collector's Survival Manual' is a fantastic book and is one of my all-time favorites.  I've read it several times over.  

[Interesting preference. The author, at the very least, will be pleased to learn at least one reader and devoted fan feels -- while not exactly a mover-and-shaker -- he has had enough of an outsized presence in numismatics as Henry Ford and his assembly line had on automobiles. The ultimate compliment.]

Just now, VKurtB said:

And I even travel to mints!

Can't wait to see your "Report from Dahlonega," when that time comes.

9 minutes ago, VKurtB said:

I put my money where my mouth and keyboard are. I don’t do online purchasing with anyone but mints, and I travel extensively. 

Godspeed!

On 10/28/2020 at 2:37 PM, VKurtB said:

PCGS people come across as rude, offensive, and entitled.

[The very traits which have made Gucci a brand-name with worldwide recognition.]

On 10/15/2020 at 7:50 AM, Moxie15 said:

This is what I think, nothing more or less,....

 

This coin was purposely placed in the above mentioned environments in misguided attempts to better the coin.

With the exception of the above, an observation which speaks to motive unsupported by eyewitness testimony, surveillance camera footage and surmise or belief presented in the absence of sufficient evidence, I completely agree.

On 10/27/2020 at 4:18 PM, James_OldeTowne said:

I apologize for linking to an active auction item, but here is one I REALLY like:

1901 Encased Cent

Sure would like to know when this little jewel was mounted and where it spent the last 100+ years unmolested in suspended animation. Never seen anything like this.

2 hours ago, VKurtB said:

I know you do “sight unseen” purchases of coins based on TPGS grades alone. I never have and I never shall.

They say never say never but you've racked up a significant number of road trip and frequent flyer miles to back up your assertion and er, uh, prognostication.  I've always been a "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained" type of bloke but I suppose being risk-averse means never having to say you're sorry.  Can't argue with success.

I'm speechless.  I don't know whether to assume these shenanigans pertain only to Saints  (unlikely) or their tentacles extend to every corner of the coin realm.  For my own peace of mind, I think it best to pretend I never read about any of these truly troubling developments.  Nice investigative work.

21 hours ago, VKurtB said:

That is why I would NEVER EVER buy ANY coin from ANY photograph....

In my hand, or I ain't even CONSIDERING buying it....

More and more sellers are using intentionally deceptive photos. 

That's the beauty of TPGS. No need for photographs. No need to have anything in hand. (Aren't you the chap who said adapt and embrace the change?)  If a reputable member/seller, like Ratzie33, tells me he's got a certified 1902 Rooster at MS-64, or better, all I need to know is how much, and where to send the money. Makes no difference whether NGC or PCGS (with or w/o state-of-the-art NFC [chip] technology). Piece of cake. Sho nuff.

2 hours ago, VKurtB said:

Heck, Greg, the coolest provenance might have been YOURS. "This piece, from the famous gmarguli collection, is a stunner for the serious collector of important gmarguli pieces..."

Feuchtwanger had the right idea.  He put his name right on the coin.  "It's not just an old penny. It's a FEUCHTWANGER!" 

On 10/14/2020 at 8:53 PM, Insider said:

NOTE TO ALL MEMBERS:  I personally do not care what you collect, how you collect, the value of your collection, whether you buy TPG'ed coins, etc, Furthermore, I'm not interested in your sex, race, religion, politics or anything else about you.  That's because I really cannot tolerate most people!   

Except, of course, when you are soliciting their opinions on quizzes.  A most peculiar approach to problem-solving which makes me look good --  and that's really bad!

[The camaraderie between these two members is delightful and refreshing!]

[Why?  Probably for the same reason why folks whittle wood or sculpt blocks of ice... Anything from boredom or having something to do with artistic expression.]

On 10/26/2020 at 8:47 PM, RWB said:

Here are some picks to choose from....

Terrific sense of humor!

13 minutes ago, VKurtB said:

Nah Quintus, thass jus' me.

I dare not say anything; her eyes are boring right thru the back of my head. (Hey, at least you found out pi-guy is simply ignoring you.  No agenda whatsoever.  Now, who does the President-elect have to see to get his daily intelligence briefings?)

Unintelligible ramblings culminating in the sentencing at the Hague of Charles Taylor to 50 years for war crimes committed in Liberia. 

Countries that "celebrate everybody else's history" are simply trying to survive on the revenue streams generated by coinage.  Same reason why so many Liberian flags grace the sterns of ocean-going vessels.

Welcome!  Your mention of hobos was the very first I've heard from any member on this site.  I haven't any myself but if you do, feel free to post them. I am not even sure how they're classified but have marveled at the artistry skills the end products represent. Great stuff!

22 minutes ago, GoldFinger1969 said:

Did you get conked on the head by a robber mid-sentence ?  Should I call the police ? 

The claim by MarkFeld that he is not aware of any heavy-handedness in Moderation is without foundation.  Every one of my replies is routed, pored over and censored, or restored.  There is constant interference. Nothing wrong with my phone. I simply give up -- and that's what happened. I will move on from here, for now.  [I felt compelled to reply to you because I appreciate your measured approach on things.]

8 hours ago, GoldFinger1969 said:

Are you talking about toned coins ?  I've rarely seen it said that CAC stickers didn't belong, more so that a coin deserved one and didn't get it.

I get why some veterans and oldtimers might not like the CAC function or even the TPGs....but that doesn't mean we should denigrate their work, even if we/you do disagree with it.  For sure, state your objections....disagree....talk about the negative things you feel happen to our hobby because of it/them.

But I find too often that folks make broad generalizations, personal attacks, or unsubstantiated charges against CAC and/or TPGs and this detracts from the person's arguments (not saying you, just in general).

The buyuscoins.com website which bills itself The Collector's Source For The Finest Collectibles, has a fine selection of CAC-stickered slabs.

The photography I beli

On 10/31/2020 at 1:39 PM, Coinbuf said:

He is the only person that I have ever put on ignore, . . .

This is BIG news to me!  If true, it means the official count of those who've chosen to deprive themselves of my trivia and trespasses is down to 34. Mighty fine collection of Lincolns you've got there. Keep up the good work!

2 hours ago, scopru said:

The full context could be interesting.  However, I doubt that will be forthcoming. 

Fair enough. So Ashkenazi [Jew] is okay, but the colloquial contraction, 'nazi, is not -- and the variety minus the apostrophe absolutely unforgiveable.   My personal favorite was the comment made during the eight-year Iran-Iraq war that the Sunni and Shi'ite muslims were praying to the same God (Allah) to win. So much for religion.  Guess I'll quit while I'm ahead.

10 hours ago, VKurtB said:

I’ve never cared what John Albanese might think about much of anything. I only care about two opinions - the seller’s and mine, end of list.

You're one tough cookie.  On the other hand, from the CAC's I've viewed on-line, Mr. Albanese is the one with the quirky niche in this hobby.  He's thrown stickers on things that look as though their owners couldn't get to the Pepto Bismol in time.

'tis a strange hobby that routinely gives a pass on grade for deeply chop-marked, i.e., (purposefully desecrated) Trade Dollars, but is ready, willing and able to wield a sledgehammer on grading a Peace Dollar which is expected to come bag-marked.  Too bad these things are rarely seen "well-struck with sharp devices with prominent high point details," and with "exceptional eye appeal." Those upper-tier grades are reserved for them.  Still a lovely piece and I like it.