Henri Charriere

Respectfully,... am I to believe no one in positions of authority was aware of the problem? No one reported it? No one advised the Director to inform him of the development, much less apprise him of the steps being contemplated to correct the "malmintage?" Where were the inspectors and quality-control personnel? What about the guys servicing hubs and starched collars? My point is: When a problem like this lands on the Director's desk, it's too late!. If it'd've have been me, I would relieve from further duty all persons involved immediately, and assure the Director measures have been put in place to insure there would be no repeat of this debacle emphasizing my statement with the quote, by pledging my Life, my Fortune and my Sacred Honor on it. *** Privately, on non-government memorandum or letterhead I would remind the Director that had he secured the necessary funds essential to the efficient operation of a modern mint, as requested in previous correspondence, none of this would have happened in the first place. 🤣

I am troubled by this finding perhaps more than I should be. Why should it be the concern of a government official in the nation's capital to insert himself into a situation, the precise dimensions of which were as yet unknown, when there were staff available in Philadelphia ready, able and willing to tackle the problem head-on? You cannot micromanage the affairs of a production line from afar. That's why effective directors delegate responsibility to trusted associates. Under King Ed Koch's tenure in New York City, he never answered a question from the press regarding police, correction -- or sanitation matters. Instead, he would state, for example: "I have a police commissioner. Allow him to brief you on the matter." Any "damaged" coins have long since been discovered and voluntarily surrendered. "I pledge my Life, my Fortune and my Sacred Honor on it." (To sticklers for proper attribution, I credit the plagiarized line quote to the signers of the nation's Declaration of Independence, 1776.)

Granted, dated post where things move at warp speed. By strict definition, I do not qualify as a collector. Judging by the number of coins I have in my constructive possession, 24, I am neither a hoarder or accumulator. I do not believe I can even be termed a coin enthusiast anymore. The line of Saints appeals to a certain collector, like set registrants, with a large disposable income or unassigned assets. The above reasoning, set forth as such, comes close as one early can to identifying the type of collector I would envision a Saint enthusiast as being. In succeeding posts focused on the '30-S low-ball, I would imagine the original owner, acquired it possibly for sentimental reasons as the ideal lucky pocket piece for quite some time, hence, my believe the original piece, clearly devoid of distracting damage, was carried by someone, at the height of the Great depression for no no ther reason than he could. It's too bad his real motive, and that of others prior to the advent of TPGS, is the real untold story here. Many valid points raised here. A laudable attempt is made to define who collects these coins -- and why. Unclear as to who "owns" the rights to this story now unfolding on.paralled threads, but it would clearly make for some fascinating reading to those predisposed to learning more about the history of a coin that has captured the minds of a select group of collectors who have realized there are never going to be enough finite pieces with sought-after attributes to supply insatiable demand. I am truly sorry I missed my calling in life as an unpredictable philanthropist.

I AM NOT A GOLD BUG! Now, If viewers will pardon my blatant plagiarism... "We start believing now that we can be who we are. "Gold is the word. It's got a groove. It's got a mean-ing. "Gold is the time, is the place is the mo-tion. Now, Gold is the way we are feeling. "Gold is the word. Is the word. Is the word. 🐓 Props to GF1969. You heard it here first in this topic.

Note: The following account, a flight of fancy which bears no relation whatsoever to the truth is presented as an ode to every man, woman and child whose contributions to the Forum were presented in good faith only to be mauled by members whose credentials appear to have been dominated unchallenged by those whose words over an interval sufficient enough to make newcomers, unschooled in independent research, accept them and repeat them as one would gospel truth, buoyed along by a practiced form of mindless herd instinct. We are presented here with what appears, at first blush, to be a common ANA pin replete with links and bars. To the unacquainted, it appears to be genuine. No one dares mention why the years 1912 and 1913 are unrepresented. Perhaps no conventions were held in those years; perhaps there were. To the trained eye, the package is inauthentic. ANA pins were made, but they were not rendered in what appears to be copper. Links were used, but the standard number was three with five used to distinguish the annual plates from the medal. As hereinabove mentioned, these presentation medals were rendered in the standard copper-nickel alloy. The links used were made of steel anchored to the medals and plates with silver frames. These metal fixtures were used to keep inevitable tarnish to a minimum. Even with the utmost care, metals subject to direct contact with environmental air, will suffer tarnish, copper most notably. As regarding the obverse, the Latin inscription, de profundis, literally, "out of the depths" made popular by Oscar Wilde in a letter written from Reading gaol, as used in this context, has a significance lost to history. The "I Dream of Genie" lamp resting on a modest tome, entitled: "Ancient Mystery," too, has been lost to history. One can only assume the number 14, stamped rather ostentatiously on the reverse, refers to its "mintage" in a limited production run. The medal originally festooned with tastefully-sized tri-color ribbons of red, white and blue, but are inexplicably missing. This concludes my review of the ANA medal, which I remind viewers was spun from whole cloth, posted to promote dissenting commentary and is subject to removal by Moderators at their sole discretion for cause, or no cause at all.

Is that a distant relative of NXIVM? 🤣 Re Gold: I believe had that Rooster never appeared on the eleventh and final series of the F20F GR, I NEVER would have given it so much as a second glace. Whether gold goes up, or down -- even plummets to zero ($0.00) is of no concern to me. When I summon the nerve and inclination to relate why, I shall do so under the "Unsolicited Comments" column if it is still extant.

That's dangerous thinking! Sounds a little like O.J. when a reporter caught up with him behind the wheel of his car, and he allowed, in substance: "What, me worry?" Too much to cover in your commentary. I am going to leave you with a few lines from a stanza of S.T. Coleridge's 18th C epic: "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." "Like one, that on a lonesome road Doth walk in fear and dread, And having once turned round walks on, And turns no more his head; Because he knows a frightful fiend. Doth close behind him tread." I am indebted to you for your counsel which, judging from your many followers, others found to be of value as well. You are retired! Are all these things you're doing what you wished you had time for but didn't because you were working? Relax. Take it easy! We all must come to the realization that none of us are indispensable. I'm okay with that. If I read GF1969 correctly (upthread) I am not a collector. I was one once, but by his well-reasoned argument, he's right. I no longer am. Hate to have to admit it, but if you left the airwaves, there would be no point in my lurking about. There will be an audible sigh of relief and the unmistakable sound of great rejoicing. Who can blame them? On the West coast, the # 2 guy will reclaim the top spot again; the guys at # 11 here, and "there," will move up a notch into the ranks of the Top Ten. Everybody will be happy. Even the guys who left when they learn I'm gone, will filter back. Good News travels fast. The point is, Life will go on with or without us. I would strongly advise you to take it easy. You're lucky. You've been to the top; you're not obligated to prove you can do it again, again, and again.

You.may be right. This thread rapidly descended into classic z-pekinese. You know... ... no collector is obligated to disclose the extent of his holdings... this information is private and confidential... if you receive a phone call or written survey, you have the consitutional right to decline and remain silent.. if these unknown parties persist, you have the option of blocking them... and if they show up on your doorstep, unannounced, you have the right to exercise your rights under the Second Amendment... Of course, if the unanticipated guests are representatives of an arm of the Federal Government, you may wish to retain your composure and suggest they get in touch with your barrister... there is an app for that... it is commonly referred to as a retainer devised for just such emergencies...

Allow me to prove my assertion the redrum guy is simply engaged in harmless conduct... I would say Ancients (but not because I fear VKB's disapproval) Moving right along... I would say Gold doubloons and silver (but not necessarily because our Grand Master would challenge the provenance of gold nuggets and flakes). There. Two questions asked. Two questions answered. No harm done. Socitations for opinions sought and granted. Now, what I would really like to know is what is everyone so afraid of? That this guy works for the IRS? SHEESH!

Great detective work here, Mike! You really went the whole mile and made Seattle Slew (back in 1977, for the newbies) look like a straggler at the clubhouse turn. Now we are left with the questions we are forbidden to ask... which highly-acclaimed, reputable dealer sold the OP this coin, and for how much? (Parenthetical comment: anyone who makes a mockery of denticles, if found, ought to be drawn-and-quartered in lieu of a trial by compurgation.)

Nota bene: Begging the OPs indulgence, I believe I would be remiss in my duty to broaden the hobby's "body of knowledge" if I failed to bring to the ardent reader's attention, a reference to the content of a comment posted by our own @World Colonial while seemingly anecdotal, resounds with the ring of unassailable truth -- before this thread proceeds further.

[Quick face-saving edit: NGC & PCGS both authenticate, grade, certify and encapsulate foreign coins. (Now aren't you sorry you threw away all those possibly rare, MS, foreign coins you found in your roll-hunting activities? 🤣

You may be forgiven if you labored under that mistaken impression. When opportunity avails, check out the NGC Set Registry. Just the list of countries that follow United States, from either A to Z or most to least popular. Put another way, if not for foreign certifications, Quintus Arrius (or whatever User Name he chooses to be known by now) -- minus his handful of French gold Roosters -- would be a total unknown. 🤣

(See post dated Saturday, 8:44 p.m. responding to a post by fellow combatant, @cladking and, by extension, me.)

Splendid.. Now @World Colonial can no longer claim, as he had upthread a few posts, and I quote: "I've never heard a single person use this term [Modern] or make this distinction other than you (meaning, me.)"

I am sure it shall come as no surprise to the membership to learn I am now, and have always been, unalterally opposed to "decapsulations" and more so it the motive is for financial gain. It reeks of unseemly, coarse conduct unbecoming a gentleman and undertaken for no other reason than personal gain. Rather than condemn those who engage in such practice, I believe I have a possible solution. If you submit your coin(s) raw, no one likely be the wiser. If you submit your coin(s) for state-of-the-art protection, that is valid and understandable. But if your motive is financial, perhaps a TPGS, may be inclined to meet you halfway. After a cursory review, it it seems your claim lacks merit, they can simply pick up the phone, or message you indicating an update would be disadvantageous, thereby eliminating the need for needless vandalism which would leave only payment of a nominal administrative fee. If re-housing would prove to be desirable, both parties would be pleased. The TPGS would reap the standard fee and you would benefit from a state-of-the-art holder with all the benefits that accrue, including a higher value for the upgrade. This is simply a proposal. All in favor, say Aye!

Thanks for this vital heads-up! I believe if a snafu has affected you, there is a good chance it may affect others, to their detriment

I am actually quite pleased you took the time and trouble to post this last of 328 pages. It serves to illustrate the fact that the numbers of individual collectors changes over time. Many "Blue whales" have a tractor-trailer full of different sets. It came to my attention recently that, while the numbers of collectors of my series has grown to just under 100 sets, a closer look divulges the majority of the sets in the top ten bear one man's user handle and his various sets are apparently devoted to members of his family. Many set registrants utilize their upgraded coins to start 2d and 3d sets. Oddly, while the number of mintages, certifications,TPG memberships, and coin show attendees help define the hobby's size, they too are hobbled by a number of factors one may not be inclined to factor in. My view is the figure for "coin collectors" is inflated.

Three members have weighed in twice on this fairly straightforward query. I would be a fool to speak up now, but as difficult as it may seem to believe, I do have a thought... First and foremost, it is refreshing coming across a humble post, that refrains from insisting we recognize a flaw or error of some kind otherwise invisible to all but the OP. You have a -- let's see, can't call it "fine"; can't refer to it as a "specimen" -- how 'bout a lovely LHC! 🤣 Funny how the cost of production of Lincolns shifted, as an issue, when the price of copper rose and the Wheaties went the way of butterflies, but resurfaced with the newer memorial cents whose intrinsic value, rather than being openly discussed, is swept under the rug of susidization by larger coins. I still feel their days are numbered, but yours is worth keeping. Some folks collect arrowheads; I like Indian Heads. Cents, not heads.

I am truly sorry you compromised your integrity to acknowledge the likes of me. I do not wish to jeopardize your station on this Forum by sacrificing your reputation and credibility for me. What you say is true. To me, U.S. coinage ceased to exist after 1964. Gnashing of teeth and wringing of hands over "flaws," visible to the unaided eye, back then, was unheard of. The '43 "copper" penny and '55 DDO "variety" were well known. I did not use the term obsolete because the term has lost its utility. Those coins have attained numismatic value. I do not believe any such coin (or currency for that matter) would be refused by a merchant unless proffered as face value. Your point is well taken. I shall no longer use the term Modern anymore. One last thing... how will you refer to "any coin from any country introduced after the withdrawal of silver from circulation."

Well, gentlemen, I saw this coming so I am going to ratchet up the pressure and provide more definitions. Here are some, subject to revision... U.S. collectors irrespective of their area of interest; U.S. Mint products are acceptable; bullion, bars, ingots, and the like are not, unless they bear dates. (Many collect both. That's okay.) TPGS membership numbers are a start; the late-nite TV viewer is not. To me, Binion (deceased) was neither a numismatist or a collector. Forget YouTube. Active/Retired collectors, those who frequent online sites in the absence of the one-time proliferation of storefronts) count as do those who attend coin shows; those who throw change in jars, indiscriminately, regrettably, do not. RWB and EC count; inheriting a collection does not a collector make. Whether an heir is, or isn't, relies on intent and future plans. I believe with hard numbers, it may be possible to extrapolate plausible percentages which may go a long way in determining the current state and future health of the hobby.

There's been an awful lot of conjecture on at least two, possibly three current topics, asserting any number of debatable "facts," all of are difficult to prove due to a multiplicity of factors including figures from a variety of sources as well as personal experiences. None, unfortunately, are above reproach. Let's get down to hard facts. Volunteer a figure and cite an unimpeachable source, or sources, for your assertion.

🐓: Are you sure Kurt wrote this??? North Korea? Isn't he the member who wrote disparagingly about their neighbor to the NW? Q.A. Beats me. I take credit for suggesting Trump go to North Korea. I believe in keeping the lines of communication open. Do me a favor, hide that giant bronze cash, and promise me you'll never mention it on the Foum. I would like to submit it but still haven't been able to figure out just what it is. Hey, maybe we ought to send Kurt that brand-new 500 Won note we got a few years back. Too bad I never won that giant lottery. I am more a giver than a taker. I know exactly who's partial to what. I could make a while lot of collectors happy. Ah, well... c'est la vie! *** 🐓 : Incidentally, any comment on the ongoing WC / CK heavyweight bout? Q.A.: You mean besides hashng their differences at the White House over a beer? None. 🤣

You kiddin' me? What find? I'm from the "Show Me" state. Remove that silly putty and Show Me/Us the date! And show me the reverse! Is this a silver quarter or a clad? And FOCUS the camera properly! It ain't an error until the Forum votes it is, unanimously, to a man!