Franklin/Kennedy book/Art&CoinTV/RickTomaska-ME
ultimatecameo
Posts: 244
To Fellow Collectors!
A very knowledgeable, avid Franklin collector and client noted I was on the chatboards. I would like to spend more time on the boards, but for the time being, that may not be possible. However, I thought it important to share the following:
1. More than ever, I believe the Franklin/Kennedy market offers more potential for future collectors than ever before. Exceptional (not the PCGS Price Guide material) mint state and cameo proof Franklin/Kennedy half dollars are harder to find now than EVER! There was a time, 10-15 years ago, I could attend a major show and pick up a double row box of these coins. That was in the distant past! Now I am lucky to pick up 4 or 5 coins.
2. So I am now a stronger buyer of these coins than ever. For example, I just bought a 1953-S MS 65 FBL for $33,000. We have resold the coin to a client who had it on his want list for about 3 years for $35,000. I also bought a 1950 Franklin NGC PF 65 STAR ULTRA CAMEO for almost $20,000.
3. I don't buy slabs. I buy coins I like. I don't care what the grading service holder says. Sometimes I may let the technical grade slide a bit if the coin has unusually good eye-appeal - and I pay VERY strong for coins with exceptional eye-appeal for the date! On the other hand, if the coin is ugly for the date, I don't care how technically perfect it is. That's just my preference.
4. I have contracted with Whitman books to write a book on Franklin/Kennedy half dollars. While I have already written two books on Franklins and one on cameo proofs, the last book was over 5 years ago. A lot has happened since. ALSO, MOST SIGNIFICANTLY - Whitman is willing to do COLOR throughout the book. Collectors of mint state Franklin half dollars will appreciate this feature! The book is due out next year.
5. ART and COIN TV - I generally appear on the show with Barry Chappell and Jimmy Gerstel. Barry monitors the segment. He is an ex-economics professor, and an avid coin collector. He asks questions in a classroom style environment, that a novice should ask, if they wanted to learn the most important aspects of a coin, in the limited time we have.
6. If you have followed Barry Chappell at all, you know he is also very knowledgeable about art, and offers some exceptional deals in that venue.
7. I hand select quality coins for new collectors for the show. Barry is in charge of pricing. I actually lose $ on many of the lots offered, and Barry often prices many of the lots surprisingly close to his cost.
8. The coins are selected to get a new collector started off on the right foot, whether it is a cameo or a mint state Franklin, or cameo Kennedy.
9. There will be more shows in the future, and we are learning as we go. We are most aware of the need to get a new collector started off on the "right foot". That is the focus of the segment.
10. The book, and the show, will be very good for present and future collectors of this series!
I would like to see the next decade in numismatics to be the Decade of the Franklin and Kennedy half dollar! I love the coins.
I am always happy to have a discussion on coins, in a positive attitude, with fellow collectors.
Warmest regards,
Rick Tomaska
0
Comments
It has been a while since we spoke last, but I enjoyed seeing the coins you had, and I actually purchased quite a few when I was living in the bay area CA, now living in Las Vegas. Sold most of the Cameo Franklins over the years but now putting together another set MS FBL Franklins, and MS Kennedys. I have my eye out for the old green holders in these series any help when you see nice coins.... will contact you, this is the first time I look at the holder first....then the coin...the Kennedy series I just want to complete but not looking for the best coins, just nice coins...after having the # 1 Kennedy set back in 2002 I lost my interest to spend so much money on the highest graded coins...
best to you,
Matt Langley
"Because I can"
myurl The Franklin All Old Green Holder Set
Rick Tomaska
<< <i>I would like to see the next decade in numismatics to be the Decade of the Franklin and Kennedy half dollar! >>
Screw Frankies, go Kennedys!
Russ, NCNE
No one here doubts your commitment to promoting the series you promote or the quality of the coins you sell.
(I know, you are probably too busy writing your book to respond to this.
"Screw Frankies....."
I love it Russ!
Paul -
I hope to add some of your color coins for the book. They need not be highest grade - just great color for the date.
Rick
<< <i>
<< <i>I would like to see the next decade in numismatics to be the Decade of the Franklin and Kennedy half dollar! >>
Screw Frankies, go Kennedys!
Russ, NCNE >>
Better watch out for that be-bop-a-radar.
We NEED color mint state Kennedy halves!
But you have to ship the coins to us for photography. We would give your coin attribution if you want.
Thank you
RT
<< <i>To Fellow Collectors!
2. So I am now a stronger buyer of these coins than ever. For example, I just bought a 1953-S MS 65 FBL for $33,000. We have resold the coin to a client who had it on his want list for about 3 years for $35,000. I also bought a 1950 Franklin NGC PF 65 STAR ULTRA CAMEO for almost $20,000.
3. I don't buy slabs. I buy coins I like. I don't care what the grading service holder says...
Warmest regards,
Rick Tomaska >>
I'm really confused by this. I have viewed the 53-S you speak of here and it was a POS. Yes, it said "FBL" on the holder, but it was not even close to being a REAL FBL!
and they're cold.
I don't want nobody to shoot me in the foxhole."
Mary
Best Franklin Website
my coins are humbled for the most part by the "big boy" Franklin collectors of today (which I named in another thread) ;
I sure hope you get pix of Ronyahski's coins -
several of the most powerful rainbow coins I used to own somehow made it into his hands
besides - you will need a few for your second edition
<< <i>
<< <i>To Fellow Collectors!
2. So I am now a stronger buyer of these coins than ever. For example, I just bought a 1953-S MS 65 FBL for $33,000. We have resold the coin to a client who had it on his want list for about 3 years for $35,000. I also bought a 1950 Franklin NGC PF 65 STAR ULTRA CAMEO for almost $20,000.
3. I don't buy slabs. I buy coins I like. I don't care what the grading service holder says...
Warmest regards,
Rick Tomaska >>
I'm really confused by this. I have viewed the 53-S you speak of here and it was a POS. Yes, it said "FBL" on the holder, but it was not even close to being a REAL FBL! >>
Not so confusing really, burial by coins or the greater fool theory both come to mind...
<< <i>
<< <i>To Fellow Collectors!
2. So I am now a stronger buyer of these coins than ever. For example, I just bought a 1953-S MS 65 FBL for $33,000. We have resold the coin to a client who had it on his want list for about 3 years for $35,000. I also bought a 1950 Franklin NGC PF 65 STAR ULTRA CAMEO for almost $20,000.
3. I don't buy slabs. I buy coins I like. I don't care what the grading service holder says...
Warmest regards,
Rick Tomaska >>
I'm really confused by this. I have viewed the 53-S you speak of here and it was a POS. Yes, it said "FBL" on the holder, but it was not even close to being a REAL FBL! >>
Bushy , Bushie, Bush , bush-bush .............:
no 53-S exists with real full bell lines - you know that ;
what were trying to build here is a fraternity of Franklin enthusiasts that share the love and happiness
........were not here to stir the pot and chop the legs out from underneath our brothin' ...........o.k. ?
Paul -
Absolutely. The 1953-S had very nice bell lines FOR A 1953-S!
There will be a chapter in the book addressing this issue. I hope to get assistance from fellow collectors on this topic.
The chapter will address the FBL standards, and how the grading services seem to have slightly been shifting the standard over the years, creating a standard that in my opinion, and in the opinion of many long-time Franklin collectors, has gotten too strict.
There used to be a time I could eyeball a Franklin and say "Yes, that coin is FBL".
That is no longer the case. We will have pictures in the book of what the FBL standard USED to look like - a standard which most collectors found agreement on.
Rick T
<< <i> what were trying to build here is a fraternity of Franklin enthusiasts that share the love and happiness >>
Apparently that can be an expensive fraternity to join...
But when a man says one thing and does another ("buys the slab"), I think i owe it to my fellow Franklin collectors to point out that fact.
I want to hear Mr. Tomaskas explanation for this glaring dichotomy.
and they're cold.
I don't want nobody to shoot me in the foxhole."
Mary
Best Franklin Website
But the lower lines are the ones that count (for PCGS collectors) and they were just not there. Period.
edit: Rick, surely you have some pix of that 53-S laying around some where? (I see the former owners' pix are no longer on the set registry)
and they're cold.
I don't want nobody to shoot me in the foxhole."
Mary
Best Franklin Website
...I believe Rick's heart is in the right place ;I`m defending his character which I believe he is striving to improve .
your tone, your timber - borders on hostile ...........
you could phrase your questions (accusations) with a little more finesse'
the 53-S came with the set ; maybe if it was super he would have asked 45,000.00 $ for it
and they're cold.
I don't want nobody to shoot me in the foxhole."
Mary
Best Franklin Website
Why does he need to improve his character?
But I feel sorry for the guy/gal that bought it. He/she should learn how to tell the difference between a true FBL coin and a "well it says FBL on the slab so it MUST be FBL" coin.
and they're cold.
I don't want nobody to shoot me in the foxhole."
Mary
Best Franklin Website
<< <i>The selling of the coin for a mere $2K markup is commendable, and is certainly "out of character".
for the '53-S, does it really matter if they meet any specific
criterium for "Full"?
Just as strike isn't a black and white judgement, neither is
"FBL". Coins do get bumps for being impossible dates with
impossible characteristics.
<< <i>If they're really the most complete bell lines in existence
for the '53-S, does it really matter if they meet any specific
criterium for "Full"? >>
Clad you know better than that. Of course it matters! Just as it matters for FB andFH.
Ken
<< <i>
<< <i>If they're really the most complete bell lines in existence
for the '53-S, does it really matter if they meet any specific
criterium for "Full"? >>
Clad you know better than that. Of course it matters! Just as it matters for FB andFH. >>
Based on my experience, different dates of many series get graded according to (sometimes vastly)
different criteria. That doesn't seem unreasonable as long as it is applied consistently.
Bushie -
We will be posting a picture of the 1953-S.
The bell lines were complete and easily visible at arms distance with the naked eye - on both the top and bottom set. That's the standard that I was familiar with beginning in the 1980's, when we first started doing FBL Franklin halves. It is also the standard that was generally applied by PCGS when they began offering the designation.
BTW - following up, I have not heard from you regarding a contribution in the book for the FBL standard?
RT
RYK - Maybe Petlan was speaking for himself.
RT
<< <i>
Clad you know better than that. Of course it matters! Just as it matters for FB andFH.
>>
Yes, it matters but keep some perspective here; the purpose of grading is to
differentiate coins in different conditions. The purpose of the designation is
essentially the same thing. Look at the overgrading of some of the 1804 dol-
lars or the '33 Saint. Does it really matter? The coins are what they are and
if it's "unique" or rare then it's still unique or rare.
In the real world it could matter with the designation under some conditions.
For instance, if the coin really is graded to a much lower standard and other
coins turn up that can make the grade to the higher standard.
Maybe the picture will do it justice anyway.
Hope you will continue to post here from time to time
Ever Onward
<< <i>"Screw Frankies....."
I love it Russ!
I'm sure glad my name isn't "Frank"...otherwise I would be very scared of seeing Russ
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
"Screw Frankies".....
Look at it this way Russ, without the Franklins there would be no Kennedy book. Whitman insisted the two go together. They are good for each other.
RT
Your 2nd edition got me interested in Frankies,
and I am 51 now,
and hope that what you say comes true
in the next 19 years.
Looking forward to the next edition.
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
<< <i>Look at it this way Russ, without the Franklins there would be no Kennedy book. Whitman insisted the two go together. >>
Clearly, Whitman has no clue.
Russ, NCNE
Bon Voyage!!
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.american-legacy-coins.com
If you did not bump the saturation on the color of the reverse of the 1958-D, that is a monster!
RT
<< <i>lcoopie -
If you did not bump the saturation on the color of the reverse of the 1958-D, that is a monster!
RT >>
innocent of all charges,
Thanks for the opinion
Russ, NCNE
<< <i>There are no Frankies as cool as these Kennedies.
Whatever floats yer boat, I guess...
before Kennedies (or is it Kennedys) do
Russ -
I would really hope you contribute a chapter in the book, with some pics of your coins. Your passion and knowledge is very important to the series.
Rick
.......Let me change one word from my previous post : I believe Rick is trying to improve his reputation !
<< <i>...I believe Rick's heart is in the right place ;I`m defending his character which I believe he is striving to improve .
Why does he need to improve his character?
"That's all great. In the other thread, there is testimonial after testimonial from people who bought coins from you but were treated poorly when they tried to sell them back later. That's the real issue on the forum."
do not testimonials paint a picture of a man's character ?
and they're cold.
I don't want nobody to shoot me in the foxhole."
Mary
Best Franklin Website
Pawpaul -
That is a great thread by Abbott. It is a keeper.
The fact is there are many times I go out on a limb and pay well above what others are willing to pay for a coin I believe in. Sometimes I would end up selling the coin at a loss. For while I do need to make a profit, it is also about the joy of numismatics, and owning coins I really like.
We get many clients we buy coins back from, other coins we may take on consignment. But we cannot be a clearing house for everyone's collection. The key for a collector is to be patient when selling. A truly high quality, rare coin is like a work or art. You sell when you find the buyer who appreciates that coin as you do. If you cannot find the buyer at that point in time, pull the coin back and hold onto it. If it is a quality rare coin, it will only become more valuable with the passage of time.
Exhibit A: the 1953-S Franklin MS 66 FBL that sold for $69,000 many years ago. We sold it to the client for $16,000. He put it in auction a couple years later where it sold for $69,000.
HOWEVER, to reach that $69,000 figure there had to be at last 2 bidders. What would have happened if the other bidder(s) didn't show? The coin could have gone for far, far less.
Rare coins at the high end are a thinly traded market. The key is hooking the right coin up with the right buyer.
I write the books to help create as many informed collectors as possible. The collector can then decide whether he/she wants to pull the trigger.
BOTTOM LINE - I have always believed what is most important is that the quality be represented as fairly as possible, understanding there will always be some disagreement among collectors. We can argue price all day long, but if the coin has the quality, we quite often have to throw "the sheet" out the window.
I first got involved in cameos in the early 1980's when I bought a 1967 SMS set for $75, when the average set was $6. But the coin had a stunning cameo 1967 half, the likes I had never seen before. I can guarantee that almost everyone reading this thread would not have paid over $20 for that set - after all, it was over triple sheet, and who knew about cameos? But I bought the set for $75. That 1967 SMS Kennedy half today is probably in an MS67DCAM holder.
RT
<< <i>
<< <i>...I believe Rick's heart is in the right place ;I`m defending his character which I believe he is striving to improve .
Why does he need to improve his character?
"That's all great. In the other thread, there is testimonial after testimonial from people who bought coins from you but were treated poorly when they tried to sell them back later. That's the real issue on the forum."
do not testimonials paint a picture of a man's character ? >>
Someone has been in the "sour grapes"
If youi are not interested in the book, don't buy it