My 20,000th Post: Some thoughts, some thank yous, and the CHARITY AUCTION #9 Results!
airplanenut
Posts: 22,348 ✭✭✭✭✭
It's been a long time since I first got here. Some eight and a half years, in fact. When I first arrived, I was not yet 15 and just in my second month of high school. My knowledge of coins was mostly limited to what could be found in the most basic of books--The Red Book, Photograde, etc.--along with a few issues of COINage Magazine and what little I could glean at the very small local shop.
My collection began in third grade (1994-95) when I saw an ad in a Sunday paper for a circulated walker and merc from Littleton. I was so excited to pick up those pieces of history, even though $5 was 5 weeks of allowance back then. I still remember the days when I'd look through their catalog, dreaming of when I could own those coins. Yes, I knew the prices were too high, but it didn't matter since I liked the pictures and didn't have the money, anyway. For years, with no real income, my collection grew at a snail's pace, with small, fun coins being all I added. Along the way, some very special pieces have come along, and they will never be sold.
I honestly don't remember how I came to find these boards, but that's not really important. It happened that it wasn't long before I joined--perhaps two years or so--that I started working paid jobs, so when I joined, I had some disposable income to help my collection. Over my years here, there's been amazing value in the knowledge that everyone has to offer, both online and when I've had the opportunity to meet them at shows around the country, from general collectors to specialists to dealers. I think most people here realize this value, but its always worth repeating.
Since I joined, my collection went from small, common coins to one containing, in my opinion, extremely original and appealing coins with great quality. My eye has been trained to find the small things--good and bad--and my wallet has been trained to wait for the right piece, rather than always want to buy. I can't stress enough how important it has been for me to realize that a great addition every six months (or more) is far better than mediocre additions at a more frequent pace. Quality is relative--buy to your level and you will enjoy your collection, which is all that matters.
While a huge number of people have influenced me over the years, I would be remiss not to personally thank a select few who have made exceptional contributions to me as a person and collector, both online and in person. While I normally would not name names for fear of forgetting someone, I feel compelled to name a few this time.
Tom Bush was the first board member I met, when he invited me to a local show. Instead of simply telling me a time and location, he went out of his way to introduce me to dealers, teach me some show etiquette, and show me some great coins. His exceptional collection has always been a benchmark for me, as it displays such a care for originality and quality.
Cameron Kiefer, one of the few other young members back when I joined, helped establish me with the ANA. With his encouragement, I was able to travel to the Summer Seminar three times on scholarship, and I also entered and won writing competitions both with the ANA and PCGS.
Mark Feld has been great to me since day one. I remember meeting him at the 2003 ANA show in Baltimore, back in his Pinnacle days. Myself a budding photographer who owned a digital camera for mere months, Mark pulled out a gorgeous, matched set of proof three cent nickels and told me to photograph to my heart's delight. Since then (and before, for that matter), he's been a great source of advice--both relating to coins and other things--in addition to great coins. His solicited and unsolicited feedback on my purchases has greatly helped to train my eye, and at shows he has always given me the opportunity to see his wares. Mark is the fairest of the fair and has a business ethic everyone should envy.
Andy Lustig was another board member I met early on. At shows he's given me the ability to see some amazing pieces, both within and beyond the areas I know. As a collector, researcher, and dealer, his knowledge is incredible and he has been a great resource to learn more within so many areas. I also owe Andy a specific thanks for inviting me to help disassemble the Smithsonian coin exhibit when it closed in 2004. That experience is among the best highlights of my time as a collector, allowing me to see coins most can only dream of, as well as researchers delving deep into the collection to glean whatever new information they could.
In my time here, many of you have watched me grow up, from a high schooler to a college student to where I am now, a 23-year-old fresh college graduate following my passion for airplanes by designing them. I have, at the same time, seen myself realize many goals with the help of the boards. I've gotten a taste of running a small business, and that in turn funded my longtime goal of becoming a pilot. Even more, the boards have given me the opportunity to raise money for causes near and dear to my heart.
My first charity auction was just a hope to raise a bit of money for a good cause, and my auctions have since become yearly events, with messages coming to me every once in a while from impatient (in the best way) board members ready for the next ones. For the continued support, I am ever grateful. And with that, I would like to take this opportunity, on my 20,000th post, to announce the results of my 9th auction.
My 9th auction raised $4200 for the Hirshberg Foundation, bringing the 9-auction total to a whopping $41975, or an average of over $4663 per auction. These numbers show the immense generosity of the board members, and everyone deserves thanks for their participation.
And with that, I would like to close with a simple thank you to everyone here, along with PCGS, for making these boards a wonderful community and a great place exchange knowledge. I've been here for about 33% of my life, and I can't say how glad I am to have joined.
Sincerely,
Jeremy
My collection began in third grade (1994-95) when I saw an ad in a Sunday paper for a circulated walker and merc from Littleton. I was so excited to pick up those pieces of history, even though $5 was 5 weeks of allowance back then. I still remember the days when I'd look through their catalog, dreaming of when I could own those coins. Yes, I knew the prices were too high, but it didn't matter since I liked the pictures and didn't have the money, anyway. For years, with no real income, my collection grew at a snail's pace, with small, fun coins being all I added. Along the way, some very special pieces have come along, and they will never be sold.
I honestly don't remember how I came to find these boards, but that's not really important. It happened that it wasn't long before I joined--perhaps two years or so--that I started working paid jobs, so when I joined, I had some disposable income to help my collection. Over my years here, there's been amazing value in the knowledge that everyone has to offer, both online and when I've had the opportunity to meet them at shows around the country, from general collectors to specialists to dealers. I think most people here realize this value, but its always worth repeating.
Since I joined, my collection went from small, common coins to one containing, in my opinion, extremely original and appealing coins with great quality. My eye has been trained to find the small things--good and bad--and my wallet has been trained to wait for the right piece, rather than always want to buy. I can't stress enough how important it has been for me to realize that a great addition every six months (or more) is far better than mediocre additions at a more frequent pace. Quality is relative--buy to your level and you will enjoy your collection, which is all that matters.
While a huge number of people have influenced me over the years, I would be remiss not to personally thank a select few who have made exceptional contributions to me as a person and collector, both online and in person. While I normally would not name names for fear of forgetting someone, I feel compelled to name a few this time.
Tom Bush was the first board member I met, when he invited me to a local show. Instead of simply telling me a time and location, he went out of his way to introduce me to dealers, teach me some show etiquette, and show me some great coins. His exceptional collection has always been a benchmark for me, as it displays such a care for originality and quality.
Cameron Kiefer, one of the few other young members back when I joined, helped establish me with the ANA. With his encouragement, I was able to travel to the Summer Seminar three times on scholarship, and I also entered and won writing competitions both with the ANA and PCGS.
Mark Feld has been great to me since day one. I remember meeting him at the 2003 ANA show in Baltimore, back in his Pinnacle days. Myself a budding photographer who owned a digital camera for mere months, Mark pulled out a gorgeous, matched set of proof three cent nickels and told me to photograph to my heart's delight. Since then (and before, for that matter), he's been a great source of advice--both relating to coins and other things--in addition to great coins. His solicited and unsolicited feedback on my purchases has greatly helped to train my eye, and at shows he has always given me the opportunity to see his wares. Mark is the fairest of the fair and has a business ethic everyone should envy.
Andy Lustig was another board member I met early on. At shows he's given me the ability to see some amazing pieces, both within and beyond the areas I know. As a collector, researcher, and dealer, his knowledge is incredible and he has been a great resource to learn more within so many areas. I also owe Andy a specific thanks for inviting me to help disassemble the Smithsonian coin exhibit when it closed in 2004. That experience is among the best highlights of my time as a collector, allowing me to see coins most can only dream of, as well as researchers delving deep into the collection to glean whatever new information they could.
In my time here, many of you have watched me grow up, from a high schooler to a college student to where I am now, a 23-year-old fresh college graduate following my passion for airplanes by designing them. I have, at the same time, seen myself realize many goals with the help of the boards. I've gotten a taste of running a small business, and that in turn funded my longtime goal of becoming a pilot. Even more, the boards have given me the opportunity to raise money for causes near and dear to my heart.
My first charity auction was just a hope to raise a bit of money for a good cause, and my auctions have since become yearly events, with messages coming to me every once in a while from impatient (in the best way) board members ready for the next ones. For the continued support, I am ever grateful. And with that, I would like to take this opportunity, on my 20,000th post, to announce the results of my 9th auction.
My 9th auction raised $4200 for the Hirshberg Foundation, bringing the 9-auction total to a whopping $41975, or an average of over $4663 per auction. These numbers show the immense generosity of the board members, and everyone deserves thanks for their participation.
And with that, I would like to close with a simple thank you to everyone here, along with PCGS, for making these boards a wonderful community and a great place exchange knowledge. I've been here for about 33% of my life, and I can't say how glad I am to have joined.
Sincerely,
Jeremy
JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
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Comments
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
awesome post JK. Congrats all around.
Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
<< <i>Fantastic read Jeremy. You truly are an asset to this hobby, these boards, and the general community with your selfless act of charity and volunteerism.
Well said!
Kudos to you Jeremy.
Tremendous post and regardless of how these Boards fare over the years, we'll always have the memories of seeing you transform into a collector of note and merit through your own desire, hard work, and acumen. Your charity auctions are always something we look forward to on the Boards, and I just wish they could catch me at a time when I had more to offer overall (by the way . . . sold the 1814 PCGS Large Cent today to a fellow teacher for $50. Lost $60 but have never been happier to have the money go to such a good cause). You have done a great service to many . . . . . .
I also envy your aviation interest. As an ex - RF-4C driver who trained on T-33s, I watch your flying passion with a combination of envy and admiration. Use your education to help all of us keep flying in the 'center of the air' and with the shiny side up!
Drunner
USAFA '78
Now, I think I shall go to bed and try to think of something reasonably intelligent to say for my 44K.
Cicero said,"....But because a conscience being witness that our life was well spent, together with the remembrance of past good actions, yields an unspeakable comfort to the soul."
Thanks for all you do.
Ron
I can remember when you first joined. You were posting images better than most everyone here.
I'll bet I must have ask you a hundred questions and you always took the time to help.
You can add teaching to the list of things you do very well.
I can actually post images that I'm proud of because of that help.
Thank you Jeremy.
Glad I could help out with this great cause.
Congrats. And thanks for sharing.
WTB: Barber Quarters XF
I noticed you, lordmarcovan and I joined the boards at the same time... you with 20,000 posts, lordmarcovan with 44,000 posts and me with 400 posts!
If you send lordmarcovan to England, you may have a chance to fill that 22,000 post void!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Here's a warning parable for coin collectors...
Jeremy, it has been an immense pleasure to see you evolve as a collector and a fine gentleman during the years I have known you. You have extraordinary patience and discipline in your collecting and it shows in the coins you acquire (and pass on). You have also been a great asset to this forum, and helped me personally, as well, on many occasions. Thanks and congratulations!
AB
Kaz