In response to a thread titled “Is PCGS short-staffed?”
@RogerB said:
Doesn't matter to me how tall the employees are.
In regards to LOL and more,
@OldEastside said:
I always thought it meant "Low on Liquor" and CAC meant "Chinese and Counterfeit" and DDO was for "Damn, Dang, Oops" and RPM stood for "Really pretty minor/major" depending on how you look at it, and PMD was for "Probably Million Dollar"
@ShadyDave said:
Over the last year, many of us have followed the various natural disasters that have affected parts of the United States in 2018. Wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes etc. have devastated Americans and fellow collectors and will continue to do so. There are also other types of disasters that could affect each of us: theft, environmental damage, bankruptcy, divorce, an unexpected death etc. Having seen these events unfold regularly on this forum has motivated me to re-evaluate how I am protected, prepared and what my plan would be if a local or personal disaster occurred to me. I suggest you do the same!
These are some details I took thought about:
1: Would I be able to easily assemble and pack up my collection if I have to evacuate or leave quickly?
2: Do I have an accurate and up-to-date inventory of my collection?
3: Would I be able to identify coins in my collection if they were stolen or lost in the mail?
4: Is my collection safe from water, fire, theft etc.?
5: Is there anything I could do to improve the security around my collection?
6: Do I know the current value of my collection and cost basis?
7: What kind of insurance coverage do I have? Would an umbrella policy, homeowners policy, USPS shipping insurance or a rider actually cover coin/bullion losses?
These are the steps I took:
1: I "cleaned" up my collection by putting raw coin in 2x2's and boxes to make it more organized. I also sold off the piles junk that I accumulated over the years that I don't care about and/or don't collect anymore. This made my wife happy to declutter and this exercise helped me figure out what the heck I actually have in my possession. Over time stuffs spreads out, so keeping it isolated to one room helps keep my collection corralled. This also helps with items going "missing" if you have kids or frequently host parties/gatherings at your home.
2: I bit the bullet and audited and inventoried my slabbed coin collection for posterity (I have too many raw coins to do this). I created an excel spreadsheet and added the slab information, purchase price, purchase date and estimated value. I had to go back through ebay, HA, GC and other buying venues to find purchase prices and purchase dates for many of my other coins and I couldn't find all of them. I included instructions in the excel spreadsheet for my wife/heirs on how to determine value and what/where to sell coins and who to solicit advise from. This spreadsheet was uploaded to my external hard-drive and my email.
3: I gathered ALL of my slabs, took a quick clear picture of each side of each slab and copied them to my external hard-drive. I also like PCGS's TruViews, so I spend the extra $5 on "gold shield" when I get a coin graded and add those to my files as well. This would assist me identify my coins in the future if I ever needed to or to file an insurance claim.
4: This section incorporates both #4 and #5. I don't want to share too many details on this one for my own security, however, I validated that any safety deposit boxes, safes, P.O. Boxes and other layers of protection I use are in place and working properly. Checking SDB's and safes at least quarterly to make sure moisture isn't an issue is a good practice. Technology is our friend and should be leveraged by all collectors as well. Security cameras are very affordable and easy to self-install. Many have phone apps and alerts that you can manage/monitor while away from your home. Dogs, outdoor flood lights, firearms, alarms (or you can purchase a few ADT signs off ebay to stick in your front and backyard), good locks (that actually get locked) are all great deterrents as well. Thiefs want easy marks and little resistance, so if you lock your doors, have a barking dog and some ADT signs in your yard, they will probably choose your neighbors house instead of yours. Also remember, "Loose Lips Sink Ships". Don't be an easy mark by bragging about you million dollar coin collection to strangers. You never know anyones intention or who else they might talk about you to.
5: See above.
6: By having an accurate inventory, I am able to ESTIMATE the value of my slabbed collection for my financial/insurance purposes. Again, I have too many raw coins to do this exercise by assigning a value/grade on. Having an estimated value of my slabbed collection gives my wife an estimate of its worth in case something happens to me. This would help her have the general knowledge of what a realistic price would be and as noted above, I included instructions on how to validate current values, and who to contact for advise and where to sell. This would give her a starting point and a fighting change of not getting completely burned.
7: Insurance is complicated by design and understanding insurance policies you have are paramount. Insurance on your coin collection is necessary if losing it would mean a catastrophic financial loss to you. Insurance is peace of mind, however, if you have a good security system in place, or can self-insure, it may not be necessary...everyone's situation and risk tolerance is different. Most standard homeowner insurance policies cover minimal amounts of cash, bullion and currency, usually up to $500. Specific additional riders for "collections" or "bullion", just like jewelry may be necessary to have in order to have coverage. If you are unsure whether your collection is covered, odds are it isn't...Talk with your Insurance company or agent! The ANA offers very affordable coin collection insurance through Hugh Woods. It is the cheapest insurance I have been able to find for my particular circumstances and it has very minimal documentation requirements. Understanding USPS/FEDEX/UPS insurance coverage is important for those of us who frequently buy/sell. **For the most part **USPS insurance WON'T cover numismatic/collectible losses unless the package is shipped via registered mail. I am not familiar with FEDEX/UPS, so I will defer there. UPIC insurance is a good alternative for shipping insurance, however, you should do your own research and figure out what the best is for you.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. These are all of my PERSONAL ideas/feelings and experience. I have luckily not had a disaster occur(knock on wood), however, after taking the steps noted above, I feel confident that I am prepared as best as I can. Each of us has different circumstances, so your miles may vary. Please share your own advice, critique and question what I posted. I would like people to share personal stories of their insurance claims, police reports or stories of avoiding a potential disaster as well. We can all learn from each-others mistakes and near misses!
.
@messydesk said:
If you have a lot of time to spend looking at this kind of stuff, there's a collection "Eclectic Numismatic Treasures" on the Newman Numismatic Portal. Pictures are divided into categories, with a couple categories representing just one coin. It starts about half way down this page. Some pretty amazing pieces.
@Justacommeman
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Just to make your life more interesting, I'm going to take an ice pick and hammer to a couple boxes of coins and release them into the wild. You might want to add a second phone line.
I wish I could properly attribute the reply, and it was either here or ATS, but someone posted pictures of coins from an Ebay seller clearly toned artificially and they looked terrible. There was nothing attractive about these coins but they had some manner of toning.
Anyway, someone posted "it appears the gas used to tone the coins was flatus". Ha ha ha! I still laugh when I think about it!
Here's a favorite that deserves repeating I believe- from BONGO BONGO:
"If you buy what you like, at a price you can afford at the time, then things will be easier. If you buy what other people like, borrow to fund it and expect multiple of return, then you are likely to be unhappy. Bongo say nearly everything depreciates over time. Bongo would not pay $500 for a silver bell this Christmas and expect it to be worth $550 next year, but Bongo knows a Silver Bell is not old coin. Or is it? Bongo maybe not surprised that old coin is like any other limited non essential commodity and subject to the whims of taste and market. Put the coin in book and enjoy it. If it is worth more when you come to sell it, well done. If not, then you have had enjoyment out of it. Remember that old coin is only worth a few dollars in physical material value – This is why value is an esoteric concept in many ways and it may be vulgar to assign any monetary value to old coin unless you are a Russian Oligarch or Chinese shoddy goods factory owner."
@RogerB said:
Please refresh my memory -- what is special or different about gold bullion vs chicken bouillon ?
...if you don't know the difference between gold bullion and chicken bullion, i'm not eating at your house. Although I will gladly take home a bowl of soup.
You have a three-pound organ in your skull that's so freaking amazing it literally defies the laws of its own construction
yet you use it to watch The Bachelor and to troll this forum.
This is an accurate claim, I have seen the results previously, and is good to repeat. Regarding counterfeit coins on eBay.
Thanks Edthelorax
@Edthelorax said:
If anyone can provide diagnostics proving any listing is fake, I can try to have them removed. It usually is successful. Assume I know nothing (which is close to truth) and describe accurately how you are absolutely positive without any doubt that it can be proven fake then PM me.
Anyone can PM me any time, with any counterfeit listing. I hope to hear about the 80-S before 5AM 5/19/2019. After that, it will likely sell to some unlucky noob.
More nuggets of wisdom
Intro and conclusion of quote removed (does not apply)
@SanctionII said:
...
These random thoughts bouncing around my head after reading this thread follow:
People are not all the same.
People have different levels of abilities (intellectual, physical, etc.) due to genetics, life experience, ambition, drive, goals, wants, needs and desires.
Equality in all things human will never happen. It is simply not consistent with human nature.
Equal opportunity is desirable.
Equal outcome is a deplorable fantasy that will never be obtained and maintained (if all wealth was reduced to cash and given in equal shares to all, within 24 hours some will be broke and some will be millionaires due to personal choices and events).
Knowledge and experience, coupled with hard work will result in opportunity for one to benefit.
Failure is the best teacher, as you learn more from it than you learn from your successes.
If you can not deal with failure then do not play the game (whatever it may be).
Stand on the sideline and watch, but do not complain about how unfair it is that others who play the game sometimes win.
@Maywood said:
then you are an octogenarian and my point is still valid.
Ricko® is the only forum member to have voted for Lincoln.
@coinkat said:
The threshold amount should rarely... if ever... be measured in dollars as it should always be about what you are getting for those dollars. This is a distinction worth making for obvious reasons
This 💩 has unfortunately been burned into my mind. It can’t be unseen. To this day I’m still not right.😂🤣😂
“These IN GOD WE TRUST are the only minimized letters on the obverse. The short W middle seen in doubling comes from this. The apex only reached that high, and is still at its sharpest point, unlike the last picture where the middle point space equals the lowest inward arms of W.
It looks like someone was sanding that hub down for something. The grain only moving outward the direction Lincoln gazes unlike the natural grain by trust moving upward”
Comments
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1013909/whats-happening-how-could-i-not-able-to-update-my-post#latest
In response to a thread titled “Is PCGS short-staffed?”
In regards to LOL and more,
Regarding a mid day posted thread
This made me literally laugh and smile. A few times.
Regarding harsh cleaning
@topstuf signature line reads
“Buy the beer before the coin”
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
Regarding advice for new collectors
@keets
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/466793/10-suggestions-which-might-help-someone-whos-new-for-acop-and-cac-related#latest
Regarding Collections and Disasters
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1015345/are-you-and-your-collection-ready-to-for-a-disaster#latest
.
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
Great signatures
@sedulous
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves. Even Buffalos occasionally can be "herd" singing.
@Outhaul
Never take a front row seat at a Bris.
@Justacommeman
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
@JRocco
Some coins are just plain "Interesting"
@astrorat
Numismatist Ordinaire
@derryb
Gold is the money of kings. Silver is the money of gentlemen. Barter is the money of peasants. And debt is the money of slaves.
@CaptHenway
As they say in the wallpaper trade, "How's it hanging?"
@jmlanzaf said:
Regarding coin inquiries
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
I wish I could properly attribute the reply, and it was either here or ATS, but someone posted pictures of coins from an Ebay seller clearly toned artificially and they looked terrible. There was nothing attractive about these coins but they had some manner of toning.
Anyway, someone posted "it appears the gas used to tone the coins was flatus". Ha ha ha! I still laugh when I think about it!
Here's a favorite that deserves repeating I believe- from BONGO BONGO:
"If you buy what you like, at a price you can afford at the time, then things will be easier. If you buy what other people like, borrow to fund it and expect multiple of return, then you are likely to be unhappy. Bongo say nearly everything depreciates over time. Bongo would not pay $500 for a silver bell this Christmas and expect it to be worth $550 next year, but Bongo knows a Silver Bell is not old coin. Or is it? Bongo maybe not surprised that old coin is like any other limited non essential commodity and subject to the whims of taste and market. Put the coin in book and enjoy it. If it is worth more when you come to sell it, well done. If not, then you have had enjoyment out of it. Remember that old coin is only worth a few dollars in physical material value – This is why value is an esoteric concept in many ways and it may be vulgar to assign any monetary value to old coin unless you are a Russian Oligarch or Chinese shoddy goods factory owner."
A great thread regarding setting up a table at a coin show, selling, and a crash bourse course by @Bochiman
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1016218/for-those-of-you-collectors-not-dealers-that-have-set-up-a-table-at-a-small-local-show/p1
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
@BuffaloIronTail said:
@jmlanzaf said:
...if you don't know the difference between gold bullion and chicken bullion, i'm not eating at your house. Although I will gladly take home a bowl of soup.
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
@abcde12345
You have a three-pound organ in your skull that's so freaking amazing it literally defies the laws of its own construction
yet you use it to watch The Bachelor and to troll this forum.
This is an accurate claim, I have seen the results previously, and is good to repeat. Regarding counterfeit coins on eBay.
Thanks Edthelorax
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
More nuggets of wisdom
Intro and conclusion of quote removed (does not apply)
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
Nuggets I have learned from the forum ....
Keep the best, sell the rest.
If you want to become a coin dealer, you must put up your entire collection as inventory and never hold back a coin.
Some more
@coinkat said:
The threshold amount should rarely... if ever... be measured in dollars as it should always be about what you are getting for those dollars. This is a distinction worth making for obvious reasons
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
I don't see any of my quotes about. This is probably a good thing.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
You would need to search closed or vanished threads to find any of mine.
I’ll quit while you’re ahead
@jmlanzaf
"Yes, you can roll naked in your pile of gold. But, no, it doesn't have some kind of USEFUL intrinsic value."
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
.
that sounds like a section unto ourselves; member whom we know BETTER than to quote!
<--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -
This 💩 has unfortunately been burned into my mind. It can’t be unseen. To this day I’m still not right.😂🤣😂
“These IN GOD WE TRUST are the only minimized letters on the obverse. The short W middle seen in doubling comes from this. The apex only reached that high, and is still at its sharpest point, unlike the last picture where the middle point space equals the lowest inward arms of W.
It looks like someone was sanding that hub down for something. The grain only moving outward the direction Lincoln gazes unlike the natural grain by trust moving upward”