A bright spot as I close in on 100 ...
pursuitofliberty
Posts: 7,099 ✭✭✭✭✭
A couple years ago when I came back from my long hiatus, I was bitten by the bug pretty hard. I rekindled some old friendships and made some new ones, and took a giant leap back in time from where I had focused before.
Becoming friends with guys like @lkeigwin and @drddm can be rough on your pocketbook 
but I must say I have really enjoyed my quest to learn more and more about Bust Half Dollars, and to develop a collection of them.
Last year I was accepted as an Associate Member of the Bust Half Nut Club ... if anyone ever fit the "Nut" side, I think that part I probably qualify for ... and this last year I have found or been offered a fair amount of really nice examples, many of which I have shown here.
To digress a moment, I had 45 Die Marriages (DM's) when I was admitted as an Associate Member. The club bylaws do not allow for full Membership unless one has 100 or more DM's. I figured it would take a couple more years, but alas, I am fast approaching that threshold.
Anyway. My first grandbaby was born in April, and I took a couple weeks off in May to go meet him. When I go on vacation, I generally check out. I just try to relax and not think about work or any of my day to day stuff. I fish, I wheel, I visit friends and family, I explore ... I decompress. And so it was this time as well ... kind of ...
The night I left, I was contacted by a club member via email who offered me a stellar 09-103 in AU55. He had held it a decade, but recently upgraded to a superlative MS62. After some back and forth, and help from friends previously mentioned here with some research since I was away from home and library, I agreed ... and went back to fishing.
And then what happens? The next day I get back from kayak fishing, and one said friend cough Dave cough contacts me and says, "Hey, did you see that @Herb_T is selling some stuff on the BST? He's got a 10-102a that's probably a little bright for you, but I really think you should take a look." I told him to let Herb know I was interested and I'd follow up.
So, a bright spot?
Yeah. Friends are a bright spot. Especially ones who try to help and even watch out for you. More especially still those who even help you spend your money when you weren't looking to!
This place is a bright spot ... a lot of interesting and good friends ... a lot of interesting and knowledgeable posts.
And this coin that arrived today is a bright spot. Mainly because, well, amongst a bunch of toned and dirty girls that make up a good portion of my collection ... she's kind of bright!!
But oh man, they don't all have to look the same! She's got a hammered strike for the issue, all kinds of cracks, and that's enough for this Nut. One beauty closer to 100. Thanks again @Herb_T
I'll take some pictures later, but here is the TrueView
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Comments
Great post, but as good as the post is, it is even better you came back to us.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Ummm,
what can I say…I believed this pretty girl belonged in your set! 
I’m glad you picked her up and that I was able to assist in the purchase.
Hard to believe you’ve acquired nearly 55 more DM’s since you became an associate nut. Although you got them in such a short time, you never once sacrificed quality or eye appeal just to add another DM. It takes patience, a keen eye, and quite a bit of knowledge to know how to pick the great ones, and you certainly have acquired these essential qualities very early on.
Looking forward to having you join us as a full fledged nut, Todd!
Congrats on all your success, and many blessings, grandpa!
…..all are very well deserved!
Dave
Yup congrats Grandpa
What a beauty!!! One Bright amongst some Dirties could double the Fun! Welcome back!
OK, I admit I was fooled by the title of this post.
I was getting ready to wish @pursuitofliberty super congratulations for reaching this phenomenal milestone of a birthday, lol.
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
I sure want to wish @pursuitofliberty a huge congratulations. @lkeigwin is such a great guy and good friend. If you hang around with him good things will happen like strong advice that’ll carry you far, from a seasoned collector.
Congratulations on such a huge milestone my coin brother 👍
I must say... I've always had a hard time understanding why on earth so many collectors like Bust Halves. To me, they're kinda like what Barbers are to most collectors, just there and when they pop up, even some pretty dang nice ones, I just have a "huh" moment in my head.
I can say this half that you posted, @pursuitofliberty, changes that perspective. I fully understand why so many love these coins now, and my thoughts on this coin were not "huh" but rather "ok, that thing is gorgeous, why aren't they all like this?". I love the luster, and it's quite the stunner. Amazing, good luck on getting that #100. The Bust Half Nut Club is truly a club of nuts (in a good way), you guys are DEDICATED!
Coin Photographer.
Congratulations.
Pretty soon, huh?
This coin is stupendous. I recently fell in love with this Beautiful Half Dollar myself.
At the Chicago's Central States Show. I picked up my first and only Capped Bust Half!
This is the beginning of a run, maybe such as yours?
Once again, great goal and great collection. Also, have fun with your grandson. Lol
Here's mine
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.WTG, Todd. We're rooting for you to get the last few die marriages so you can hang with the rest of club members at the summer ANA show.
Membership rules...like many rules...don't always make sense. I said months ago you were more deserving then than most of us are now. You'll be a great asset to the club.
I am flattered by the kind comments by my longtime collecting-friend @crazyhounddog. The forum's undisputed Buffalo nickel scholar. Joe, I hope we meet up at yet another show soon. It's been too long. Beer's on me.
As for @FlyingAl and others who wonder what the BFD is with bust half dollars, it only takes a little investment of time and modest money to get hooked on the series. Who isn't fascinated by the Mint's early struggles? And their wonderful foibles? No electricity, no steam power, unskilled labor, yellow fever, all challenging the young country's desperate struggle to assert its legitimacy? I think it's fascinating.
Lance.
Congrats on your newps. I do have to admit, I really love that "dirty silver" look on Bust coins. They are a crowd pleaser!
Lance:
Please stop encouraging others to collect BHD!
The increase in interest will only increase the prices! And make it harder for me to finish my DM set.
[which will take about 100 more years.]
BHNC #203
@pursuitofliberty... That is a great addition to your collection. I do not pursue die marriages, but I do look for great coins.... And that is a great coin. It has that look that 'pops', and I like that in a coin. Cheers, RickO
Great story accompanied by a really nice coin!
BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
Once I locate my sun glasses, I'll take a closer look at that 10-102a.
But squinting through my fingers, it does seem to be quite a stunner...
Good job and welcome back!
😂
Great thread and insight into your collecting journey. I greatly enjoy seeing your new pieces since they are always of such quality.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
I thought that you were talking about your age.
GREAT post!! Thanks for sharing part of your journey!!
SUPER NEWP!!
And a big congrats on soon becoming a full-fledged Bust Half Nut!!!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Very attractive pick up Buddy! I really like all the Bust Halves you post!
Yes kayaking AND fishing??? You shouldn’t multi task. Too dangerous.
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
Congrats and an awesome looking coin! All the bust halves you post are amazing. Gotta stay away from you now. Don't want to be in a huge amount of debt before college
Collector
75 Positive BST transactions buying and selling with 45 members and counting!
instagram.com/klnumismatics
Thank you all ... for the laughs, and the nice comments. I really appreciate being able to be here, and to be able to share parts of the journey with you.
To those who thought I was reaching 100 yrs old ... that number is a LONG ways away. But I do love the power of word play!
@Pnies20 Kayaking on a long, slender sit-on-top (no pedal stuff), in the wind, 36degF before the chill, two rods out (yes, I get that license!), and both rods take get a fish on at almost the same time!
Multi-tasking at it's finest!!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
I’ve just let my wife know that men CAN in fact multi task. Mic drop 🎤
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
wow that is a really nice 50c!!
Mine's not as pretty but she matches the rest of her sisters well.
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
That's a good looking coin Brad! Lot's of luster still. Also, that looks like a 101.10, correct?
Coincidentally, my 101a (which is only a 101.7) matches my "set" better too
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Congrats, Todd on closing in on 100. I love looking at the coins you post. I recently got there myself. Now, all I need is to find someone to sponsor me so I can be a nut, too.
Number 100...not as nice looking as the one you posted, but it finishes 1807 for me.
Congrats @OKbustchaser on getting to 100 DM’s….and that’s a lovely and wholesome looking 1807 O.114 to do it with, too!
I just sent you a PM to assist in the next step in moving forward to becoming a nut.
Dave
A big congratulations to you my friend!!
.
Dang I love this place!!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Todd, you know there are still a few others calling your name!