16 Years, 5,000 posts, and 1/10 oz gold eagle - Giveaway - 3 winners

jessewvu

16 years ago, to the day, I joined this forum. I just so happen to have also reached my 5,000 post milestone today. It’s been a great learning experience for me to have joined this forum and have such a diverse community to engage with.

Some of my posts were bubble busters, my “for sure” 1969-S DDO was a machine double, Link.
My 1946-S Sans Serif dime find in junk silver was a population 3 find at the time, link, and many posts in between.
I’ve also had a post go “viral” related to the 2010 ATB silver pucks, with thousands of replies link, that was pretty cool at the time.

We’ve had ups and downs. From watching the growth of YN’s that have gone on to successful careers in the coin industry, lost some of our beloved members, had lots of laughs with some crazy posts, banded together to help those in need during a crisis, and even had some drama (who was the Omega poster and where did he go!!). We also can't forget those characters that have received the ban hammer for various infractions I’ve lived vicariously through others with detailed accounts of coin shows, auction disappointments and achievements, and countless posts of great folks sharing stories and pictures of some exceptionally great coins and collections.

However, what I enjoy most about this forum is the community, specifically those that have been steady. Over the years, there have been prolific posters but only a few stand out as being steady. Steady in the sense that when I read their posts, they are gentle with newbie members, understanding with confused members, and patient with persistent posters. But above all, they are respectful and helpful to all members.

I’d like you to take a minute to think of a forum member that stands out as helping you in the development of you as a collector, has been a mentor, or who you think demonstrates the qualities you think are most important to this forum and post some of your best memories. This isn’t a popularity contest, so post a name/handle or not. However, if there is someone that clearly stands out, I’d like to give the gold coin that that member. If we have a standout that gets the 1/10th oz gold eagle, I will also pick a name randomly from all the posters to this thread for another giveaway. What that is I don’t know yet but I’ll make sure it’s nice and I will try to post it to the OP when I get some pictures.

Summary: Giveaway entry ends 31 July, single entry per person/username, enter by sharing a good memory from the forum, and random winner will be selected by random draw on or about the first of August.

Thanks for the good times, here is to another 16 years!

ChangeInHistory

There's been so many useful, educational, insightful members it's hard to narrow it down.

Mad Marty was very helpful to me in my early collecting days. We would go off every weekend there wasn't a show to a few dealer shops in Wisconsin, Indiana or Illinois. Simply a very good guy, big heart, and some solid knowledge as well.

I enjoy and look for posts/replies from CaptHenway, Messydesk, 2sides2acoin, BillJones, FredWeinberg, TDN, golden, ricko, TurtleCat, LanceNewmanOCC, derryb, Elcontador, Zoins, and of course jessewvu! (Gotta grease the wheels a bit!) And many other members that have helped make this an entertaining and educational place.

I remember the toned Peace Dollar debate, the IHC Red/Purple 'discussion', the early CAC posts, the end of the open forum (wild wild west), the 1933 DE thread's, and again, many others.

This forum is a great resource and time-killer when used properly.

Good giveaway post!

ShaunBC5

@OLDCOINDAWG has been a great friend and been kind and generous with my kids and a great friend on and off the forum.
His PCGS sets have brought me much joy and I’ve loved how much he enjoys putting them together.
I haven’t been able to get in touch with him for awhile but think of him often.

WQuarterFreddie

My vote goes to Ricko!🥇

pursuitofliberty

Glad you are still here ... congratulations on 16 years and 5,000 posts!!

My 18 year anniversary was a little over a month ago (although I had a 7 year break in there) and I just recently went over 5,000 as well. Hard to believe!

.

I've seen a lot of interesting things here, from the days of the Open Forum, to Coin Uno, which seemed to span almost a decade! There have been some real characters along the way, from Mad Marty to Anaconda and Brandon, from the Holey Hat and Vest of "Lord Mini Van" to "Mr. Blast White" himself, Ricko ... and everyone in between ... here and no longer.

So many experts post here, I couldn't begin to make a list, but Capt Henway, Bill Jones, Mark Goodman, Fred Weinberg and Mark Feld all come to mind. I have met or corresponded with so many prominent collectors it is almost mind bending ... Stuart Blay, Bruce Morelan, Cardinal, Elcontador and so many others ... including my good friend Mike Hayes (rip brother ).

The knowledge gained (and the little I have been able to share), and the comradery and friendships (both on line and in person) have been most important ... especially it seems, as the world shut down a couple years ago.

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Speaking of friendships, experts, and prominent collectors ... just before Christmas 2020, about a year after I came back from my hiatus, in the middle of COVID and before the vaccines, I was invited to someone's home who I had never met before in person. He lives a few hours away, but I frequent that area on business. He is active on the boards as a Bust Half collector and also as a Photographer, and many here know him.

Lance and his wife were very gracious, and we had a wonderful time getting to know each other better. They made a wonderful dinner, and I brought a good bottle of wine. I also brought what at the time was the most expensive Bust Half I had ever purchased, which had arrived a few days earlier, and for which I wanted to share. Lance almost stopped eating when I pulled it from my pocket during desert, and eventually photographed the coin that night for me (although in comparison, it wasn't nearly as significant compared to his collection as it was to mine).

That night he shared vast parts of his collection as we talked about life, liberty and the pursuit of our passions, all of which left my mind spinning. I have been forever grateful for his hospitality here on the board and in that moment, and we have become good friends since. He has also sponsored me into the BHNC, helped teach me how to be a better photographer, and introduced me to a vast number of people I might not have connected with otherwise.

.

Not to leave anyone out. as I have made many great friendships here ... but that event still stands out to me.

.

Here's to another 16 years Jesse!

FlyingAl

It's so hard to choose...

This forum has been the greatest thing to ever happen to me in my collecting journey. It's pretty hard (I think) as a YN to get actively into the hobby with school and extracurriculars taking your time up, so I was essentially alone since I started as a 6 year old. My dad has been a great encouragement, but alas he didn't go quite as far as me into the hobby and I mainly have to give him an overview of a particular coin I think of buying. Lurking was fun, but it's nothing like being here. I wish I had joined four years ago instead of lurking for that time. Although, I did get a few laughs when I wound the BONGO BONGO threads .

Needless to say, the forum members here have filled that hole. Entirely and completely. I have a few that I'd like to mention:

@Eldorado9 Has gone above and beyond to message me and have nearly daily conversations about anything and everything numismatics. Today we were talking about a particular half dime pattern from 1870. I think there's a good chance we've gone through the Red Book in topics at this point. He has taken time at shows to show me coins that I could only dream of, and the ability to view part of such a collection was a dream come true. I couldn't thank him enough.

@pursuitofliberty Has given more than a few hours of valuable time to give me advice on an article I'm writing. I seriously think he might be a full time editor, because his advice is that insightful. Whether or not I can fufill his additions is still up in the air, but I can't thank him enough as well.

And two honorable mentions: @CaptHenway has given me some generous advice on guiding my article and it's helped immensely. @Floridafacelifter has also taken time to show me some of the coins he has (photos) and we've had some pretty entertaining discussions on satin proofs and some early gold. I really appreciate these two members time as well.

@jessewvu I apologize, I entirely blew up your premise of naming one particular member, I couldn't help myself with how many people are here that have changed my collecting journey in such a short time.

pointfivezero

Congrats on 5000 posts and the excellent give back idea. The forum is full of great members but one stands head and shoulders above the rest in my very humble opinion:

@MFeld

Publicly and privately, a source of information and inspiration. And always, always with a tone of respect and humility.

Tim

AUandAG

The Forum, plain and simple. Everyone has had some sort of impact on my collecting interests. I've also done a ton of BST deals with you all and truthfully cannot pick just one. The list is too long to post.
Congrats on the 16 years (my 16th anniv is next Dec). We've "outlived" many who have come and gone or just passed on.
Be well my friend, stay safe and hope you have many, many more years of postings!

bob

gumby1234

I've only been here for just over a year now. Met so many nice and helpful people. Its hard to choose just one.
@koynekwest also known as Ron Pope was probably the most helpful to me. He obviously can not win this giveaway thou. I am saddened by his passing. We talked about coins a lot, but we also talked about our dogs.

pcgscacgold

I would have to pick two but could have listed several others as well.

Zoins for his extremely informative threads. I have enjoyed our PMs on many topics.

MFeld for his knowledgeable replies to posts. Always courteous, respectful and honest.

1630Boston

Congrats on 16 years @jessewvu
I have not been here long and am a small-time collector, I have approximately 60 graded coins.
I like the number 13 and below are the thirteen members that stand out to me, that have made my short time here enjoyable and made this a great community. Not only for their numismatic offerings but also their willingness to chat about other common interests outside of coins

@winesteven
@Bochiman
@divecchia
@ricko
@joeykoins
@ErrorsOnCoins
@AUandAG
@Weiss
@Aspie_Rocco
@CaptHenway
@RogerB
@asheland
@lordmarcovan

robkool

First joined in March 2007. Can't believe it's been that long... Thousands of transactions on the BST. I remember doing some great transactions with STONE aka Winston Zack, with his Capped bust coinage. Lordmarcovan aka Robert Shinnick on some early US, world coins, and not forget about fossils (prehistoric stuff), as well as FISHTEETH on U.S. type coinage.

ricko

@jessewvu... Congratulations on 5000 posts. I enjoy reading your contributions. Many great members over the years have helped me on this forum as well. @TomB, @MFeld, @CaptHenway, @RogerB, @lordmarcovan, @1630Boston ... Over my 22+ years on this forum I have enjoyed many friendships and mentors. @Jessewvu... Here's a glass, lifted high, to your next 5000 posts. Cheers, RickO

MASSU2

Contrats on the 16/5000!

One of my favorite memories to date is winning one of @lordmarcovan 's giveaways. I chose an 1848 Braided Hair large cent for my prize as this would be my first large cent of any kind. This eventually sparked in interest in BHLC's for me and I'm now 7 coins away for a full VF set! Thanks LordM!

Treashunt

Sorry, but Mike Diamond has to be my number 1.

And than, for fans of Barber coins, I'd have to say:
Any one who posts to the Michael F Hayes Barber Mega thread:

https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/924440/the-michael-f-hayes-barber-megathread/p1

I enjoy it and have added a lot of knowledge from the posters there.

They are all amazing Barber collectors.

WAYNEAS

There are so many members here that are deserving of those accolades that you required in your post.
Congratulations on your 16th anniversary and 5K postings.
My first pick would be @1630Boston.
My second pick would be @winesteven.
My last pick would be @ricko. He is a cornerstone on this forum.
Wayne

pocketpiececommems

I have always liked Braddicks lowball posts from day one when I joined.

JBK

There are too many to mention one or even a few, and some of the names are no longer on the forum.

I see the forum as a sort of recipe. Some ingredients are more noticeable or impactful than others, but they (almost) all play a part in the end result.

Even the newbie questions can be important since they provide the seasoned experts with an opportunity to share their knowledge.

Other people have their greatest influence by simply providing a certain vibe or atmosphere.

There is no way I could or would pick just one member.

Catbert

I would point to @TomB and @MFeld whom as dealers represented the highest standard of integrity and professionalism when I interacted with them. While there are many good dealers in the hobby, I think they exemplify the standard and it is regrettable they no longer are active in that capacity.

Paradisefound

😘 Congratulations @jessewvu on your 5000 posts and the longevity!

Thank you PCGS for hosting this platform ❤️

This very exclusive club provides a wealth of information …… it is part of my learning tools since.

So many kind and knowledgeable members are patiently try to couch me throughout the years as well as many more others I learnt from just by reading their posts.

My apology for not able to name a few ……. and even that I might missed a few others ☺️

@coinsarefun
@Mfield
@cardinal
@BuffaloIronTail
@ricko
@lordmarcovan
@AUandAG
@TomB
@winesteven
@1630Boston
@CaptHenway
@RogerB
@braddick
@Aspie_Rocco
@asheland
@ErrorsOnCoins
@WingedLiberty1957
@pursuitofliberty
@ThePennyLady

lordmarcovan

Awww, shucks

oih82w8

Good timing on your anniversary date and posting milestone!

As a cherry-picker, I like to post coin images and have others take a whack at the variety type and grade of course. Sheding light on varities helps others who may not have noticed them before.

I would like to recognize @robec for taking quite a few images for me.

Thank you for your input into the forum and may you have many more years to share with us!

lordmarcovan

@MASSU2 said:
Contrats on the 16/5000!

One of my favorite memories to date is winning one of @lordmarcovan 's giveaways. I chose an 1848 Braided Hair large cent for my prize as this would be my first large cent of any kind. This eventually sparked in interest in BHLC's for me and I'm now 7 coins away for a full VF set! Thanks LordM!

Awesome news!

ajaan

Meeting lordmarcovan in person along with a bunch of other DARKSIDERS at an ANA show.

ARCO

I would like to nominate posthumously, the late, great Mike Hayes. We was a prolific set builder, working on half a dozen sets at a time. We discussed Barbers and other series quite often. When I wanted to sell my Barber Half collection, he helped match me with Glenn Holsonbake that then turned out to be a smooth and fair transaction. Mike sent me pics of so many of his beautiful toned coins that I often thought of giving up collecting because all the good stuff was taken.

Tyler

Steven59

Congrats on 16 years! One thing on this forum I've learned how to spot fake 1909S VDB cents along with the 1914D cents. Love this forum as it is a wealth of knowledge.

Walkerguy21D

Great to see all the tributes to Mike Hayes - he was truly an inspiration to many of us.

@MFeld is a huge contributor to forums, so glad he was able to come back to us.
@CaptHenway is also a major contributor in my book.
@BillJones has had some amazing posts and amazing coins over the years. It's great to see him in person at most any good sized show in Florida.

Here's also a shout out to some slightly lesser "known" members, who nonetheless in my mind are passionate set builders and first rate collectors that I have had countless PMs and transactions with:
@erwindoc
@jesbroken
@ad4400
@lkenefic

asheland

Too many to name on here, I enjoy many of the mentioned members on here plus others not mentioned.
Congrats on 5K!

jesbroken

Congratulations on 14/5000 @jessewvu
I cannot begin to thank a single individual for the 18 years I have enjoyed this forum(2 or 3 as a lurker). But if I had to pick just one it would be @koynekwest. God I miss Ron. He was so helpful first with my Buffaloes and then with just coins in general. I still read posts and emails we batted back and forth. Bless you Ron.
If I listed others after Ron, the list would be most of the revered members on this forum and I mean that. They have helped me so many times, both knowingly and unknowingly. Dealers, collectors, newbies and just contributors all with the same love of the same hobby. Thank you PCGS for being the greatest contributor to my existence in the hobby for providing this forum that we all so depend on for our daily and even hourly dosage of our "Friends of Numismatics".
Jesse, I have read with interest your posts and thank you for being one of the members that we rely on daily to make our day with a post or a coin or a question. I hope your generous gift goes to a most deserving patron of our hobby.
Jim

GaCoinGuy

There have been way too many folks here that have helped me on my coin collecting journey to simply name one.

LordMarcoVan - Just a all-around good guy and a wealth of knowledge of Coastal Georgia.
Russ - Kennedy Expert Extraordinaire
Mad Marty - Thanks for the humor and the Weinie Dollars
Frank Chiong and his cigar-smoking pug - Thanks for the help with photography and introducing me to Milos Burgers
Dahlonega - Thanks for the conversations and your wealth of knowledge of Georgia gold.

Congratulations on the milestone and thanks for the chance at this very generous giveaway.

BuffaloIronTail

@jesbroken said:
Congratulations on 14/5000 @jessewvu
I cannot begin to thank a single individual for the 18 years I have enjoyed this forum(2 or 3 as a lurker). But if I had to pick just one it would be @koynekwest. God I miss Ron. He was so helpful first with my Buffaloes and then with just coins in general. I still read posts and emails we batted back and forth. Bless you Ron.
If I listed others after Ron, the list would be most of the revered members on this forum and I mean that. They have helped me so many times, both knowingly and unknowingly. Dealers, collectors, newbies and just contributors all with the same love of the same hobby. Thank you PCGS for being the greatest contributor to my existence in the hobby for providing this forum that we all so depend on for our daily and even hourly dosage of our "Friends of Numismatics".
Jesse, I have read with interest your posts and thank you for being one of the members that we rely on daily to make our day with a post or a coin or a question. I hope your generous gift goes to a most deserving patron of our hobby.
Jim

Ron Pope was always there when I had a question about things Buffalo. I can't tell you how much his presence is missed by me,.

Pete

ElKevvo

Congrats on the anniversaries! Too many to mention...besides what I have learned from folks over the years there have been many who have made this place an enjoyable hangout and I am thankful for that as they have kept things interesting and myself interested!

K

Aspie_Rocco

In no particular order here are some great members past and present.

@bushmaster888 was/is a great coin friend I made here. He is very helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. He bought a few of my paintings and has helped with CAC.

@KindaNewish is another great mind and is excellent with correspondence. He has my unending gratitude for hooking me up with the Felix Schlag autographed BU Jefferson set. That meant and still does mean soooo much to me

@1630Boston is a fantastic member here who is kind, intelligent, helpful, and very informative. I enjoy his posts, links, articles, and photos he shares. Definitely a great example of an outstanding member.

@Paradisefound is a wonderful addition to this community. She breaks the monotony that occasionally accumulates here and her personality is a ray of light. Generous, humorous, and friendly; I am glad she returned.

@RogerB this guy is brilliant and eloquent, a great writer, and he actually took the time to respond to my messages and inquiries when an active member. His presence here is missed.

@koynekwest another great author and numismatist I had the pleasure of interacting with and buying an autographed book from. He also encouraged me when I was quitting cigarettes.

Some other members I like, miss, or enjoy seeing post are @DIMEMAN @Insider2 @Hemispherical @Swampboy @BrettPCGS
@davewesen @crazyhounddog @winesteven @BillJones @DelawareDoons
@marcmoish @FlyingAl @TomB @SanctionII @JBK @lilolme @gumby1234 @ErrorsOnCoins also I am pretty sure you can all blame @BigDowgie for getting me to join this forum
And so many more not listed.

Namvet69

Congrats on this milestone. It's not fair to have to pick cause so many people have been so kind and instructive. @ricko was my first DM and I knew I was gonna stick around. @Paradisefound is also a beautiful generous person, who raised the bar. Many more are listed in my signature box.
@No Headlights I met at the Baltimore show, a class act. I could go on but it's not necessary cause I'm sticking around for more of the good stuff. @Jzyskowski1 is another CU friend, for sure. Peace Roy

Bigbuck1975

Lots of great resources here over the years. I appreciate being able to ask for opinions on anything coin related.

Coinscratch

As many have stated to name only one person would be impossible or unjust.
In my short 4 years here I have learned and continue to learn from the top 50 posters most of which already named.
And most of which don’t even know I’m listening
However, there is one that stands out for me, who has helped, encouraged, and guided my decisions.
@mannie gray
Although I haven’t heard much from him lately I would share with you all some of his most judicious wisdom,
Grade Grumpy!

3stars

I'm in my third decade on these boards and enjoy seeing coins that no way in a million years I'd be able to (or want to) afford, and hear the backstory on them. Love getting tips on mint flips. Still remember trading a roll of silver eagles for a 1/10 and 1/4 gold with a long departed member whose name i forget, back when a 1/10 AGE was about $35 and an ASE roll was $135.

telephoto1

Congrats on the milestone... I might just do something similar when I hit 5K.
I officially joined the forums in 2007 but lurked for a LONGGG time prior.
Over the years I've enjoyed all the lively discussions and am legitimately impressed with the amount of collective knowledge here. I hesitate to list all the names for fear of missing someone... but they are legion.
FYI should I happen to win this, I would like it to go to a YN of your choosing.

erwindoc

Memory is the all the collectors and dealers that with their knowledge have helped me on the way to building my knowledge! Thanks and congrats on the milestone!

HoneyMarket

Wow...you have a tough job in deciding...there are just too many great forum members/posters here.
I've only been here a short while, and as such, I'm ignored by most - mostly because I'm uneducated in numismatics.
But here are three members that have taken the time to correct me or guide me in my posts and I'm most appreciative to them.

MsMorrisine
MetroD
Jzyskowski1

JimTyler

I won a proof ASE in someone’s giveaway once. That is a pretty decent memory.

Kliao

Wow this is hard. There have been many members that helped me in my collecting journey. In no particular order.
@pursuitofliberty
@MWallace
@LukeMarshall
@asheland
@Walkerguy21D
@MFeld
@winesteven
@ErrorsOnCoins
@TomB
I’m probably missing many please forgive me.

Mgarmy

I vote for Mr Feld. Sometimes the truth hurts and he is not one to sugar coat it.

LanceNewmanOCC

good idea about mentioning those that have guided/influenced us. i think my list would be around 30-40 members, probably more tbh but not necessarily under the wing type situation but whom i have considered to have positively affected my numismatic journey.

did that math add up right? a little over 1 post a day average for 16 years! gratz sir

KindaNewish

Thanks for remembering me @Aspie_Rocco , getting that Felix Schlag set to you was probably the coolest thing that ever happened on this board.
I so regret it, as I really wanted it for myself. But it has found it's rightful home with you.

@astrorat

winesteven

First and most importantly, congratulations @jessewvu for your posts, the knowledge and insights you have shared over the years, your generosity of the prize, and especially thanks for your creativity and thoughtfulness in coming up with this wonderful idea of having us mention wonderful people!

I feel like naming quite a few, as so MANY on this forum have regularly contributed to my knowledge and growth in our wonderful hobby. However, I know that I would accidentally leave several out. As such, I will name just one - my mentor, my idol, the person who keeps my emotions and tongue in check on the forum (lol), and most of all, someone I am honored to have as my friend - @MFeld .

Steve

bsshog40

Congrats on your 16 yrs! 15 1/2 yrs for me. I have spent most my time reading and learning in my past years here. I still learn almost everyday from most of our members here, including you @jessewvu. Lol I respect most of our members here also. As most, I always learn something from @MarkFeld, and I always enjoy coins from @robec, @BillJones and @SkyMan.

Modwriter

I vote for @lordmarcovan for so many reasons. But most of all for his elongated coins that I still have in my collection.

Downtown1974

There are several members who have helped me personally, and I correspond with them on a regular occasion. But if I had to step back and take personal relationships out of the equation and judge by the parameters given by the OP, my choice would be MFeld.

Congratulations on your two milestones!!

SkyMan

Congratulations on 16 years!!! Have fun with your next 16!!!

The community is a wonderful place.

WAYNEAS

I replied to this thread earlier but am still astonished to read latter posts and the members being recognized.
All are deserving. Maybe the mint could add a few free coins 😂 so there are more winners.
Wayne