Is Bill O'Rourke still around searching coin rolls?
Klif50
Posts: 692 ✭✭✭✭
Over the weekend I was looking through an old copy of Coin World from April 2004 and was reading an article by Bill and Debbie O'Rourke talking about their adventures in coin roll hunting. I remember seeing articles by them in the Rec.Collecting.Coins newsgroup and buying coins they had found which they sold on Ebay.
In the late 1950's a couple that was friends with my parents started coin roll hunting, going to the bank and bringing home rolls of dimes, quarters, halves and silver dollars and plugging holes in their blue coin folders. They spent hours each week going through, plugging holes and rerolling the coins left over to take back to the bank and exchange them for other rolls.
Reading the story by Bill about his adventures reminded me of them. I wonder if Bill and Debbie are still out their hitting up the banks for rolls and searching away or maybe they found enough treasures to retire and live the good life. They were pioneers in searching and finding varieties and selling many of the double die cents in those early days.
If they or any of the other folks that used to keep R.C.C. hopping are still around, I say hello old friends and Happy New Year to each and every one.
Comments
In the Coin World issue dated Nov.14, 2022, he had an article about
CRH. Also issues dated 6-13-22, 7-11-22. When I spoke to the Coin
World staff manning their table at the ANA summer show in Chicago,
they stated his articles were very popular with readers. No contact
info is given, so drop a line to Coin World. 937-498-0800
cweditor@amosmedia.com
In the late 90s / early 00s, before finding this place, I was quite active in r.c.c. and a couple of other Yahoo groups. I gifted Bill with my copy of the 2nd edition of the CPG (when the 3rd edition came out), and he returned the favor by finding and selling me a nice 1980 DDO cent. I haven't heard from him in years, but I am very happy to hear he is still around and active in the hobby.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
He's on Cronin's member only facebook site:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/281634085880277
And here's his facebook page, assuming he is same Bill ?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/281634085880277/user/100001675341246
Thanks @LindyS I sent him a message there (if that is him). Feeling lonesome for the old RCC and some of the great folks that hung out there. Especaially Ira and others whose names escape me at the moment.