Dealer flies with 1.9 million dollar dime...

kiyote

"All the way across the country I didn't sleep,'' Feigenbaum said. "I didn't eat and I didn't sleep. You wouldn't, either.''


It's a good read!

Hyperion

wow. that's bizzare.


from a joe schmoe perspective, that seems remarkably dumb and irresponsible to do...I guess it's his responsibility...

the guy just trying to save a buck not paying for real protection? or was he the protection ? story implies he wasn't seller or buyer but was just an intermediary?

plus, it's a shame such a nice coin was stored in those clear lucite blocks

Feigenbaum put the dime, encased in a 3-inch-square block of plastic, in his pocket and, accompanied by a security guard, drove in an ordinary sedan directly to San Jose airport to catch the red-eye to Newark.

Petescorner

<<It's a long-shuttered stone building whose front steps are primarily used these days by homeless people on their lunch break.>>

notwilight

He's pretty worried over nothing in my opinion. His nervousness is the only thing that might have given him away. In fact the way his nervousness is described he might have been somewhat of a concern to any skymarshall on the plane. The biggest risk was losing the coin, not having it stolen. He should have worn a jacket with a zip pocket. And I don't recommend flip flops on planes...I probbably wouldn't have published this article either. I would have eaten and slept. --Jerry

ColonialCoinUnion

<< <i>I probably wouldn't have published this article either. >>



While the PR is certainly good for business, is it really wise to publicize the fact that at any given time you might have a $1.9 million coin in your pocket?

MisterBungle

He "did not intend to spend it, as there is no longer anything to buy in New York for 10 cents."



~

etexmike

That was a good read to start the day.

A little strange, but still a good read.

-------------

etexmike

RYK

If it were me, I would have lived on the edge and viewed the coin at Starbuck's. Seems like a waste to have such a numismatic delicacy and be afraid to look at it.

TwoSides2aCoin

<< <i>If it were me, I would have lived on the edge and viewed the coin at Starbuck's. Seems like a waste to have such a numismatic delicacy and be afraid to look at it. >>



That's what I'm talking about !!!

numisma

<< <i>

<< <i>I probably wouldn't have published this article either. >>



While the PR is certainly good for business, is it really wise to publicize the fact that at any given time you might have a $1.9 million coin in your pocket? >>



Good point. I understand the entertainment value of the article, but I would have used a psuedo name and geographical location for safety reasons. Hopefully the Russian mafia will not read the story.

On another note, that's a pretty good payday for brokering the deal; $57,000 each for Mitch of Wonder Coins and DLRC. Chaching!

ilikebuffaloes

It was a rather interesting story. I'm not into flip-flops but you will find me in 1st class in jeans a t-shirt and sneakers (why not be comfortable especially for a long flight) if I get into 1st class. The only time I flew with collectable coins was on a trip to Alaska, I bought some coins fromthe Alaska Mint in Anchorage. My carry-on bag was searched (with me standing there) because they were not sure what the coins were since they were in boxes similar to the ones that Proof ASEs come in.

Has anyone had issues with TSA while flying with coins? Are they at least discreet, or does everyone know that you are carring something valuable?

STONE

That was an interesting read.

PerryHall

I wonder how he's going to get it out of that block of plastic. Can you freeze it and smack it with a hammer? Can it be disolved in acetone?

ellewood

Hmmmmm. I think I might know who's vault that landed in. But, out of courtesy to that person, I would never say anything here on the boards.

What a cool story about transporting the coins. I just transported $5000.00 worth of PCGS coins on an airplane...had em' with me in my briefcase the whole time. I can't imagine what transporting a coin like that would be like...WOW.

MrEureka

Has anyone had issues with TSA while flying with coins? Are they at least discreet, or does everyone know that you are carring something valuable?

TSA isn't a problem. If there are only a few things in your bag, you can ask them to leave them in the bag as they search it to make sure nobody sees what you have. If there's more and they will need to empty the bag, ask them for a "private search". They're obligated to accommodate you and will take you to a private room before searching the bag.

tradedollarnut

"It's the Holy Grail of coins,'' he said. "But Liberty, how can I say it, she's not the prettiest. Actually, it's considered an ugly coin. Sometimes, ugliness can be attractive.''

The 94-S dime is indeed one of the Big Three of US coins ... and I agree that particular specimen is quite unattractive. It must have turned darker over the years.

MrHalfDime

"Has anyone had issues with TSA while flying with coins? Are they at least discreet, or does everyone know that you are carring something valuable?"

This is a good question, and brings up an important point, especially with the ANA - Milwaukee coming right up.

Sometimes many of us travel to coin shows with valuable coins in our possession, whether we are dealers or simply collectors taking coins for 'show and tell'. With security so tight at airports these days, no one relishes the prospect of having your carry-on bag opened and searched in full view of everyone at the airport. If people see you are carrying valuables, they could easily follow you outside of the airport, away from security, and rob you.

If TSA agents tell you that they are going to inspect your carry-on, and you are worried about the public seeing that you are carrying valuables, you can ask for a private screening. It is simple and easy to do, it is part of the TSA routine, and it will not unnecessarily delay you. I have done this several times, and the TSA takes it right in stride. They will take you to an adjacent room (or in one case simply to a nearby screened off area) and inspect your case. Once they see the contents they will quickly understand your request for a private screening. You should NEVER let your case out of your sight, especially while it is running through the X-ray machine, but asking for a private screening can add one more level of protection to you while you travel with valuables.

mrearlygold

<< <i>"All the way across the country I didn't sleep,'' Feigenbaum said. "I didn't eat and I didn't sleep. You wouldn't, either.''


It's a good read! >>



GREAT STORY!

Reminds me of that commercial "is someone in your life a Numismatist"?

Coinosaurus

I get "private screened" regularly. It's no big deal & relatively discreet.

COINB0Y

'I didn't eat and I didn't sleep' / Coin dealer flies dime worth $1.9 million to NYC
Mitchell Spivack (left) of Wonder Coins in San Clemente, representing the seller, Oakland collector Daniel Rosenthal, hands the finest known 1894-dated San Francisco Mint dime to John Feigenbaum of David Lawrence Rare Coins at a bank vault in Oakland. Courtesy of David Lawrence Rare Coins

ricko

I have flown with coins many times.. gold and silver... and others... never any hassle with TSA. True, I have never transported a coin of such value - but the one's I did have were of significance. I just keep them in my carry-on... Cheers, RickO

IGWT

-- "The 94-S dime is indeed one of the Big Three of US coins ... and I agree that particular specimen is quite unattractive. It must have turned darker over the years." --

For those who don't realize it (I didn't at first ), you can enlarge the images by clicking on the pictures in the article. I think the coin has a pleasing appearance, and I'll bet it's quite lustrous under the toning.

ScarsdaleCoin

The seller of the coin D.R. is a very fine coin collector!

RYK

<< <i>I wonder how he's going to get it out of that block of plastic. Can you freeze it and smack it with a hammer? Can it be disolved in acetone? >>



I would crack it out of the PCGS slab like any other coin, if need be.

ScarsdaleCoin

From the TSA website....

Currency, Coins, Precious Metals, or Valuable Jewelry

If you are carrying valuable items such as large amounts of currency, coins or jewelry, we recommend that you ask Security Officers to screen you and your carry-on luggage in private. This will maintain your security and avoid public scrutiny.

We suggest that you ask to speak with a TSA screening supervisor before you are screened. Tell the supervisor discretely that you would be screened in a private location.

TSA operating procedures require a witness to be present during private screening. The witness may be another TSA Security Officer or someone that is traveling with you.

If cleared, you and your valuables will be allowed to enter the sterile side of the airport.

We recommend that you carry these items with you at all times.

MrEureka

It's worth comparing this photo to a picture of the same coin on the cover of Stacks' James A. Stack auction catalog. Maybe someone here has a copy of that catalog and can post a scan of the cover?

ScarsdaleCoin

in thinking about it.... I would say a 38 year old.... in grubby attire.... with a briefcase.... not taking his eyes off briefcase would be a high red flag alert..... and he would stick out with the flight crew at least.....

RBinTex

Flew it to NYC? Are congrats to Stewart in order?

Connecticoin

<< <i>Flew it to NYC? Are congrats to Stewart in order? >>



Good guess. He does have a heck of a Barber Dime collection.

seanq

Geheheh.... I didn't notice until I went back and blew up the pictures - what the author described as "encased in a three-inch square block of plastic" is actually a PCGS holder.

It's too bad the author was more concerned with sounding clever and playing up the "$1.9million for a dime" angle, instead of getting the basic details about the history right and explaining why the coin is so valuable.

Also, the only problem I've ever had travelling with coins was pre 9/11, when I brought some rolls to search during the downtime at my hotel in my carry-on. Judging by the look on the security agent's face when he saw them on the Xray, it would have been better to give them a heads-up before hand.


Sean Reynolds

Connecticoin

The whole coin -- not too bad looking!

Peaceman

If I bought a 2m dollar coin... this is what I'd do...

1) Pick up the phone....
2) Hello Brinks....
3) What... It's insured and cost about $ 3500 to transport, here's my credit card...

The buyer in this case is a D-a$$

fc

another silly story on a slow news day.

in other news, man walks around house filled with gold and cash.

seanq

<< <i>The whole coin -- not too bad looking!

>>




Obviously AT.






Sean Reynolds

Preussen

<< <i>Has anyone had issues with TSA while flying with coins? Are they at least discreet, or does everyone know that you are carring something valuable? >>

I once had a TSA xray screener exclaim loudly "What is that in there, coins?" I wanted to slug the moron. -Preussen

Connecticoin

<< <i>If I bought a 2m dollar coin... this is what I'd do...

1) Pick up the phone....
2) Hello Brinks....
3) What... It's insured and cost about $ 3500 to transport, here's my credit card...

The buyer in this case is a D-a$$ >>



I agree wholeheartedly. I would not want my dealer handling a $2 million coin any other way.

originalisbest

That coin is not at all "unattractive." But maybe the new owner should get the consortium to agree.

kiyote

<< <i>I get "private screened" regularly. It's no big deal & relatively discreet. >>



Some say it hurts, some like it...

WillieBoyd2

Wouldn't going off with a security guard for a "private screening" tell everyone in line that one is carrying valuables in one's suitcase?

seanq

<< <i>Wouldn't going off with a security guard for a "private screening" tell everyone in line that one is carrying valuables in one's suitcase? >>




The only two reasons I could think to ask for a private screening are if you had a suitcase full of either valuables or marital aids. Either way, you're probably going to attract some unwanted attention in the terminal.


Sean Reynolds

dthigpen

When I hit Vegas I generally fly with a couple straps of hundreds in my backpack. I generally just ask the TSA individuals to not remove items from the bag as they search it, it's never been an issue.

This story is sort of dumb, and I would have slept.

zenny

Feigenbaum did not actually take the dime out of his briefcase, as it is suspicious to stare at dimes.

seanq

<< <i>Flew it to NYC? Are congrats to Stewart in order? >>



*ahem*



<< <i>The person who bought the dime does not want the world to know who he is. >>



I wonder how the attention-shy buyer feels about his agent giving a print interview with so many of the details of the transaction.


Sean Reynolds

SeattleSlammer

I'd have kept it in my pocket.....preferably a pocket with a zipper.

boyhowdy

"The coin is known as a Barber-style dime, bearing a ghastly likeness of Madam Liberty on the front and a boring wreath of corn and wheat and the words "one dime" on the back."

Phillistines!


Steve

GFourDriver

<<<<in other news, man walks around house filled with gold and cash.>>>>>

ROFL

N8

"So Feigenbaum forced himself to sit in first class"

Oh the poor guy...

Here was my favorite line: "The buyer spent about half an hour looking at it, Feigenbaum said, which worked out to 15 minutes for heads and 15 minutes for tails."

notwilight

<< <i>

<< <i>Has anyone had issues with TSA while flying with coins? Are they at least discreet, or does everyone know that you are carring something valuable? >>

I once had a TSA xray screener exclaim loudly "What is that in there, coins?" I wanted to slug the moron. -Preussen >>



Traveling to MO with my 3 yr old and 6 yr old in casual attire and WalMart luggage the screener noticed 3 PCGS blue boxes full of various coins. He discretely and casually said something like "Is that a bunch of coins in the bottom" and I said yes. To the average listener I'm sure they thought it was pocket change. --Jerry

wondercoin

That was an interesting read - and it just goes to show you that sometimes you simply don't know what a reporter will find to be the fascinating part of a story. Nice interview John!

I believe there were a couple of errors with the news story though - most importantly, the photograph of the exchange - that picture was taken by my 15 year old son, Justin. To tell you how proud he is to have been able photograph the 94(s) dime (and the exchange) hold and examine it for the better part of an hour and share in all the fun would be a huge understatement. He is also a young aspiring photographer and deserves to have the recognition for his published photo. I understand it was an oversight and the credit for the picture(s) will be changed to reflect Justin as the photographer. I also understand though that the actual pictures of the dime itself in that news story were the old Richmond Sale pictures of the coin.

Finally, congratulations to both Justhavingfun for this this world record sales price for a 94(s) dime and also to John's buyer who I hope will greatly enjoy this piece.

Wondercoin

ElKevvo

I have had a problem with the TSA when carrying coins...This past March I was travelling to visit my dad and he gave me several mint boxes of quarter rolls and other stuff (some modern commems, etc.). All the boxes were unopened. Well I figured I would carry them on and after they went through the Xray I was asked right in front of everyone 'Do you have a bunch of coins in your bag?'. I told them 'yeah, some change.' and then was asked if a screener could look in the bag. Not a problem but once he started taking out the mint boxes they wanted to open them...I really felt I did not have any other options...I guess I could have asked...they should have good enough equipment to get an idea of what is in a package without opening it. I think it was the quarter rolls that threw them but once they started opening those they had to check all of the stuff by opening it. Anyway they opened all of the boxes and took everything out and looked at it. So much for the Mint sealed boxes!! I guess the good thing is that there were no ASE anniversary sets!

This was out of Providence RI which IMO the TSA seems a little zealous when compared to other airports the last few times I have travelled there. I suppose it is a good thing but I wished they hadn't opened the boxes.

Have a great weekend everyone!

K

NonCents

Mr. Justhavingfun,
Congrats on the sale of your 1894-S Dime; a truely magnificent coin. BTW, thanks for your comment on my MS67RD U.S. Philippines One Centavo. See you back on the darkside.

Regards,
Noncents