A Giveaway in Honor of Bear! LAST CALL!

AnkurJ

Winner will be announced next Wednesday 11/30. I will keep adding more and more here.

The catch? Quite often we go through life without thanking those who have made things great for us and without telling them how much it has made a difference. Post about a forum member who has made a difference in your personal or collecting life!

Also, if you dont have anything positive to say, THEN PLEASE DONT SAY IT.

Lets start off with this:


AJ

BillyKingsley

There are two that come to mind for me, that I've met in person. Larry @ SeaEagleCoins and Wei both took some time out of their busy day when I went to CoinFest in 2009 to educate an obvious rookie. I went in fairly clueless, and came out of that chat, although fairly short, knowing stuff that I still use every time I look at a coin for possible purchase- and probably will for the rest of my life.

I could provide a long list of people who I have not met that I'm thankful for their assistance or time, but I'll limit it to those I've met in person.

bestclser1

The late Mike De Falco,and the also late Gary Mugno!

1tommy

I've got a couple notsure ken has helped me with my Type B collection and than modcrewman don has helped me with my washington proofs and the superbirds. And there are many others that have helped me this past year. I do enjoy these boards......Enjoy

mkman123

Silvereagles92!!!! First friend I met on here. Great kid who I chatted with a lot.
So sad when I heard he passed

MidLifeCrisis

This is a good idea for a thread.

My answer is that there are too many forum members to list who have been a positive impact on my collecting life.

TomB, ColonialCoinUnion, RYK, and coinsarefun are a few that immediately come to mind.

This forum and it's members have made collecting a lot of fun for me.

comma

I just got back into collecting recently after a 12 year hiatus...
Some old gold initially bought as an investment re-kindled the flame, but a coin I bought from a forum member really sparked my desire for "different" coins, and a type set collection.
I bought Stefanie's (coinsarefun) ms64 feuchtwanger cent, and it really brought back my love for collecting and the art and history behind it.
So, thank you

(Now I need a part time job to fund it!)

braddick

Mitch (Wondercoin) has been more of an influence then probably he is even aware. His passion for coins is contagious.
Also Richard (greattoning) I consider a good friend and an enthusiast that is a joy to speak to.

Justlooking

I would say everybody on here has value, from the novice to the most experienced collector. Seemingly simple questions from the beginners have generated some of the most interesting discussions from the big boys.

To mention just two, I'd say the CRO guy and Lord Marcovan. CRO guy is an expert's expert, and Lord Marcovan always offers a new take that I've never thought of. OK, I'll throw Charmy in there, too, just because. : )

I appreciate having somewhere to come and learn.

19Lyds

I'd like to publically than Gandyjai for guiding me through the waters of Eisenhower Dollar Varieties and then ModernDollarNut for putting up with me.

coinkid855

Glenn (PonyExpress8) has always been awesome to me. After meeting him at FUN a couple years ago, he's really taken me under his wing. We have gone to Summer Seminar for a couple years and taken the same classes. He's also had me on his table for a couple shows. Thanks Glenn, you're awesome!



-Paul

Raufus

ericj96. I love moderns. He has done so much for the hobby.

I have to say, there are many others as well: MilesWaits, MsMorrisine, PinkFloyd, JohnMaben, Wondercoin, jmski and others to be sure. All of these forum members have contributed greatly to my knowledge and enjoyment of the hobby as well as to the great camaraderie of the forum.

As always, my thanks to our host for this wonderful forum as well!

Great thread! So bummed about Bear.

Life is so short.

habaraca

Many thanks to my friends including,,, but not limited to

edmerlr
Fishteeth
jdillane
lordmarcovan
Mozin
RYK
savoyspecial
TennesseeDave

and to all who post here and share of themselves... Thanks and Happy Thanksgivings

erickso1

Robec for tolerating and helping a complete novice with any questions.

Broadstruck for the first commemorate and subsequent thousand questions.

Commemdude and Justacommemman for the help and guidance on the other thousand questions.

Best part? All was done without ever meeting me.

Nick

AUandAG

Mark Feld. Extremely helpful with a unique coin I own.

Todd and Roger Pollock who kept my fires fueled for the CC coinage.

And many more, too numerous to name!

bob

Weg

I believe it was in 2007 when I joined these forums; at the beginning one person stood out that helped me to,,you could say become a member, LordMacrovav. I'd never been a member of any forum before and he helped me to feel comfortable here. After that there have been numerous members on both the coin and currency forums that have taught me more than I'd have ever dreamed of learning. There is one person that I have not met in person but met here on the coin forum, levinll, he happens to be the first person I made a transaction with. Since that first transaction we keep in touch most days and have thousands of PMs between us about everything under the sun. He's become a friend I never met; sounds odd doesn't it?

NotSure

Tommy, thanks man! That made my day, honestly!!!!! YOU are a good guy, a good person, and I'll say you are a pleasure to work with...though I owe all my Type B Washie 'learnin's' from Boom (and my mom, who has been debilitated for a long while, but Boom got HER into them, and I followed)

Boom brightened my moms darkest days, due to, I think it's 7 or 8 back surgeries now, and his words of encouragement (when our dog Duke was killed, he was her best friend and companion...those were very dark days for her). Warren even shared HIS pain from similar circumstances, and they talked of life in general...Warren helped her immensely...enough for her to really be able to concentrate on her collecting....instead of just dwelling on being pretty much disabled...Warren's knowledge that he shared enabled her to get past the depression that commonly follows multiple surgeries in a short time, and she had something to keep focused on (so much so, that it enabled us to make a bundle on the Type B's when they were at their hottest!!). So, I need to nominate Boom for the numismatic aspect (though it was much more than numismatics....he was a bright light in my mom's otherwise dreary day after day, medication filled, days). He kept her mind going. All this, while going through the oil spill that darn near ruined his home, land/wildlife/ecosystem surrounding it). I can never thank him enough for that.....THANK YOU WARREN!!! I just wish there were a way to fully thank you!

I also want to nominate Jeff-DRUNNER. Besides selling him every Doily I could find (and potentially in the future, should there be any left), he has been an inspiration to me OUT of the hobby. He guided me through some tough waters that I couldn't have navigated myself. I speak specifically of coaching H.S. kids (though I coach football and he X-country). Even when I was having trouble my last year of playing in college, his advice and wisdom helped me through a very tough 4th year (which should have been/was supposed to be, my best year, but wasn't). His advice and wisdom for coaching, I couldn't possibly have had the confidence to actually put myself out there. He is a H.S. Hall of Fame coach (not just any team, but USA Today top ranked teams...no slouch here, folks), an NFHS board member, handles the semi-annual publication (I WILL get the article done, Jeff...though, it'll definitely be from a different perspective after my first year of coaching, and I think it'll be a more knowledgable article), teaches full-time, helps his buddy run road races that stretch from 100 degree heat to 30 below (and can run them himself), plays 'best bud' to his nephew, actually enjoys spending time with the wife (if/when he has the time.......Jeff needs like 30 hours a day, and 29 of them would be devoted to others....his beautiful wife included)...the other hour devote to his beloved Doilies...lol

Besides my dad, Jeff is THE man that has taught me lessons that kids my age usually don't learn unless they make a mistake first. When it came to possibly being able to coach, he was right there, letting me know it isn't just 'X's and 'O's, but there's psychology behind it. Be tough, but be fair....be helpful, yet not coddle. He made me believe I could take it from the field to the sidelines. The man is an unsung hero, and deserves BIG props. And, honestly, how can you not like a guy that thinks highly enough of a person to invite that person, and open his home to you (as well as a good bottle of single malt, and make you an honorary wingman???)!!!!

I could reallly fill a whole page of how good BOTH these FINE, UPSTANDING GENTLEMAN are as human beings, coins or not.........but, I feel these 2, IMO, deserve all the props they can get. Thanks to AJ, for giving me the 'soapbox' to spout from, publicly, and THANK YOU to BOTH Boom AND DRUNNER ..we are lucky to have them!!! I know I am, and will continue to be, a better man for knowing them.

edited to add...there are a number of people here that I respect and like alot (I THINK they like me...lol), and I don't want to take away anything from those members, but these two gentleman, for me, not only stand-out, but are stand-up.

astrorat

There are a great number of Board members who have influenced me directly or indirectly. As an educator, there are four that deserve special recognition for their influence on me in the area of numismatic education ... though they likely have no idea that I was ever even paying attention to them!

1. Pistareen - (John K.) for his irreverently reverent approach to the role of numismatics in understanding American history ... is there anything you don't know?
2. CoinKing - (Ron G.) for his fundamental approach to teaching beginners about the joys of collecting and how to connect numismatics and history (thanks again for visiting my class of teachers in San Diego)
3. FredWeinberg - (Fred W.) for his never-ending support of education through his generous nature and encyclopedic knowledge ... a more patient, polite, and personable guy in numismatics doesn't exist
4. njcoincrank - (Bill S.) for his knowledge and engaging approach to teaching students individually and in teams ... a great guy with an amazing life story

Thank you, gentlemen.

Lane

derryb

Mark Feld and his willingness to share his professional knowledge with anyone.

melvin289

You know friends this entire Forum is awesome. Really too many to name but the knowledge that crosses this Forum could not be purchased. Thanks to everyone for the help you provide. We learn from each others triumphs as well as each others mistakes.

I will mention a couple.

Lord M (Damnit, he's got me thinking DarkSide)
blu62vette
justacommeman
SwampBoy
MidLifeCrisis

One not on the Forum - Paul Battaglia with Rare coins of New Hampshire.

Thanks to all,
Ron

hookooekoo

If I had to limit my thank-you to just a single person, it would have to be the person who years ago made the brave desicision to invest the time and money to create the Collectors Universe Message Board.

See, in my humble opinion, there is no industry in the U.S. that the average American is likely to participate in where the phrase "Caveat emptor" better applies. Yes there are both honest and dishonest dealers and collectors among us. But even when it comes to the "honest" dealers, a coin collector still have to apply "Caveat emptor".

By way of an example, I'll tell you about a favorite seller I used to buy from off of eBay many many years ago. Without fail, every coin description this dealer ever wrote listed the grade of the coin at least one level higher than the coin really was. But, he had some of the best close-up pictures an any eBay seller I have ever seen. He didn't doctor his images to hide coin flaws... usually what I recieved looked better in person than in his images. But because he had a different opinion about coin grades than I did, I first had to learn the application of "Caveat emptor" to even "honest" coin dealers.

When I was learning to cut my teeth in coin collecting, I was lucky enough to come across this forum. The single biggest source of my coin collecting education has come from this forum. And while there is a list of great forum members that I well respect that I could list... it takes more than the good among us to really learn about coin collecting. So the education I've recieved from this forum has come not from only the great among us, but even the bad and not so great among us. So its no one individual or even a group of people I have to thank today... its all the people who have participated in this forum over the years... its really the forum as a whole that deserves my thanks.

As such, I can not think of any single individual that deserves my thanks more than the person that was most responsible for the creation of this message board.

keyman64

fcloud and dimeman - You showed me the ropes with Mercury Varieties when I first joined here 1.5 years ago. I learned a lot from you guys. Thanks!

Bear - the assembly of his final set was a beautiful thing...coins and process. I learned a good bit from Bear during that process. It made me re-examine some of the things I was doing and some of the things I hope to do one day. Thank you Bear!

thisnamztaken

There are many people on this forum that have influenced and broadened my collecting experience and knowledge over the past several years, who probably aren't even aware of it because we've never met in person.

Just a few off the top of my head include Bear, for his kind spirit and humor; Bill Jones, for his discernment and overall numismatic knowledge (I always perk up and pay attention to everything he posts); and Charmy, for her always enjoyable show reports and pictures, because I have some physical problems that keep me from being able to attend coin shows in person any longer.

cheezhed

coinguy1 Mark Feld has always gone out of his way for me even when I was a tyro neophyte on the forum and it meant a lot to me.

CCC2010

Many to mention but one of the very first is Shane Kryptonitecomics, Lloyd Bstclsr and Stephanie Coinsarefun and Bear ofcourse. I thank and appreciate the help and the all pointers these guys have extended to me and to those that i failed to mention i apologize in advance.

numi

Stefanie of Coins Are Fun sparked my interest in tokens. Affordable U.S. history in a coin.

CoinJunkie

I'd like to thank Mark Goodman and all of the other great photographers on the forum for taking the
spectacular photos which we enjoy here on a regular basis!

jesbroken

While many on this board and ats have helped me over the years, one stands out as a true friend. Rey Brown(rbrown4). We spoke so many times via pms and yet never had the luxury of a face to face meeting. It can be so strange to seemingly know someone so well whom you have never met, but that is just such a positive attribute of these forums.
Thanks Rey and RIP.
Jim

indiananationals

pretty much everyone who i have talked with on here there is a lot of knowledge on these boards if u want to soak it up ...

drunner for 1 got me into the doilys

crypto79

Good idea for a thread-

The members who have really increased my enjoyment of the hobby are in no particular order

Keoj
Peaceman
TennDave
Kaz
Blu62Vette
The whole LSCC
My man DDR

There are many others that I have shared a story or lesson with who I respect and look forward to more interactions with.

jfloomis3

I attribute Lord M with being the inspiration for getting involved in the hobby. He set me up with a couple coins and some good books, and thanks to him I have a lifelong hobby to enjoy. I also want to thank bolivarshagnasty for his generosity and kindness.

taxmad

Big E - always willing to offer advice as I try to start my type set again and discuss old poured silver bars. He invited me over for a on his trip through Boise this last summer.

epcjimi1

Uhhhmm, how about an ex-forum member?

Mark Feld, who helped me out immensely with advice and guidance when I was a total noob trying to sell an ngc AU55 Clark + Gruber 1861 QE.

And I'm still pretty much a total noob, just not as noobian as I once was! Thanks to all!

ModCrewman

Cut and pasted from my 1,001st post giveaway thread:

1. Keets - Thank you, for the guidance you've provided as I've tackled the joys and sorrows of searching for and submitting my beloved cameos (even if PCGS doesn't agree that they are.). Your friendship has been invaluable to my enjoyment of the hobby over the past 8 months.

2. SanctionII - Your posts about the 1950-70 Cameo Proofs are THE REASON I chose that niche as my collecting focus. I pulled my avatar coin (68 DCAM) from a flat pack in my very first search and certainly have been "bitten by the cameo bug, for which there is no known cure." In addition, I've taken great joy in following your Langbord updates since arriving here. I count you among my friends.

pmac

LordM has shown us that it doesn't take $1million to enjoy coin collecting. His prose has always kept me rivited to his posts. Thanks, Bob.
Ambro51 has shown me how to focus on a particular variety (although I'm still shotgunning). His write-ups of his collections (gold $1s in particular) have kept me entertained here also.
Bear seemed always to have a positive contribution to make even on the most flaming threads.

BigDaddyz

I officially got into this hobby in 2006 during the 20th Anniversary ASE excitement.

I'd like to thank some of the ones who I "grew up" with.

casman
coinboy
raufus
pitboss

It was good to see I wasn't alone in my struggles

bstat1020

I would like to thank everyone here on the boards for sharing their knowledge and collecting experience with me. 10 years ago I started here on the boards and my collecting tastes have changes since I started, but my first love was Lincoln Wheat Cents.

Thanks to three members that helped me along the way: Merz2, Spooly, and Mrpaseo.

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving.

coinman420

Many members here have helped me. Mostly from gaining knowledge reading their answers in threads.

One i will mention is ericj96 on moderns. Wondercoin and cladking are others.

Great thread!!!

shorecoll

I wouldn't know where to start, and besides I'd nominate some of the people above to win the prize after reading their stories. I have learned more across the board in the past 4 years on this board than I did in collecting 25 years before coming here. A special shout out to the wackos... err I mean fine collectors on the Mega Barber thread, including MFH, PonyExpress8, Manorcourtman and others.

edited to say..excuse the pun.

curly

ThePennyLady because her enthusiasm about coins rubs off on me.

Mark Feld because he tells me the truth (even when I don't want to hear it).

My buddy Robec because he lets me gossip to him abut coins.

ChangeInHistory

There are many members of this forum I'm thankful for, but the best and most important to me is The Mad One.

Coinerww2

I would say cladking's posts are (almost) always very informative. We have so many specialists on these boards that are a wealth of knowledge and this is where it's passed on to the next generation of collectors.

Coins911

I'd say Todd is a great guy loving working with him.

panther

Thank you, Craig Norris ( Manofcoins) Who has help me with My collection for the past two years. A truly honest and trusting Man.

ricko

Definitely could be a long list .... however, just to name of few that have helped me along the way...

Russ...
TomB...
Mark Feld...
Bear....
Lord Marcovan...

Each has contributed significantly to my knowledge and enjoyment of this great hobby.... Thanks Guys.... Cheers, RickO

Billet7

Many, many people...Bear was on the top of the list.

I don't want to use names, for inevitably I will forget someone important, but I would like to thank collective groups.

I would like to thank everyone who I have ever dealt with on the BST, for making transactions easy, pleasurable and beyond reproach. I've never had any reason to complain about anything. I think it's a reflection of the great group of people we have here.

I want to thank the Bust quarter guys for the camaraderie, we are a hearty lot, and stick to our guns...I think you all know who you are.

Also the seated quarter guys for all the insight, knowledge and support for someone (me) who collects only the finest coins...in some of the lowest grades You guys always find something positive to say, even if deep down you know it isn't true.

The doily crowd...how can I forget. Always excited, animated and openly supportive. I never thought it would turn into a useful census, it's only through you that it has. Thanks folks.

TPRC

I met Mark Feld and CRO on this forum and continue to deal with both. Both have helped make me a better collector and both have been generous in sharing their time and expertise.

pontiacinf

Frank (FC57coins) <man I miss him
Mark Feld
Keets
Grip
Mitchell (wondercoin)
Barndog
TomB

and the many people on the board who keep my kids club supplied-you all who you are

LotsoLuck

Total strangers that have contributed to my education here and likely wouldnt recognize my avatar or user name if asked.

Cladking-for doing the unthinkable and getting me interested in post 64 coinage.
Boom-Washie guy.
Manofcoins-Washie guy.
BillJones-what can you say, he da man!.


Those who I have traded pm's with in varied degrees,

Savoyspecial-always been helpful with coinage off the beaten path.
LordM-for his whit and and charm and delightful writing abilities (still waiting for the best seller to come out).
Speety- RIP I wish I was that cool.



Two members in particular who still havent blocked me : )


Broadstruck-For being a HTT mentor and provider of many awesome tokens.

And Stefanie (Coinsarefun) who put up with all my stupid newby questions and became a true friend along the way.


Thank you to 98% of the members here for taking the time to educate and show their coins/tokens.

57loaded

a few in alphabetical order by handle

Bochiman
Cladking
cohodk (Pm forum mostly)
RoadRunner (again PM forum mostly)
pursuitofliberty

123cents

There are too many people on this forum that have helped me over the last 6 years to list them all. I appreciate their help and I also appreciate all the great people that I have sold to and bought from on the forum.