I would have to say Cameron Keifer was one of my most memorable relationships. I will never forget his matter-of-fact way of looking at coins, including their overall quality, appearance, grade, etc. He made grading something appear very natural and casual. That's not to say he was an aloof grader...I think he was very good. As a result, I carry a piece of that with me from now on, whenever I look at coins. He was a friend that will also be sadly missed.
The following have helped me over the years, given my advice and guidance and sold me a coin or two:
Shiroh TDN Keoj Crypto79 !!! James Sneddon (not a member here, probably doesn't even have a computer, but one of the most knowledgeable unknown numismatists out there.)
Also not members per se, but: LSCC Carson City Coin Collectors of America Chopmark Collectors Club
Doug Winter (although I am not sure he's a memer) responded to a couple of my emails regarding New Orleans gold despite never buying or inquiriing about his inventory. I was pleaseantly surprised and have come to respect his opinion being a newbie of N.O. gold. I have moved on since to SQ's.
It is not that life is short, but that you are dead for so very long.
A few years ago I was feeling sorry for myself after dropping off my eldest son at college for his freshman year. Forum member 'Mark' dropped me a PM that I'll never forget. I don't know him and don't correspond with him but I'll never forget the fact that he took the time to send me some kind words of wisdom that really helped.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
Almost everything I've learned about coin collecting, I learned here. Tidbits here and there from so many I can't remember. Special thanks though to Barndog and Mark Feld for the time they took to teach me stuff one on one and provide guidance.
Sorry, not a forum member and deceased, Bill Mulligan for teaching me how to grade $20's and presenting coins in such a way 30 years ago that my interest buttons were all pressed which lead to coins becoming an integral part of my life as well as my Family.
There are several (probably more, but several come to mind right away).
John (coinlieutenant) - Once said to me, "a wise old collector told me to avoid pure white classic commems". Richard (barndog) - has supplied me a few very nice capped bust half dimes that really improved my overall collection Steve (stman) - capped bust half dollars, his eye is beyond belief. Really taught me a lot in what to look for.
Mozin - Convinced me that there is only one major series to "get serious" about. PonyExpress8 - Helping my friend and me out. TomB - Lots of great advice. Speety - My first and only 1836 O-121.
It's hard to narrow this down to 1 person.. so many have helped point me in the right direction with my collecting. In no particular order, I'll name TomB, Crypto79, LeeG, RYK, Crazyhounddog,Mark Feld, Broadstruck,MFH, Ambro,TennesseeDAve, Bill Jones, Fishteeth.. no doubt others I have left out!
Cecil Total Copper Nutcase - African, British Ships, Channel Islands!!! 'Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup'
I would have to mention MFH....his passion and fervor have refueled my Barber coinage collecting for sure.His enthusiasm is unparralleled...always willing to help.
And I would like to add that Bear sent me a P.M. early on in my posting on this board and I have to say,what a true gentleman,I am 52 years old and that man made me realize that kind and wonderful people do still exist. I really feel for his family for their loss of such a fine man.
To me this goes beyond coins, true friendship and caring.
I have 2, Larrynj and Bigdowgie. Larrynj (Larry) doesn't post much anymore, here, but has been a good friend and father like figure since I lost my mother in 2004. Yes I was ar18 before I was TexasNationals. It all started when I was getting into Jefferson nickels and Larry stepped up to help me get started and has been there the whole ride helping me upgrade, even selling me some of his collection.
Then we have the dowgie (Mike). BD has been an excellent friend and mentor through the years helping me broker coins and grow my collection to many top 5 sets, but this is not about business. Mike was there over the last several years when I struggled with tough decisions involving overseas deployment, marriage, career moves and financial advice. Mike was there to back me up with a separate career not only for myself, but also for my wife, Kara. Mike was also there when I left and came home from overseas combat missions and worries like a parent about many things I do. He is wise, like the Bear beyond his years and a kind, caring person.
Every time I got out of the hospital for various injuries, gun shot surgery, shrapnel removal, back surgery or MRSA (Staph Infection) treatment, Mike would call me and ask how I was, what I needed and try to keep my mind off the pain. Would would make bets, share coin stories, discuss family stuff, anything and everything to take the pain away. I talk to Mike 3-4 times a week and I feel like not only do I know him, but his wife and children too.We spend more time talking about life, love and loss than we do coins, NOW THAT IS FRIENDSHIP!
There has been more than a few times when I couldn't talk to others, but was able to tell Mike. He is a great friend and I hope to meet him face to face soon. Several others have helped over the years and I appreciate everything you have done! If I didn't post about you here know I am thinking about you in my heart.
There have been so many people that have given so much I can't even begin to list them,l but most are long time members . My PM name list is over 400. The person the changed the whole way I collect was Shylock.
Bear, because, well...wisdom, no bluster. Too many kind and giving individuals here to mention. DorkGirl (some sort of female doppelganger, perhaps?), segoja, partagas, ChrisRx, mach19, YaHa, Russ, mrpaseo, conder101, and hundreds of others who give seemingly limitless time and effort to educate the uneducated and make this a very gratifying place to spend time. I thank you all.
We've been better, we've been worse, but, if you're doing all right, let's remember we have it pretty good. If you're not, give 'er gas; it ain't over 'til it's over. I believe Bear would agree, urging caution going forward, caution dipped in honey.
I've enjoyed Bear's posts, but I guess his influence is already stipulated in this thread...
So, I'd have to say I've enjoyed Roadrunner, Justacommeman, Cohodk and Proof70s threads on the Precious Metals Forum. Very informative and educational.
I've also enjoyed transactions with some of the most honest and trusting people on these Boards. While Bear is a standout, I've enjoyed, for the most part, being part of a community of good people.
He was more on the paper side but Goldmine was a person who has helped me and lead me down the right road on the paper side of the hobby. He helped me find my way with getting materials on the Lindbergh ransom marked bills, taught me alot about gold certs and made learning about notes fun. Might not be a coin related entry but Sometimes the earliest member interactions last a lifetime.
Founder of the NDCCA. *WAM Count : 025. *NDCCA Database Count : 2,610. *You suck 6/24/10. In memory of Tiggar 5/21/1994 - 5/28/2010
Not that this influenced me, but did influence my daughter - Broadstruck had a YN contest that really got my daughter into collecting. As for me, I don't think I could name just one person I am thankful for. When I started here, I was so inexperienced and scatterbrained and I think I learned something from every post I read. So I thank everyone on the forums and PCGS for continuing to make this area available for the collecting community. I also want to thank Jeremy (Airplanenut) for all he does with his charity work and the auctions he puts together to support Pancreatic Cancer research and Cameron.
Perry
TheZooKrew Morgan, modern sets, circulated Kennedys, and Wisconsin error leaf quarter Collector First (and only - so far) Official "You Suck" Award from Russ 2/9/07
When I made my largest coin purchase ever (a proof Walker) Glenn Holsonbake (PonyExpress8) was willing to set it aside for me even though I couldn't guarantee I would buy it until I could see it in person. When he was back in town, he personally brought it to my house where I saw it and we completed the transaction. Now that is service.
Thanks for the chance AnkurJ and a terrific salute to a wonderful collector.
Truly it's hard to chose after so many years, as has already been mentioned, there are so many kind hearted folks on here that has made the hobby that much more enjoyable that it would be fruitless to try to name them and a tragedy to forget even one. That said, to all that read this, thank you for your guidance, whit, perspective and opinions.
My list of influential members includes Shane (Kryptonitecomics), Stefanie (Coinsarefun), and Mark Feld (Coinguy1) from this forum.
Shane (Kryptonitecomics) has provided much valuable advice including pricing toned coins, eye appeal, methods of natural toning, and identifying altered/artificially toned pieces through numerous threads and PMs here and at the NGC Forums. On more than one occasion he has offered me advice for bidding and purchasing toned coins from other sellers (and he has never asked for anything in return or accepted my offers of compensation). Knowing how eager I was to acquire a rainbow toned Peace Dollar, Shane worked with me to broker a cash/partial trade. He even gave me a week to complete the transaction so that I could return from my college studies to mail in the trade. The coin is tied with one other in my collection as my favorite toner. A website that he produced in his once joint venture with Key Largo coins provided me with much valuable information. I have also purchased many of my toners from Shane over the last year and a half or so. Shane (along with Stefanie) are responsible for my venture into the toned coin market.
Stefanie (Coinsarefun) has been a valuable source of information, and we both have made various transactions together for toned pieces. She is also responsible for my purchase of a rainbow toned silver Trime that was a PCGS Coin Facts Plate coin. Along with the rainbow toned Peace Dollar above, it is tied as my favorite toner. She has also been an excellent source of quality toned coins.
Mark Feld's (Coinguy1) post here and across the street have also been very influential, and through threads (and some PMs), he has also shared a lot of valuable tips. His threads are too diverse and too numerous to mention specifically, but he certainly has been an asset as well. I also enjoy receiving his email price lists although I haven't been able to purchase much yet as everything I like seems to sell out within the first 20 minutes.
Thank you all (and others) who have been very helpful in imparting a lot of numismatic wisdom here and ATS!
Ron Pope (koynekwest) immediately comes to mind. We've not spoken in many months and I've never met the man in person, but his enthusiasm for Buffalo Nickels and their varieties is contagious. He did a large study on fully struck Buffalo Nickels that has yet to be appreciated.
Many, many folks should be on my list; here's but a few
Richard Snow (eagle eye) for getting me excited for IHC varieties 20 years ago to the point where I have two varieties attributed to me.
Mr Half Dime, Realone, Barndog for getting me hooked on Capped Bust Half Dimes.
Wes
I used to be somebody, now I'm just a coin collector. Recipient of the coveted "You Suck" award, April 2009 for cherrypicking a 1833 CBHD LM-5, and April 2022 for a 1835 LM-12, and again in Aug 2012 for picking off a 1952 FS-902.
Having been a forum member for almost 10 years, I've had the opportunity to read and participate in discussions, private and public, with many, many collectors. It would be hard for me to try to limit my list to a few names of those that I feel are/have been the most influential. Admitedly there are several members that have become "go to" names for insight and information. Over the years that list has grown significantly. IMO, any list would leave out the "bulk" of what makes "this forum" so great.
That said, I'll say the PCGS U.S. Coin Forum and the PCGS Set Registry Forum (I am limiting it to those two forums because I focus on US coinage) as two of the most influential and informative coin discussion forums I have participated in.
I have learned a lot from all of you although if I had to choose a few they would be..
The Penny Lady RYK Broadstruck Skyman
...because of their dedication and enthusiasm in regards to their personal collections and their willingness to share their knowledge with fellow board members.
I would also be remiss if I didn't say that this list could be much longer as this place is filled with many people that fit the above description.
Comments
<< <i>Mark Feld and his willingness to share his professional knowledge with anyone. >>
Shiroh
TDN
Keoj
Crypto79 !!!
James Sneddon (not a member here, probably doesn't even have a computer, but one of the most knowledgeable unknown numismatists out there.)
Also not members per se, but:
LSCC
Carson City Coin Collectors of America
Chopmark Collectors Club
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Complete Set of Chopmarked Trade Dollars
Carson City Silver Dollars Complete 1870-1893http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase.aspx?sc=2722"
Forum member 'Mark' dropped me a PM that I'll never forget.
I don't know him and don't correspond with him but I'll never forget the fact that he took the time to send me some kind words of wisdom that really helped.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
Special thanks though to Barndog and Mark Feld for the time they took to teach me stuff one on one and provide guidance.
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
John (coinlieutenant) - Once said to me, "a wise old collector told me to avoid pure white classic commems".
Richard (barndog) - has supplied me a few very nice capped bust half dimes that really improved my overall collection
Steve (stman) - capped bust half dollars, his eye is beyond belief. Really taught me a lot in what to look for.
Thanks guys, and many others I failed to mention.
Mozin - Convinced me that there is only one major series to "get serious" about.
PonyExpress8 - Helping my friend and me out.
TomB - Lots of great advice.
Speety - My first and only 1836 O-121.
Dentuck
Danglen
tydye
Broadstruck
MWallace
astrorat
AuandAg
LotsoLuck
coinsarefun
Coinguy1
Aethelred
Braddick
Julian
CaptHenway
STONE
www.brunkauctions.com
Ajaan
Spinaker
Newbie
Some who are still here and some who are not....
Total Copper Nutcase - African, British Ships, Channel Islands!!!
'Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup'
I would have to mention MFH....his passion and fervor have refueled my Barber coinage collecting for sure.His enthusiasm is unparralleled...always willing to help.
And I would like to add that Bear sent me a P.M. early on in my posting on this board and I have to say,what a true gentleman,I am 52 years old and that man made me realize that kind and wonderful people do still exist. I really feel for his family for their loss of such a fine man.
Rob
I have 2, Larrynj and Bigdowgie. Larrynj (Larry) doesn't post much anymore, here, but has been a good friend and father like figure since I lost my mother in 2004. Yes I was ar18 before I was TexasNationals. It all started when I was getting into Jefferson nickels and Larry stepped up to help me get started and has been there the whole ride helping me upgrade, even selling me some of his collection.
Then we have the dowgie (Mike). BD has been an excellent friend and mentor through the years helping me broker coins and grow my collection to many top 5 sets, but this is not about business. Mike was there over the last several years when I struggled with tough decisions involving overseas deployment, marriage, career moves and financial advice. Mike was there to back me up with a separate career not only for myself, but also for my wife, Kara. Mike was also there when I left and came home from overseas combat missions and worries like a parent about many things I do. He is wise, like the Bear beyond his years and a kind, caring person.
Every time I got out of the hospital for various injuries, gun shot surgery, shrapnel removal, back surgery or MRSA (Staph Infection) treatment, Mike would call me and ask how I was, what I needed and try to keep my mind off the pain. Would would make bets, share coin stories, discuss family stuff, anything and everything to take the pain away. I talk to Mike 3-4 times a week and I feel like not only do I know him, but his wife and children too.We spend more time talking about life, love and loss than we do coins, NOW THAT IS FRIENDSHIP!
There has been more than a few times when I couldn't talk to others, but was able to tell Mike. He is a great friend and I hope to meet him face to face soon.
Several others have helped over the years and I appreciate everything you have done! If I didn't post about you here know I am thinking about you in my heart.
We've been better, we've been worse, but, if you're doing all right, let's remember we have it pretty good. If you're not, give 'er gas; it ain't over 'til it's over. I believe Bear would agree, urging caution going forward, caution dipped in honey.
RIP, Bear. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.
So, I'd have to say I've enjoyed Roadrunner, Justacommeman, Cohodk and Proof70s threads on the Precious Metals Forum. Very informative and educational.
I've also enjoyed transactions with some of the most honest and trusting people on these Boards. While Bear is a standout, I've enjoyed, for the most part, being part of a community of good people.
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
Perry
Morgan, modern sets, circulated Kennedys, and Wisconsin error leaf quarter Collector
First (and only - so far) Official "You Suck" Award from Russ 2/9/07
When I made my largest coin purchase ever (a proof Walker) Glenn Holsonbake (PonyExpress8) was willing to set it aside for me even though I couldn't guarantee I would buy it until I could see it in person. When he was back in town, he personally brought it to my house where I saw it and we completed the transaction. Now that is service.
Thanks for the chance AnkurJ and a terrific salute to a wonderful collector.
Ray
Shane (Kryptonitecomics) has provided much valuable advice including pricing toned coins, eye appeal, methods of natural toning, and identifying altered/artificially toned pieces through numerous threads and PMs here and at the NGC Forums. On more than one occasion he has offered me advice for bidding and purchasing toned coins from other sellers (and he has never asked for anything in return or accepted my offers of compensation). Knowing how eager I was to acquire a rainbow toned Peace Dollar, Shane worked with me to broker a cash/partial trade. He even gave me a week to complete the transaction so that I could return from my college studies to mail in the trade. The coin is tied with one other in my collection as my favorite toner. A website that he produced in his once joint venture with Key Largo coins provided me with much valuable information. I have also purchased many of my toners from Shane over the last year and a half or so. Shane (along with Stefanie) are responsible for my venture into the toned coin market.
Stefanie (Coinsarefun) has been a valuable source of information, and we both have made various transactions together for toned pieces. She is also responsible for my purchase of a rainbow toned silver Trime that was a PCGS Coin Facts Plate coin. Along with the rainbow toned Peace Dollar above, it is tied as my favorite toner. She has also been an excellent source of quality toned coins.
Mark Feld's (Coinguy1) post here and across the street have also been very influential, and through threads (and some PMs), he has also shared a lot of valuable tips. His threads are too diverse and too numerous to mention specifically, but he certainly has been an asset as well. I also enjoy receiving his email price lists although I haven't been able to purchase much yet as everything I like seems to sell out within the first 20 minutes.
Thank you all (and others) who have been very helpful in imparting a lot of numismatic wisdom here and ATS!
<< <i>http://forums.collectors.com/viewprivateuserhistory.cfm?UserID=28807 >>
Your link is nonfunctional.
Roadrunner
Oreville
RedTiger
BillJones
rhedden
TomB
RIP, Bear
greghansen
Keoj
RYK
JRocco
MidLifeCrisis
Coinosaurus
CaptHenway
CalGold
Coindeuce
Ponyexpress8
Moldnut
coinkat
MFH
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
Seateddime
and Rich Uhrich are always very helpful!
Richard Snow (eagle eye) for getting me excited for IHC varieties 20 years ago to the point where I have two varieties attributed to me.
Mr Half Dime, Realone, Barndog for getting me hooked on Capped Bust Half Dimes.
Wes
Recipient of the coveted "You Suck" award, April 2009 for cherrypicking a 1833 CBHD LM-5, and April 2022 for a 1835 LM-12, and again in Aug 2012 for picking off a 1952 FS-902.
That said, I'll say the PCGS U.S. Coin Forum and the PCGS Set Registry Forum (I am limiting it to those two forums because I focus on US coinage) as two of the most influential and informative coin discussion forums I have participated in.
Thanks to "everyone".
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
The Penny Lady
RYK
Broadstruck
Skyman
...because of their dedication and enthusiasm in regards to their personal collections and their willingness to share their knowledge with fellow board members.
I would also be remiss if I didn't say that this list could be much longer as this place is filled with many people that fit the above description.
Visit my son's caringbridge page @ Runner's Caringbridge Page
"To Give Anything Less than Your Best, Is to Sacrifice the Gift" - Steve Prefontaine
Congrats Bill!
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!