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BLAST FROM THE PAST
saintguru
Posts: 7,727 ✭✭✭
PCGS Collector wins 2007 PCGS World Series of Coin Trading Contest
Jaime Hernandez - February 12, 2008
Jay Brahin, a collector from Winnetka, Illinois, won the $10,000 first prize in the 2007 PCGS World Series of Coin Trading with a "trading profit" of $5.8 million on an initial million dollar portfolio. Brahin studied the market and purchased fantasy coins based on the PCGS Price Guide for his portfolio, under the name of saintguru. His trading profit of $5,848,500 in nine months was enough to win the competition against 522 other participants.
Brahin, who started collecting coins as a kid in the early 60's, became more aggressive in his collecting pursuits in 2002. He still reminisces his childhood days when he would acquire rolls of coins from the banks and still be able to find Buffalo Nickels, Mercury Dimes, Standing Liberty Quarters and Walking Liberty Half's. Today, he is now collecting high end, key date Saint Gauden's $20 gold pieces. His strategy in the PCGS World Series of Coin Trading contest was to purchase low population coins in the highest possible grades, focusing on rarities. Brahin mentioned he formulated a strategy similar to picking stocks and utilizes this system in selecting coins from upcoming major auctions and working with tenacity, by studying hard to find coins. Brahin feels that classic, original, untouched "banner" coins still have tremendous upside potential. According to Brahin, "The contest is not just a simple case of picking winners because of what you already know. It takes a lot of work to be a contender. You have to see what's coming up for sale, know what series is hot and whether the coins available are notable and well graded. The more time you spend the better your chance of picking winners and learning about coins you never knew about. The best thing is waking up and seeing green prices in your inventory. It smells like 'victory'!"
jb "sainty"
Jaime Hernandez - February 12, 2008
Jay Brahin, a collector from Winnetka, Illinois, won the $10,000 first prize in the 2007 PCGS World Series of Coin Trading with a "trading profit" of $5.8 million on an initial million dollar portfolio. Brahin studied the market and purchased fantasy coins based on the PCGS Price Guide for his portfolio, under the name of saintguru. His trading profit of $5,848,500 in nine months was enough to win the competition against 522 other participants.
Brahin, who started collecting coins as a kid in the early 60's, became more aggressive in his collecting pursuits in 2002. He still reminisces his childhood days when he would acquire rolls of coins from the banks and still be able to find Buffalo Nickels, Mercury Dimes, Standing Liberty Quarters and Walking Liberty Half's. Today, he is now collecting high end, key date Saint Gauden's $20 gold pieces. His strategy in the PCGS World Series of Coin Trading contest was to purchase low population coins in the highest possible grades, focusing on rarities. Brahin mentioned he formulated a strategy similar to picking stocks and utilizes this system in selecting coins from upcoming major auctions and working with tenacity, by studying hard to find coins. Brahin feels that classic, original, untouched "banner" coins still have tremendous upside potential. According to Brahin, "The contest is not just a simple case of picking winners because of what you already know. It takes a lot of work to be a contender. You have to see what's coming up for sale, know what series is hot and whether the coins available are notable and well graded. The more time you spend the better your chance of picking winners and learning about coins you never knew about. The best thing is waking up and seeing green prices in your inventory. It smells like 'victory'!"
jb "sainty"
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Comments
Maybe even pick up a sidekick, like xpipedreamer.
At least that's what relayer thinks.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
I remember. Saintguru, I didn't think you lived here anymore. Its about time for another giveaway, isn't it?
He already gave away half to his ex-wife.
My 1866 Philly Mint Set
Got any more "gift" packs of Delta Blues home mix CD's ?
I'm curious as to why the event vaporized after 2007. Could it be that the $10K grand prize was too much to sustain annually ?
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.american-legacy-coins.com
I remember. Saintguru, I didn't think you lived here anymore. Its about time for another giveaway, isn't it?
He already gave away half to his ex-wife.
That's pretty low, even for you
Saint's got a pretty decent sense of humor. I doubt he took for anything more than what is mere jocularity.
peacockcoins
I remember. Saintguru, I didn't think you lived here anymore. Its about time for another giveaway, isn't it?
He already gave away half to his ex-wife.
That's pretty low, even for you
He said it here himself, many times. It's no secret and not an insult. I have no animus against the guy.
Congrats on your win. Along with the prize money, looks like you were awarded some extra "apostrophe's"
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.
Maybe he should give away some excellent tips on collecting Saints.
Well, he and many others have given me sound advice on coins and the market.
There are some beautiful people out here.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
Here's a warning parable for coin collectors...
JB
"Keep your malarkey filter in good operating order" -Walter Breen
Those were some great days. Thanks for the posts guys.
JB
Good to see you passing through again.
JB
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Those were some great days. Thanks for the posts guys.
JB
Good to see you passing through again.
JB
My YouTube Channel
I will never forget SaintGuru. Also, he is quoted or at least mentioned in many of my articles. These four come to mind. There is much information about him and his collection in 'Brahin's Syrup.'
Understanding Classic U.S. Coins and Building Excellent Coin Collections, Part 2: Dipped Coins
Brahin's Syrup
The Dazzling Collecting Journey of Dr. Steven Duckor
Review of Rare Gold Club meeting, when Brahin was in charge
But there are double standards as precedent which makes the argument somewhat academic. Been there ad nauseum.
saint"no coins"guru
Jade Rare Coin eBay Listings
I remember when PCGS used to also do the grading contest, I think I was at the Baltimore show when TDN was announced as the winner at the PCGS table. it was quite the thing, never saw so many forum members together at one time. the previous high was the crab-fest from a few days earlier. I never saw so many smart guys who were so inept at disassembling a crab!!
as for the grading contest, I always wanted to enter one of them but didn't really have the guts.
I will never forget SaintGuru. Also, he is quoted or at least mentioned in many of my articles. These four come to mind. There is much information about him and his collection in 'Brahin's Syrup.'
Understanding Classic U.S. Coins and Building Excellent Coin Collections, Part 2: Dipped Coins
Brahin's Syrup
The Dazzling Collecting Journey of Dr. Steven Duckor
Review of Rare Gold Club meeting, when Brahin was in charge
Referencing the earlier post by Analyst.