New to the DarkSide forum
RockyMtnProspector
Posts: 754 ✭✭✭✭✭
This intro also appeared over on the US forum, but as LordM figured out, I do collect on the DarkSide too:
Hello all--I've been a lurker here for a while, reading and enjoying some fantastic posts, especially the photo sharing ones.
A little bit about me: based in Colorado, 37 years old. Was first introduced to coin collecting, like many others, as an 8-year-old fascinated with all things historical (ended up a history and art history major later on). My grandfather owned an old Italian grocery store in Denver, and through that I came across all the "interesting" coins that ended up in the till--junk silver was still seen frequently in the late 1980s, as well as lots of odds and ends like tokens, silver certificates, legal tender. Wheaties were in plentiful supply, but a buffalo nickel was a rare prize. Being a grandson I would spend time on Saturdays helping out, and once folks knew I collected coins, they started bringing in material to share. The most peculiar piece to me as a kid was the 1908-J 5 Heller coin from German East Africa. No idea how it made its way into my hands in Denver in 1988-89, but that must have been some adventure!
My Mother recognized my interest and we did the coins-for-good-grades deal. Started out collecting type, outside of the odds and ends via the store, at a local B&M. Years later I found out that most of the pieces were details coins, but appreciation in the intervening quarter of a century, plus the sentimentality of being my original coins cancelled any feeling of disappointment. Consider it the earliest tuition paid.
Of course, in just a couple years I got distracted by sports as a young teen, first baseball (which I wasn't good at) and then basketball. Switched collecting focus to sports cards for a time. Then came high school, girls, jobs, and college, followed by teaching and writing. My old coins sat in a small briefcase my Mom gave to me. After my grandfather retired at the age of 83! in 1995, he told me he had some coins that he was leaving to me. When he passed in 2001, I discovered it was a hefty accumulation of junk to uncirculated silver from Morgans and Peace dollars to the usual mini-hoards of Mercury dimes, Walkers/Franklings, Washies, and sizeable buffalo nickel and wheat penny stacks. There were also plenty of original rolls from the early 60s, and a decent chunk of currency, including high denomination small size notes. I didn't need the money at the time, nor did I have plans to sell, as I treasured anything my grandfather left me, so I packed it up into a couple boxes and left it at my parents' place, as I was in college and would be moving around for the next decade.
Fast forward to 2013. I had moved to DC for work but decided to go in a different direction and was job-hunting in June of that year. I flew back to Denver and pretty much on a whim asked myself, "I wonder what's in those boxes?" My grandmother had set aside her own stock of silver (easily picked up by owning a grocery store) but had cashed in most of it at lower prices in the early 2000s. But a few old wine jars remained and I decided to go through all the coins with a newly purchased loupe and a fresh Red Book.
Laying in the midst of everything was a 1942/1 D Mercury dime, now housed in a PCGS VF25 CAC holder. I couldn't believe it! Easily one of my prized coins and so glad my grandfather set aside these coins so many decades ago.
Those discoveries got me back in the numismatic groove. While I did experience the euphoria and BUY ALL THE THINGS mentality of a reignited collector, the damage was limited to small purchases. I quickly adopted the mantra of buy the book first and buy the coin not the holder, and became quickly familiar with forums and other sources of information, including the boards here, and managed to steer away from the eBay pitfalls. Thankfully an inherent "that's too good to be true" attitude was in place.
My current collection efforts have focused on Walking Liberty halves, key date type, Morgans, Seated coinage (in particular S-mint, no motto quarters from 1856-1865), and gold. My own reactivation drew my Mother back in, and together we travel to shows and look for Morgans, Seated stuff, and large size currency. I've also taken up collecting Colorado national bank notes, mostly small size.
I think that's about it for now. Once I figure out this posting photos thing, I'll see if I can share a few.
Cheers
5 Heller:
One of my favorite world coins, 1862 Straits Settlements 1/2 cent:
Hello all--I've been a lurker here for a while, reading and enjoying some fantastic posts, especially the photo sharing ones.
A little bit about me: based in Colorado, 37 years old. Was first introduced to coin collecting, like many others, as an 8-year-old fascinated with all things historical (ended up a history and art history major later on). My grandfather owned an old Italian grocery store in Denver, and through that I came across all the "interesting" coins that ended up in the till--junk silver was still seen frequently in the late 1980s, as well as lots of odds and ends like tokens, silver certificates, legal tender. Wheaties were in plentiful supply, but a buffalo nickel was a rare prize. Being a grandson I would spend time on Saturdays helping out, and once folks knew I collected coins, they started bringing in material to share. The most peculiar piece to me as a kid was the 1908-J 5 Heller coin from German East Africa. No idea how it made its way into my hands in Denver in 1988-89, but that must have been some adventure!
My Mother recognized my interest and we did the coins-for-good-grades deal. Started out collecting type, outside of the odds and ends via the store, at a local B&M. Years later I found out that most of the pieces were details coins, but appreciation in the intervening quarter of a century, plus the sentimentality of being my original coins cancelled any feeling of disappointment. Consider it the earliest tuition paid.
Of course, in just a couple years I got distracted by sports as a young teen, first baseball (which I wasn't good at) and then basketball. Switched collecting focus to sports cards for a time. Then came high school, girls, jobs, and college, followed by teaching and writing. My old coins sat in a small briefcase my Mom gave to me. After my grandfather retired at the age of 83! in 1995, he told me he had some coins that he was leaving to me. When he passed in 2001, I discovered it was a hefty accumulation of junk to uncirculated silver from Morgans and Peace dollars to the usual mini-hoards of Mercury dimes, Walkers/Franklings, Washies, and sizeable buffalo nickel and wheat penny stacks. There were also plenty of original rolls from the early 60s, and a decent chunk of currency, including high denomination small size notes. I didn't need the money at the time, nor did I have plans to sell, as I treasured anything my grandfather left me, so I packed it up into a couple boxes and left it at my parents' place, as I was in college and would be moving around for the next decade.
Fast forward to 2013. I had moved to DC for work but decided to go in a different direction and was job-hunting in June of that year. I flew back to Denver and pretty much on a whim asked myself, "I wonder what's in those boxes?" My grandmother had set aside her own stock of silver (easily picked up by owning a grocery store) but had cashed in most of it at lower prices in the early 2000s. But a few old wine jars remained and I decided to go through all the coins with a newly purchased loupe and a fresh Red Book.
Laying in the midst of everything was a 1942/1 D Mercury dime, now housed in a PCGS VF25 CAC holder. I couldn't believe it! Easily one of my prized coins and so glad my grandfather set aside these coins so many decades ago.
Those discoveries got me back in the numismatic groove. While I did experience the euphoria and BUY ALL THE THINGS mentality of a reignited collector, the damage was limited to small purchases. I quickly adopted the mantra of buy the book first and buy the coin not the holder, and became quickly familiar with forums and other sources of information, including the boards here, and managed to steer away from the eBay pitfalls. Thankfully an inherent "that's too good to be true" attitude was in place.
My current collection efforts have focused on Walking Liberty halves, key date type, Morgans, Seated coinage (in particular S-mint, no motto quarters from 1856-1865), and gold. My own reactivation drew my Mother back in, and together we travel to shows and look for Morgans, Seated stuff, and large size currency. I've also taken up collecting Colorado national bank notes, mostly small size.
I think that's about it for now. Once I figure out this posting photos thing, I'll see if I can share a few.
Cheers
5 Heller:
One of my favorite world coins, 1862 Straits Settlements 1/2 cent:
GSAs, OBW rolls, Seated, Walkers. Anything old and Colorado-focused, CO nationals.
Gonna get me a $50 Octagonal someday. Some. Day.
Gonna get me a $50 Octagonal someday. Some. Day.
0
Comments
Because world coins offer so much variety in terms of design and aesthetics, I look for anything that catches my eye. So it's not as regimented as my US coin collection, and I'm thinking of doing what some others here have done and assembling a "box of 20" that would also include an ancient coin or two.
Gonna get me a $50 Octagonal someday. Some. Day.
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
I like the copper vicky.
I collect both world and us coins myself
I like your coins
https://photos.app.goo.gl/5q2J4K72kjrigRih9
World Collection
British Collection
German States Collection
I saw his introductory post over on the Liteside and noticed in one of the replies he had posted that German East Africa coin, so I asked if he was strong in the Dark Side of the Force. It appears so.
To lure him over here, I also mentioned we have cookies, so give the fella his choice of chocolate chip, macadamia nut, or gingerbread, would you?
I ate all the peanut butter ones when y'all weren't looking.
Gonna get me a $50 Octagonal someday. Some. Day.
8 Reales Madness Collection
We have much in common. I, too began with British empire (particularly, circulated pennies), the odd currency, and coins from countries of personal connection.
A good path.
Amat Colligendo Focum
Top 10 • FOR SALE
Very glad to hear you've adopted the "buy the book before the coin" philosophy. It will serve you well.
I look forward to reading more from you as your collection develops.
If you're in Colorado, you must visit the ANA library and museum.
We have much in common. I, too began with British empire (particularly, circulated pennies), the odd currency, and coins from countries of personal connection.
A good path.
Thanks!
I was actually at the ANA library and museum 2 weeks ago, and attended ANA summer seminar in June.
I love the design varieties on the DarkSide. Some just to look at, some to collect.
My brother-in-law is from the UK, and his grandfather served in WWII and spent time in Malaya and SE Asia. So when my bro-in-law's Dad visited last summer from England, I got out the coins and we chatted about his father's WWII service and the British Empire/Commonwealth in general. I told him about coin and other collectible preservation, as he indicated their many "bits and bobs" (I love British slang) that were still around from his parents.
Gonna get me a $50 Octagonal someday. Some. Day.
Gonna get me a $50 Octagonal someday. Some. Day.
You need to send us each a slabbed newp - applicable to the first 11 posters to your announcement.
This is like really set in stone so
Amat Colligendo Focum
Top 10 • FOR SALE
Anyone tell you the rules?
You need to send us each a slabbed newp - applicable to the first 11 posters to your announcement.
This is like really set in stone so
Ha!
Gonna get me a $50 Octagonal someday. Some. Day.
I know better than to even wish for "someday" there, though.
I know the rounds are worth more, but I'm all about the octagonals.
I did get to hold a raw one in my hot little hands a show one time, though, and feel the weight. That was a memorable experience.
I carry in my wallet a nice Spanish 1663 8 Marvadis I picked up for the cheap coin challenge..
Everyone I show it to is amazed by it
Even more amazed when I tell them it was $26 with shipping from Spain
Menomonee Falls Wisconsin USA
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistr...dset.aspx?s=68269&ac=1">Musky 1861 Mint Set
Ah, good. You made it over here.
I saw his introductory post over on the Liteside and noticed in one of the replies he had posted that German East Africa coin, so I asked if he was strong in the Dark Side of the Force. It appears so.
To lure him over here, I also mentioned we have cookies, so give the fella his choice of chocolate chip, macadamia nut, or gingerbread, would you?
I ate all the peanut butter ones when y'all weren't looking.
Every website has "cookies"
Menomonee Falls Wisconsin USA
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistr...dset.aspx?s=68269&ac=1">Musky 1861 Mint Set
I'm with you on the $50 Pan-Pac octagonals. My favorite US coin.
I know better than to even wish for "someday" there, though.
I know the rounds are worth more, but I'm all about the octagonals.
I did get to hold a raw one in my hot little hands a show one time, though, and feel the weight. That was a memorable experience.
The way the design elements come together in the octagonal just gets me, ever since my first Red Book in 1988. I get you on the weight and to see one in person, as I was able to see 2 at the Chicago ANA in 2014. The cheapest was in the low $60K range, so I better start saving! LOL
Gonna get me a $50 Octagonal someday. Some. Day.
Welcome to the fun side of coin collecting.. So many cool coins to choose from at bargain prices
I carry in my wallet a nice Spanish 1663 8 Marvadis I picked up for the cheap coin challenge..
Everyone I show it to is amazed by it
Even more amazed when I tell them it was $26 with shipping from Spain
Affordability is a key draw for me here, aside from the variety of designs. Plus I like exploring the world through the coins, as a former history major and aspiring world traveler.
I collect the places I've studied and the places I've visited. So much more to learn and see and collect.
Gonna get me a $50 Octagonal someday. Some. Day.
My YouTube Channel
Olmanjon
http://bit.ly/bxi7py
Gonna get me a $50 Octagonal someday. Some. Day.