for those newer members who don't know, Russ came here devoid of almost all Numismatic knowledge and asked all the right questions, learned quickly, focused on a small area of the Hobby and became one of its foremost contributors. he single handedly altered the PCGS pops on certain issues and varieties. he had a sharp wit and could say in ten words what it takes most of us a paragraph or two to say. he taught many of us, myself included, a lot about coin photography, changed gears in his business life and moved along.
he will be missed.
What Keets said. Russ was one of the greats in the history of this Forum.
There are a lot of people here who will miss him and his posts.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP, Russ.
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
Very sad. My condolences to his family and close friends. I never met Russ in person but I will always think of him as a fine numismatist. He was always willing to share his thoughts and help. He was one of the best coin photographers here back in the day. And one final comment- Russ was one of the most articulate posters here- concise and to the point
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
as a group and in his honor, perhaps we should press PCGS to finally attribute the Birthmark Variety of the 1967 SMS Kennedy Half-Dollar. it would be a fitting tribute since I believe he discovered it, popularized it, hoarded it and attempted to have PCGS recognize it.
two things:
--- Russ gave me his "dip recipe" which I still follow and have passed along to whoever has asked.
--- he once famously quipped that he was going to be buried with a coin he Cherrypicked, I think it was a PR69DCAM AH Kennedy, and joked that it was in his will that way. does anyone else remember that??
This is very sad, when I joined these boards nearly 15 years ago Russ was one of the people who taught me the most, and had a strong influence on my approach to collecting. RIP Russ.
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
I remember when Russ "ruled" the Coin Open Forum in the early years. You had to be on your toes to be able to survive and compete in there. I steered clear much of the time as it was too rough and raw for me. Russ thrived as the big dog in charge. It's clear he had a huge positive influence on many members here. RIP.
Very sad news. His posts always livened things up around here. I don't think he had posted anything here for a very long time and it's truly amazing reading through all of these comments and seeing how he impressed on everyone.
Russ was one of the good guys. He really had a passion for Kennedy halves and a unique knowledge base.
I often enjoyed reading his post when he was active and as many have said he will be missed.
Very sad news. As Keets said we basically watched him join the forum as a newbie one day and then become a Kennedy expert within a few years. He dove in head first and never looked back.
I forgot about this icon this I made him years ago, thanks Swampboy.
Wow, this truly does suck. Though I never collected what he was into, I did pick up quite a few nice coins from his Ebay auctions. He was an entertaining presence on this forum and will be missed. RIP Russ.
@roadrunner said:
I remember when Russ "ruled" the Coin Open Forum in the early years. You had to be on your toes to be able to survive and compete in there. I steered clear much of the time as it was too rough and raw for me. Russ thrived as the big dog in charge. It's clear he had a huge positive influence on many members here. RIP.
Russ was truly in his element in the open forum. No holds barred and lots of very sharp people to tangle with. He's been a moderator on the Open Forum Refugee site for years and will leave a void there as well.
Hmmmmm. Not good. Only the good die young...... Like others have said, we didn't collect the same things, but a nice forumite. Never met him. Too late now.
Wow!! I have been traveling and got a message from another forum member!! This is the 2nd friend I have lost this month. I think I'm going to back into hiding!! Rest in piece Russ!!!
It is not exactly cheating, I prefer to consider it creative problem solving!!!
@roadrunner said:
I remember when Russ "ruled" the Coin Open Forum in the early years. You had to be on your toes to be able to survive and compete in there.
I had forgotten that , but you're right. It was a good time in that forum.
RIP Russ.........
I am stunned. Russ was a good friend. I went to many coins shows with him. Still remember the time I beat him to an AH Kennedy in a mint set..... We had a lot of laughs, here, on the OF...most of all, in person. I lost contact when I left Seattle.... Very sad. My condolences to his friends and family. RickO
Comments
That's very sad news to hear
What Keets said. Russ was one of the greats in the history of this Forum.
There are a lot of people here who will miss him and his posts.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP, Russ.
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
RIP Russ.
Live somewhat near him. Visited him a few times at his storefront. Hung out with him at some coin shows. Consigned with him.
Had more than a few candid conversations about mutual "acquaintances" and he was always upfront on things.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
Hopefully I can post a recent photo of Russ here. He was at something called "The Clink."
RIP comrade russ.
Very sad. My condolences to his family and close friends. I never met Russ in person but I will always think of him as a fine numismatist. He was always willing to share his thoughts and help. He was one of the best coin photographers here back in the day. And one final comment- Russ was one of the most articulate posters here- concise and to the point
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
RIP Russ
I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Russ sold a lot of my coins on consignment over the years. Also shared many PMs with him.
Always enjoyed his very witty posts.
Truly sad may he RIP
Last I remember he said he had like 57 of them.
I almost hope they stay together a while but I can't afford them.
as a group and in his honor, perhaps we should press PCGS to finally attribute the Birthmark Variety of the 1967 SMS Kennedy Half-Dollar. it would be a fitting tribute since I believe he discovered it, popularized it, hoarded it and attempted to have PCGS recognize it.
two things:
--- Russ gave me his "dip recipe" which I still follow and have passed along to whoever has asked.
--- he once famously quipped that he was going to be buried with a coin he Cherrypicked, I think it was a PR69DCAM AH Kennedy, and joked that it was in his will that way. does anyone else remember that??
Russ had a way with words; succinct, accurate, and appropriate.
Most people like this are often mean but not Russ.
He'll leave a big void in the world. RIP.
R I P Russ you will be missed
Sorry to hear this. Rest in peace.
I appreciated all the fun, insight, and friendship he brought to this hobby. This is very sad. Godspeed Russ!
Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.
Was this the Russ of Kennedy 69 DCAM AH fame ?.. what a shame much too early
Yes it was and yes it is...
Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.
Yes it was and yes it is.
Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.
Such sad news. We had such a great time in the old open forum days. A great wit and true gentleman. Rest easy, Russ.
Bob
Very sad news, my condolences to family and friends.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Sad news indeed. RIP
"Keep your malarkey filter in good operating order" -Walter Breen
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
My War Nickels https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/nickels/jefferson-nickels-specialty-sets/jefferson-nickels-fs-basic-war-set-circulation-strikes-1942-1945/publishedset/94452
Damn. He will be missed.
Not good at all. RIP my friend say what ever you want you did anyway one of the good one's.
Hoard the keys.
I remember when Russ "ruled" the Coin Open Forum in the early years. You had to be on your toes to be able to survive and compete in there. I steered clear much of the time as it was too rough and raw for me. Russ thrived as the big dog in charge. It's clear he had a huge positive influence on many members here. RIP.
I don't think he had posted anything here for a very long time and it's truly amazing reading through all of these comments and seeing how he impressed on everyone.
Russ was one of the good guys. He really had a passion for Kennedy halves and a unique knowledge base.
I often enjoyed reading his post when he was active and as many have said he will be missed.
How sad...he sold a consignment for me way back in the day. Sad, sad news.
Very sad news. As Keets said we basically watched him join the forum as a newbie one day and then become a Kennedy expert within a few years. He dove in head first and never looked back.
I forgot about this icon this I made him years ago, thanks Swampboy.
Such a mainstay he was around here. Wonderful testimonials from so many of your here. Thanks to you, and thanks to Russ for all he was here for us.
Here's a warning parable for coin collectors...
So sad to hear! I always enjoyed Russ's posts. RIP Russ!
10-4,
My Instagram picturesErik
My registry sets
Wow. Sad news. We all had some great times here on the forum.
Wow, he was the cornerstone to this community. Didn't know he was sick. That sucks.
RIP
Russ was truly in his element in the open forum. No holds barred and lots of very sharp people to tangle with. He's been a moderator on the Open Forum Refugee site for years and will leave a void there as well.
http://www.popforum.net/viewforum.php?f=3
Now where's that blue fish when it's really needed?
Wow!! I have been traveling and got a message from another forum member!! This is the 2nd friend I have lost this month. I think I'm going to back into hiding!! Rest in piece Russ!!!
Very sad. RIP Russ.
RIP, Russ.
I had forgotten that , but you're right. It was a good time in that forum.
RIP Russ.........
I am stunned. Russ was a good friend. I went to many coins shows with him. Still remember the time I beat him to an AH Kennedy in a mint set..... We had a lot of laughs, here, on the OF...most of all, in person. I lost contact when I left Seattle.... Very sad. My condolences to his friends and family. RickO
I loved Russ's posts and will miss his wit. RIP my friend!
Very sad.
RIP Russ.
How old was he?
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
RIP Big man!
My condolences to his family. Very sad news.
Please visit my website Millcitynumismatics.com
RIP Russ. Although I did not collect Kennedy halves, I made sure to read all of his posts, just to familiarize myself.
This is terrible news. We have lost another member of the family.