Fred Weinberg, the error specialist.
Stooge
Posts: 4,670 ✭✭✭✭✭
I was reading your post in the 1974-S Aluminum Cent thread and read your underline and this is what is says:
Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV.
Authenticator for Major Mint Errors
for PCGS. A 42 +-Year PNG Member, and an ICTA Board Member.A full time coin dealer since 1972.
I don't collect error coins, but this is truly amazing. I met you in Chicago and you couldn't have been nicer or more conversational to just a guy walking by then you were to me. I asked you about having or seeing the 2004-D Double ear Roosevelt dime and you mentioned having a couple but sold them. We spoke for a few minutes and I of course gazed wide eyed at some of the incredible and crazy error coins you had. You allowed me to handle that giant clump of Lincoln cents that has something like 25-35 Cents all smashed together. For some reason this meeting has stuck long in my memory.
You give freely of your advice to anyone here asking, even if they are day #1 in this great hobby of ours asking the simplest questions.
You truly are a great mentor to many and I congratulate you on a long career. The story about your Stella lost in the trash is legendary.
Later, Paul.
Comments
Fred is a great guy and a great asset to Numismatics. Back in the late 80's or early 90's, I placed a classified ad in Errorscope Magazine. I was seeking information on the General Motors Roller Dies Trial Pieces. I had found one in a dealer's junk box for $5. This was before the Internet so information wasn't just a click away. A week or so after the magazine came out I received a large envelope in the mail. Fred had sent to me his ENTIRE folder of information he had on the pieces. Fred didn't know me from Adam. All he asked was that I send it back to him after I was finished.
Yep. Fred is a credit to this board and the entire Hobby!
Bill Fivaz is the same. They both stand tall in my eyes.
Pete
We're glad there here
Fred is a valuable forum member and contributor. We are fortunate to have his participation here. This forum has some real experts in various fields of numismatics, unequaled by any other coin forum. Cheers, RickO
@FredWeinberg's presence here is definitely one of the highlights. It's great to have his expertise and willingness to share and answer questions! Hope he stays around for a long time
Good morning – I just woke up and see this thread on CU-
I appreciate the kind words and memories – I’m blushing
This is a well-deserved thread.
When I had a shop, an odd error coin would come in on occasion. A call to Fred would immediately get an idea of value. Essentially giving me the ability to make a decent offer on the coin. Of course, had I made the purchase, that coin would have been on it's way to Fred, the rightful purchaser.....Well, you know how laymen often think that errors are worth the moon. "They're SO rare !" I was never able to complete a purchase. Well, that didn't stop Fred from educating me the next time, or the next time.....
Just a great 'stand-up' dealer.....A dealers dealer....
Thanks Fred !
Fred is a great guy. Whenever I get to an ANA convention I go to his table and say “Knock my socks off!” And he never fails to.
The couple of times I have seen him and talked to him at FUN shows he has always been great!
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Fred is one of the good guys. I don't mind making him blush.
I bought my first error coin from Fred over 20 years ago. I was browsing the Internet late one evening and came across his website. I found a listing for a 'clamshell' twenty-cent piece and was very excited to send him an email asking about the coin and it's availability. Fred responded politely (of course!) and then sent me, a first-time customer, the coin on approval.
The coin arrived, I was thrilled and it was the first double-dime major error in my collection (where it remains). Since the first purchase, I was a customer for life. Fred has helped tremendously with locating error coins for a minting error course I taught at the ANA Summer Seminar and with providing marvelous insight into the minting process and the error coin market.
As if that's not enough, if you would like to see how a patient, respectful and generous coin dealers operates, just watch Fred while he is behind his table at a major show. Wow ... the questions he gets ... repeatedly. He treats each person with dignity and interest and I have seen him answer the same question from different people over and over and each time his answer is given with care and humility. He never insults or disparages the person asking the question ... no matter how 'silly' the question may be.
Oh yeah ... his error coins are just spectacular!
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
If there's another dealer who tops the combination of Fred's knowledge, professionalism, great attitude, patience, humbleness and willingness to share, help and educate others, I don't know who it is.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Okay, no one is perfect. Doesn't anyone have any dirt on him?
JBK - Yes, two ex-wives !
Well, I don't exactly recall him doing forum GIVEAWAYS of the 100 Greatest US Error Coins, so there is that.
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Yes, what more could be said of the man? He is a professional at what he does. He knows his stuff! He always seems to chime in here on our Forum when you really need his point of view on a certain coin/s. I think I speak for the rest of us when I say when Fred chimes in with any conclusion on a coin, it is FINAL! Lol. He is truly "The Man". I remember I used to call him "The Professor". When I used to use that moniker on him, the humble man that he is, asked me kindly not to call him that. Lol. I guess he is too modest of a man and admitting he doesn't qualify to be named a professor? Lol. Thank you Fred for all you do and for all your knowledge that you share and teach us. Sorry Fred, you truly do qualify as that "Professor" by all your expertise in teaching us. You are a great teacher.
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.Fred has helped me out a few times with gold errors... great guy!!
A few years ago I met Fred at one of the NYC shows. I think I showed him my 1857 half dime broadstruck error. It was in an older white holder ANACS, low grade condition. Very nice and pleasant guy to talk to! It think the first time I heard of Fred was when I was teenager and watching the history Channel.
First met Fred 47 years ago in Anaheim. A very cool cat indeed. I will NEVER forget the gorgeous woman at his side during the show.
(Fred, I hope I didn't blow your cover!)
This coin was purchased at the Chicago show in 2012 as I came across Fred's Table for the First Time. I saw this Quarter and after holding it in hand I knew I had to have it. Fred Gave me a Great deal and Just love the coin is in the Series I Collect the Most. Always enjoyed seeing his table at shows.
A little over a year later JT Stanton found the second known example which I bought Raw and now both 2 coins are back together after 55 years.
I used to be famous now I just collect coins.
Link to My Registry Set.
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/quarters/washington-quarters-specialty-sets/washington-quarters-complete-variety-set-circulation-strikes-1932-1964/publishedset/78469
Varieties Are The Spice Of LIFE and Thanks to Those who teach us what to search For.
errors happen.
Just don’t put Fred in charge of guarding the Stella’s
m
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
??
So you were "double struck".
See that...
As I've stated before,
When starting this endevor of collecting coins.
A note from your wife is mandatory.
Hey Fred.
The Stella story has been told numerous times on CU- it happened so long ago it no longer bothers me to think about it -it’s part of my legacy!
I met Fred at the ANA Atlanta show quite a few years ago. I was carrying around a very off center Barber Dime and he looked at it and said "if you ever want to sell it, give me a call". I wasn't selling at that time and showed it to the PCGS graders as well as several other dealers. It went back home with me.
A couple of years later I was in need of fast cash so I took a picture, emailed it off to Fred and had an offer back from him in less than an hour. I boxed it up and sent it on its way. Got his check 2 days later and was good to go. Got an email back from Fred a day or so later saying "Thanks, I didn't realize it was that much off center".
We ended up, both happy.
Thanks Fred!
Short version of the Stella Story:
I threw away a just-graded Proof-64 1879 $4 Stella
in the trash, back in 1986.
Worth $60K + back then, about $130K today in 64,
and $175K++ in 65, which it would be (at least) today.
I did something equally as painful when moving in 1989. I put a box of very valuable vintage sportscards that I was going to hand-carry on the rear bumper of my truck while adjusting cargo. You can guess the rest. My numbers on the pain index were even worse in today’s numbers then yours. Feel better? I didn’t think so ; )
Sigh.
m
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Great stories everyone.
Later, Paul.
Thank you for this thread. I like reading expressions of gratitude, especially during these troublesome times. Being grateful is the key to happiness and telling someone you appreciate them is good for the soul (both for the giver and receiver).
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
My comments mirror so many of those posted, so I'll just add something quick.
I know people who are experts in their fields, I know people that like to share their knowledge, and I know people who have the patience to answer even the most basic question in a clear, concise and friendly manner. However, it is rare for someone to possess all 3 attributes. I'm impressed and respect people like Mr. Weinberg, who can do all of them.