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WLH's, is there a dealer that is considered "the guy" for that series
coinbuf
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Certain dealers are known for their expertise in a specific series or two, like Rick Snow is often thought of the as best resource for information on IHC's. Is there a dealer that immediately comes to mind for walkers?
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None that I’m aware of.
A lot of dealers have the late dates in gem condition.
Some dealers have some of the middle dates in nice condition.
Very few if anyone consistently has the early dates in better grades in any kind of quantity.
I occasionally come across a dealer or two at FUN that has a 10-12 pre 1933 walkers in XF through MS, and I always stop to look and chat with them. More often than not, the dealer has them on consignment from a collector, and when they’re gone they’re gone.
Of course I don’t know every dealer; but I’ve been doing walkers for awhile, and attended the ANA, Baltimore, Central States, numerous FUN shows, etc. and I’ve never met anyone I’d consider “the guy”. Years ago, Paul Padgett of Cincinnati specialized in nice early walkers and type. His prices were steep and his attitude a little gruff, but he had the coins no one else did. Even when Bruce Fox was alive, he didn’t maintain much stock, but would work via Want Lists for folks.
Nowadays, auction venues are probably the best bet, followed by lots of footwork at major shows.
A nice walker can turn up anywhere. That’s why it takes a lot of hard work, vigilance and a little bit of luck to find the good ones.
DLRC
NEN
CRO
Heritage &
GC
Are good starting points.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I guess my intention for the question was not well presented, I am not looking for a source to buy from. I'm not looking to build a set of walkers, and after 40 years collecting, I have a general idea of the auction houses and many dealers,
What I'm asking about is to see if there is a dealer that is considered the go to resource for information or to have a walker half reviewed for quality. As an example, if I had a question on a Snow variety, I would contact Rick. Or if I wanted advice on a Lincoln cent or Buffalo, I would reach out to Andy at Angel Dee's. I was just wondering if any such expert resource exists for the walker halves.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
Larry Shapiro, Jeff Ambro.
And I wouldn’t overlook some of the top registry collectors, if I was looking for advice and opinions….
Honestly, if I want a second opinion; I trust the Walker specialists here more than any dealer. Guys like: @Walkerguy21D , @breakdown , @JBN and @MFeld . These are guys who really know the series and can grade really well.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I don’t know if he’s “the guy” but Larry Shapiro is one of the guys I’d go to for these.
Thanks for the info guys.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
Jeff Ambro.
His book, "Collecting & Investing Strategies for Walking Liberty Half Dollars," is outstanding. He is with StacksBowers and the go to person when one has a question about a Walking Liberty in one of their auctions.
I, informally, began my Walker Registry set, in 2005. But, in 2009, when I made the conscious decision to actually go 'all in' and complete the set in high grade; the first thing I did was purchase Ambio's book from John Burns, at a major convention, that year. The book was published, in 2008, so it was practically brand new, back then, though considered quite dated, in 2023. I read that book over and over and referred to it countless times. It still sits on my book shelf in my bedroom. My only criticism is that it's NOT for the casual collector. For example: He advises the reader, as an investment strategy, to purchase the 1919-S in MS 65 and the 1921-S in MS 64. LOL!! Imagine that....buying two rare coins in very high grade. Kind of a no-brainer!! Only problem is that only a select few can afford to do so.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Gentlemen, the correct name is Jeff "Ambio" not "Ambro"
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
From the initial 2009 Amazon book review -
Collecting & Investing Strategies for Walking Liberty Half Dollars is written for the armchair collector who dreams about acquiring a world class collection over time as well as the serious investor. The book is not for someone who just wants to put together a nice collection of circulated half dollars. Jeff states a complete 65 coin date and mint set will cost at least $175,000 in Mint State 64 and $425,000 in MS65!
He does suggest less expensive alternatives to the collector by reducing the scope of the collection down to partial sets and type sets. A reasonable alternative, he suggests, is spending upwards of $30,000 for one Walking Liberty Half Dollar in grade MS 64 for each of the 25 years the series was minted.
From an investment standpoint, Jeff does not recommend collecting coins that have been circulated!
The person that used to run Pinnacle
Todd Imhof - if you need an early date or have a question about one there is an above average chance that Todd placed it or facilitated it.
Harlan- This guy handled some of the best at the time I was building my sets.
Bob at the Reeded Edge fot some of my MS set... he has a good knowledge.
Mark referenced Mr Ambio he is top of the line.
Walkerguy has placed some of the better coins in one of my sets.
David Lawrence handles them from time to time.
Is there a dealer that just does Pre 29 Walkers. NO but there are plenty that can help you find what you want. If knowledge is what you are after there are few better than @Walkerguy21D
There are a few member who have monster pieces that are not necessarily public so I wont out them.