Some Thoughts on My Time as a YN, Plus A TON of Images

FlyingAl · April 27, 2024 7:58PM

My time as a YN has recently come to an end, and with it comes many more opportunities both inside and outside the hobby.

I thought it may be a good idea to share my thoughts of what I've been able to experience as a YN, as it may be a little different than many members with how much the hobby has changed with the increase of technology even since I started collecting. I'll try to keep it to what I personally have experienced, and I'll try and avoid to generalize for all YNs. Please note - if it seems like I'm generalizing for all YNs, just know that that is my personal experience and may or may not be true for many YNs.

1) There are incredible people in this hobby.

I want to first thank my good friend and mentor in coins, @Eldorado9. Having a trusted advisor and someone who will talk coins with you can really make the hobby so much more enjoyable, and it can really make a difference. The forums have also changed my perspectives on a lot of things, but having like minded collectors around you who can provide knowledge and share coins just makes collecting fun. Having a great collection is one thing, being able to share it with those who can enjoy it is another thing entirely. A huge thanks to @winesteven @DeplorableDan @pursuitofliberty @Inspired70 @Floridafacelifter @MarkFeld @Catbert @Nic and many countless others who have given their time and patience to me and others. There are very few advanced collector YNs from what I've seen, but there are a few who are starting to work their way there. Granted, it takes a lot of time and luck to enter into a stage of collecting where you start to see some rarities, and photography was that lucky break for me.

2) Collectors are some of the most generous people I've met.

I get surprised time and time again how much collectors support each other. When I was drafting and writing an article that was later published in The Numismatist, @pursuitofliberty and I worked on probably around twenty drafts of it. The sacrifice and time spent on that was noticed and I still am so thankful to Todd for being willing to work with me and turn that article into a publishable work. I'm sure we've all seen how much @MarkFeld gives to the hobby as far as knowledge goes, and he is still a go to guy for a second opinion when I need one. He's more than happy to oblige most times. A thread like the Aspen benefit auction simply proves this point this week.

3) The opportunities for anyone in this hobby are incredible.

I've been able to see some INCREDIBLE coins. The thing that really opened doors for me was numismatic photography, and the coins I've seen and imaged are among the absolute best the hobby has to offer. For any YN who wants to see some great coins, get out there and go! The Bass Collection that used to reside at the ANA headquarters was amazing, but even without that being publicly available you can always meet someone who can show you some incredible coins. While I personally have not attended the ANA courses, I hear that they are fantastic for most YNs that attend. I wish there were more collector focused programs for YNs, but at this time they are not as well supported and funded as heavily dealer focused programs like Witter Coin U and Stack's Professional Numismatist Program. For me, a good mentor filled that void.

4) Technology is a game changer.

I think it's important to note that the amount of sheer knowledge that is out there. I can check most of what I know in a few seconds with the right search, and often do. I can view literally thousands of a certain coin type in seconds, and all of this makes it pretty easy to know what to look for. What I will say has been the biggest help is online auction house archives like what GC and Heritage have - they show coin sales back for decades, often with some pretty good images. It allows for one to see any coin in almost any grade, so long as you know where to look. It's for that reason that I no longer believe that the statement "you can't learn to grade from pictures" is no longer true. I will say that I learned to grade almost entirely from pictures, and confirmed those grades by viewing a few coins in hand. When I did the NGC grading competition, I was asked how I learned to grade, and when I said off of images I got a few looks of surprise, and perhaps shock. I know of a few others who have done something similar.

5) Trust your gut.

When it comes down to it, your opinion matters most. If you believe in a coin and you know with a goo degree of certainty and reason that it is what it is, trust yourself. Granted, don't go and trust yourself in a section of coins that you know nothing about, but for something that you might specialize in, definitely trust yourself over anything else, even the TPGs.

6) Enjoy it!

This is more than likely the most important point on this list. Numismatics is a hobby, and it's important to me to have a ton of fun with it. The people and coins I've met and seen are irreplaceable, and I am excited to see where the hobby takes me. I want to take a quick moment to talk about numismatic photography, as that was the thing that really opened doors for me. I started doing images for collectors to see some great coins without having to own them, and boy did it work. I've been able to photograph chunks of at least four world class collections, and with time I expect that number will only go up. It has been a dream come true.

Here are some of my favorite images. Ironically, my favorite is one of the simpler ones. The 1861 $2.5 New Reverse from the @Eldorado9 collection is my all time favorite shot, and I would say it's one of the less impressive coins in this bunch (all alone it is certainly a BEAST of a coin, but in this group, well... you get the idea. ). I'll lead off with that shot. This is just a taste of what I've imaged in the last year and a half or so, and it's a LOT of images. However, each coin here is something that I would consider exceptional.

Enjoy!

pmh1nic · April 27, 2024 8:17PM

It's wonderful to hear from someone in a much younger generation have a deep passion for coins. It's something I acquired much later in life since I had no one to turn me on an the internet didn't exist. Now with technology I'm hoping the hobby can stay alive and thrive.

Your skill as a photographer is wonderful. While I agree you can learn a lot about grading via photographs taken by a gifted photographer there is nothing like holding a coin in your hand, feeling the weight, rotating it to view it from a multitude of angles and seeing the third "side" you rarely see in photos.

I was fortunate enough to attended a three day ANA coin grading seminar during the 2000 ANA show in 2000. A great experience and the professional graders teaching the seminar were very generous in spending one one on time with the students and sharing their expertise. It's nice to hear that hasn't changed and in reading your OP never will.

Thanks for sharing your experience at YN.

Married2Coins · April 27, 2024 8:30PM

@FlyingAl said:
My time as a YN has recently come to an end, and with it comes many more opportunities both inside and outside the hobby.

I thought it may be a good idea to share my thoughts.

I think you should write this for Coin World or the Numismatist without your favorite pictures. Instead put a picture of yourself doing something dealing with coins with your friends or mentors.

mattniss · April 27, 2024 8:51PM

We're just as proud of you as a budding adult numismatist as we were when you were a YN.

Very excited to continue to read, learn, and see more from you @FlyingAl!

lkeigwin · April 27, 2024 8:55PM

Lovely images, @FlyingAl. Superb.

And a very nice write-up. We're lucky to have you.
Lance.

DCW · April 27, 2024 9:16PM

A very enjoyable read. I wish you the best of luck on the next leg of your journey.

pursuitofliberty · April 27, 2024 10:25PM

Alex, you are a pleasure and an asset to the hobby. Since I have known you, you have always exhibited an infectious passion and determined pursuit. Your research has proven enlightening and solid, and your willingness to share and improve the hobby are wonderful. The ways you have developed your skills as a photographer are very impressive.

Since you mentioned my help in your article, I have to say I also have fond memories of helping you with the "Sailor Head". We did go back and forth a few (dozen? ) times, but I think it was good, for both of us. I especially liked your messages right before and as you knew for sure you were being published. I could feel your sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as your excitement. That really was a pretty big deal!

It's good to see you grow and remain with us here. I know many of us will be cheering you on as the next chapter unfolds!

FlyingAl · April 27, 2024 10:42PM

@pursuitofliberty said:
Alex, you are a pleasure and an asset to the hobby. Since I have known you, you have always exhibited an infectious passion and determined pursuit. Your research has proven enlightening and solid, and your willingness to share and improve the hobby are wonderful. The ways you have developed your skills as a photographer are very impressive.

Since you mentioned my help in your article, I have to say I also have fond memories of helping you with the "Sailor Head". We did go back and forth a few (dozen? ) times, but I think it was good, for both of us. I especially liked your messages right before and as you knew for sure you were being published. I could feel your sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as your excitement. That really was a pretty big deal!

It's good to see you grow and remain with us here. I know many of us will be cheering you on as the next chapter unfolds!

Much thanks Todd! It was one fun experience, and it really has helped me a lot in my writings for school and college applications. I learned a lot from that hands on experience.

mirabela · April 28, 2024 4:19AM

Great post! Congratulations on your discoveries and accomplishments so far. It looks like you've built a very impressive suite of hard and soft skills on top of a deep well of knowledge while cultivating a great network of people, and you've had a great time doing it -- not sure what else you or anybody could hope for. May it always serve you well.

Fraz · April 28, 2024 4:33AM

It is a pleasure to share this forum with you.

P0CKETCHANGE · April 28, 2024 5:02AM

Alex, you have been a great presence on this forum and in this hobby. Your passion for learning and improving is contagious. I’m glad I was able to get your high quality shots of my WLH Proof set, they are a highlight of my collection.

Catbert · April 28, 2024 5:10AM

I’m just an average collector and getting to know a numismatic prodigy like Alex has been humbling and a thrill (and his Mom is pretty cool too)!

It’s great to learn from him and he has advised me on building my 1937 proof set. I really hope to stay in touch with him as he tackles life’s challenges and opportunities. He truly is one of a kind.

DRUNNER · April 28, 2024 5:12AM

Great post!!!

Drunner

yspsales · April 28, 2024 5:15AM

Role model for young and old alike.

Eldorado9 · April 28, 2024 7:08AM

You are the best @FlyingAl Your enthusiasm for great coins is infectious. I have been in continual awe as you dig up amazing coins, in a picked- over market....The 1921 Peace episode had me on the edge of my chair for months! You have been key in helping to refine my collection, photograph it for posterity, and of course your quick internet reflexes have been invaluable when a nice coin comes up for sale!

The main thing you have done is to take raw curiosity, and knowledge, and turn it into something really significant.....i.e. a beautiful rare coin collection, life- long friendships, scholarly articles, solid photography skills....The resume goes on, but you essentially created all of it from very humble beginnings! I know you are going on to much bigger accomplishments in your life, and you might even veer away from coins at some point. But, hopefully love for the coins, and that enthusiasm will stay with you, and as you start to make inroads into a professional career, I am 100% confident that you will have the ability to acquire those dream coins we talk about. Even the one's that seem so out of reach. How do I know? Because you have already done it! PS....The 1861 $2.5! Nice choice! Great photos as always. What a group!

winesteven · April 28, 2024 7:11AM

@Eldorado9 said:
You are the best @FlyingAl Your enthusiasm for great coins is infectious. I have been in continual awe as you dig up amazing coins, in a picked- over market....The 1921 Peace episode had me on the edge of my chair for months! You have been key in helping to refine my collection, photograph it for posterity, and of course your quick internet reflexes have been invaluable when a nice coin comes up for sale!

The main thing you have done is to take raw curiosity, and knowledge, and turn it into something really significant.....i.e. a beautiful rare coin collection, life- long friendships, scholarly articles, solid photography skills....The resume goes on, but you essentially created all of it from very humble beginnings! I know you are going on to much bigger accomplishments in your life, and you might even veer away from coins at some point. But, hopefully love for the coins, and that enthusiasm will stay with you, and as you start to make inroads into a professional career, I am 100% confident that you will have the ability to acquire those dream coins we talk about. Even the one's that seem so out of reach. How do I know? Because you have already done it! PS....The 1861 $2.5! Nice choice! Great photos as always. What a group!

If I had the talent to write this well, I'd have said the same thing!

Steve

Conshyboy · April 28, 2024 7:36AM

Great post, you are an asset to the coin world, having a mentor and someone to talk to about the hobby was huge for me, unfortunately he passed away a few months ago, but the people here including yourself have filled his shoes. The kindness and generosity of CU members is unmatched I recently completed a circulated set of National Park Quarters with the help of @JWP, his generosity is something I will never forget. I hope more young people of your caliber take interest in collecting I am currently helping the young kid at the local convenience store build a collection giving him some coins and the little knowledge I have. Always enjoy your photos

JJM · April 28, 2024 7:45AM

👏 👏

airplanenut · April 28, 2024 9:03AM

This is very well written, and parallels my experience very closely. I wouldn't be surprised if I wrote something similar on the boards about 20 years ago (there was a time when I was the kid here), but the search feature can barely find a post from yesterday, so I'm not going to go hunting. The names may have changed between us (well, not @MFeld), but if you know where to look and you take the opportunities when they're offered, it's a really great community.

While everything technology has gotten better in the last 20 years, I remember writing an ANA Summer Seminar scholarship essay about my favorite numismatic item, and it was my digital camera. It opened up a ton of doors and was far more influential than any traditional numismatic item I think they were expecting people to write about. It looks like you saw that, as well.

And good news for you: you're about to spend four years in the ANA's backyard. When (if...) you get the chance, be sure to swing by. If you're around in the summer, get to a seminar.

Congrats on all of your accomplishments thus far, and thanks for the trip down memory lane.

MFeld · April 29, 2024 8:25AM

@FlyingAl (Alex), it's been a real pleasure to follow your numismatic experiences and immense growth. Your enthusiasm and dedication serve as a great example for both YN's and seasoned numismatists. And I'm honored to have been able to help in whatever way I did. Luckily for you, that didn't include coin imaging.

SanctionII · April 29, 2024 10:51AM

Alex. I have enjoyed interacting with you in forum posts and by PM. I have also enjoyed watching you participate in the hobby.

Your hobby efforts have shown your deep interest in numismatics; have been personally rewarding; and have planted seeds that will sprout, grow and provide you with great benefit in the future.

More than anything else your hobby experiences have resulted in connections/interactions with a large number of dealers and collectors (some at the top of the hobby) that will be long lasting. These connections/interactions, as they take place, provide one with an opportunity to develop and put into practice skills (responsiveness, promptness, accuracy, clarity, negotiation, assessing situations, assessing others, decision making, following through, keeping your promises, etc.) that will serve you well in the future both in the hobby and outside of the hobby.

Best of luck to you as you move from high school to the Air Force Academy next fall. When you attend a fall football game at Falcon Stadium take a few photos and post them to a new forum thread (possibly including you and the Air Force Falcon that flies over the stadium).

GaCoinGuy · April 29, 2024 11:17AM

Those are some nice coins! I especially love that 42 Wheatie....

Good luck in the Academy from an old AF guy.

Walkerfan · April 29, 2024 11:30AM

Great post.

You have a bright future ahead of you.

PeakRarities · April 29, 2024 12:52PM

Alex, it’s has been a real pleasure getting to know you and watching your development in the hobby the past couple years. Your fortitude and dedication is truly admirable, and you set the gold standard of what any YN could hope to achieve in such a short time period. You are the brightest young mind in numismatics IMO, and I can’t wait to see where your journey leads you!

vplite99 · April 29, 2024 2:11PM

Wonderful pictures, thanks!

SeattleSlammer · April 29, 2024 3:33PM

Great pics!

Namvet69 · April 29, 2024 4:01PM

Gratitude is a beautiful thing to share here. Congrats on your accomplishments so far. The journey continues. Peace Roy

DDR · April 29, 2024 4:58PM

Really enjoyed scrolling through those images.

Bravo!

NeophyteNumismatist · April 29, 2024 5:09PM

Numismatically speaking, I love your approach to everything. I enjoy your posts, and reading about your specialties in 36-42 proofs and coin photography. Thanks for sharing what you know.

divecchia · April 30, 2024 7:52AM

Alex,

Great post!!!

You have such great insight for a young man; well beyond your years. You have a great future ahead of you, and no matter what you do I'm sure you will be very successful.

It's been a privilege to know you. Donato