Robert L. Astrich? He's still around? I bought a few low-grade common date Lincolns from him (from a price list in COINage) some 30 years ago when I was a wee lad. As I recall, the transaction was adequate; some of the coins were a little overgraded or had slight problems but were acceptable for the price paid (especially since I wasn't so fussy at that age).
[Edit to add: A couple of those old Lincolns are still in my collection!]
Dealt with him a little a couple years back when I was assembling a set of '36-'42 proofs. That's what he seemed to specialize in at the time. He'd scour the floor at the shows looking for those. Many times, he didn't have to do much scouring as everyone seemed to know that he'd pay good money for proofs. He was ok to deal with. I bought only live from him, sight seen, and paid a good buck for good quality.
He located an NGC 1889-CC $ in MS63 for one of my customers about 15 years ago. It was very high end but not cheap...I think $11,000. I made $200 on the deal. My customer has done considerably better.
Frank Provasek - PCGS Authorized Dealer, Life Member ANA, Member TNA. www.frankcoins.com
Comments
[Edit to add: A couple of those old Lincolns are still in my collection!]
I believe he still specializes in 1936-1942 proofs. Have never bought from him, but has always seemed forthright in answering questions.
Knowledge is the enemy of fear
very high end but not cheap...I think $11,000. I made $200 on the deal. My customer has done
considerably better.
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