You have been truly blessed , I have followed this from the beginning and looked forward to the posts. Brings back very fond memories of my Grandpop and Grand mom.
Thank you Very much for sharing with us, an incredible story and collection. Guard both well , it appears you are on the right track.
Wow, I'm impressed...it's been a long journey through all the threads but it seems you have quite a collection there...I would definitely approach one of the auction houses such as Heritage, Stacks, etc, and get everything inventoried...and then decide what you want to keep among you, and what you want to sell. If PCGS doesn't grant you a pedigree, maybe one of the auction houses will. You're fortunate...enjoy the ride...your grandfather sure did! Warm regards, Dave
Let me just say something to the skeptics out there (I know there are a few) - this is a great collection by today's standards and would be hard to replicate even with unlimited funds. But at the time this was built, it was probably a pretty normal collection by a non-rich person's standards in the 1950s or thereabouts, when these pieces were a lot cheaper. At the time, a lot of this was probably considered "modern junk."
"Men who had never shown any ability to make or increase fortunes for themselves abounded in brilliant plans for creating and increasing wealth for the country at large." Fiat Money Inflation in France, Andrew Dickson White (1912)
Just one thing to say about this thread - holy s***!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very impressive collection! I wonder how many other collections are hiding out there just like this, well taken care of, and waiting to be 'discovered'.
Okay, for starters I gotta say DAMN man, you are one lucky guy to get to go through all of this! That spanish trail (#2) is a clean 67 to me at least. One very valuable and amazing coin. The 42 walker proof shows a nice bit of cameo, perhaps not enough to earn the designation, but you know, it is hard to tell through the cello sometimes. In cameo that could easily be a $6,000+ coin, I'd imagine. The value goes up something like 10x. As you caught in your photo's, there is a certain something about the reverse of the mercury dime proofs... the detailing is exquisite. As for those nice original buffs, I can imagine those came from the bank. Nice original roll of uncirculated buffs, a few weakly struck, but I don't see wear. And the rest of it, the modern stuff, etc, just shows that your granddad just kept collecting! As someone said above, great collections start with modern crap, and age into their value, and that is what this collection did for the most part. It has been one heck of a great ride. I look forward to 'Recently Acquired Coin Collection - the grades thread' when some of these fine coins come back encapsulated! cheers, Richard
We just got back from Vancouver, and haven't kept up with the thread since gone. But I have to say...
That pic of Grammy & Grampy just brought tears to my eyes. My jaw is quivering, my eyes are welling up, and my ears are rumbling trying to hold it all back!!!!
God I loved them!!! Still do, and miss them VERY, VERY much.
Grampy always said, "Always dress your best in public. Keep your shoulders & back straight. Never look down - walk with pride, you're a 'last name'. (sorry) Greet everyone with a smile even if you don't like them.
Words he gave to us to live by. This has been such a great tribute to them both.
I look at the number of coin pics posted and I truly get it!!! Everything Grampy did, he did with heart. Grammy stood beside him, loving him all the way.
Well the cousins are getting together August 18th at Darth's (Mark's) house. He's been in contact with PCGS, and the ball is rolling for sure. Hope all of you are well.
<< <i>Well the cousins are getting together August 18th at Darth's (Mark's) house. He's been in contact with PCGS, and the ball is rolling for sure. Hope all of you are well.
Sincerely, Cousin2 (Jim) >>
Hey Jim! Well.. just to add, the ball is rolling but maybe a bit uphill, lol. The response from PCGS customer service was disappointing, but expected I guess. Basically just – “no one here is familiar with threads/posts on this board, but please don’t hesitate to send in your coins for grading…” Oh well...
More exciting news (besides our August reunion) is that we were contacted by a board member here (a writer), asking for permission to use one or two of the early proof-set photographs (seen in this thread) which may be included in a numismatic article in the near future. This is exactly the type thing that would THRILL Grampy. Hope it works out!
Yeah Garrow - if you're in town, just stop by!
You guys/gals have a great Memorial Day weekend! Mark
Not tryin' to jump the gun or anything, but I am the first to return from the cousin reunion this weekend. The first night we were there, Mark presented each of us with a Buffalo nickle from a roll he found in the aforementioned Carlsbad National Bank bank bag-- (Secured within plastic cases provided by Toned Buff) Thanks Richard that was very thoughtful!-- labeled with our name, Aug 2007, Irma Linn & Dusty Rhodes Collection.
We each got a nickle from our respective father's year of birth. Mine being 1938. All of which happen to be very nicely 'Toned.' I had a great time, and am glad this collection served as the catalyst for all of us getting together again. More to come for sure!!!
And by the way, the cousin vote was still unanimous - 'SELL!" Several of the cousins are thinkin' college education $$$ for their kids.
Noteworthy, Grampy sacrificed his college education to put 2 of his brothers through himself. (Learned that this weekend)
WoW, Very nice proof sets one of the buffalos my be MS-66 top right side. All the set are worth some good money.If you are going to sell you have Alot of options to pick from but you hold all the cards. you can get them graded or sell them at a auction just as they are but dont sell to a one buyer you will get more money if you sell at auction.WoW
That is an amazing collection. I know that all of you are proud and you should be. That has got to be one of the best collections displayed on the board yet(that I have seen). ENJOY
This should be a very interesting follow up to Parts 1 and 2.
Is part three going to be a brand new thread?
A new thread for Part 3 would make sense to me, because Part 1 and Part 2 generated so much interest. It takes a while to plow through 20+ pages of replies just to get to the new stuff.
Thanks for the picture of your grandparents, the image gives much more vivid imagery to those following your path. I think your grandfather would be most proud of how you've handled this collection. Its recognition and the praise you and your family have received here, I hope is heartwarming!
As always wishing you well, and many thanks for the photos!-- 53BKid
“Cousin Reunion I” (CR1) was awesome. I think we figured 15+ years have passed since we’ve all seen each other. (Only thing missing was cousin/sis 6 - Debbi - who had work obligations she couldn’t reschedule. Please plan to make the next one, Deb! )
We had Grammy-style stacked enchiladas for dinner one night, and attempted to duplicate a full-blown, grand-slam, Grammy&Grampy breakfast we were so accustomed to getting when we all visited. We didn’t come close to matching that awesome feat from yesteryear – but the chorizo, eggs, bacon, and biscuits smelled a little like Carlsbad!
I didn’t really plan any kind of coin schedule – just decided to “wing-it”. We sat around the table a few times reminiscing, looking at old pictures & memorabilia, and of course viewing parts of the collection. But we spent most of the time just hanging-out, eating, relaxing, catching-up, eating, and even a little eating!
To add to what Jim said, while the overall consensus is/was sell - it’s certainly “sell with options”. We discussed and decided that any of us have first right to “buy” what ever item(s) we choose. For instance: if I choose to “buy” one of the Spanish Trails and/or a proof set – I would just deduct the current market value of those items from my “share” of the total sale. If for some insane, collector-driven reason your “buy” ends-up being larger than your portion of the total - you would simply pay the difference to the rest. We think this approach is fairest to all…
Ironically, just after “CR1” my wife informed me about a local event she read about (just days before,) so I attended – my first coin show! To continue the irony – I spied Barndog lurking around the booths and displays- lol. We talked for only 20 or 30 minutes, but I was astounded at all his thoughts and ideas we should (and need to) consider as we proceed with this collection. The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know. Barndog has graciously offered to assist me (us) with any coin topics/questions we might have – buying, selling, grading, consignment, registry sets, etc. He also recommended a book – which I bought there – on PCGS coin grading. Thanks, Barndog – you’ll be hearing more from me!
So… Summer was crazy and way too fast. I’ve got several home projects I just have to complete, so whether or not I can stick to it - my plan to complete before year-end is this: - Get a nice 5x loupe, and read/learn as much as I can about PCGS grading. - Get the PCGS membership and submit 8 coins for grading (proofs and a few commemoratives.) - Learn more about registry sets, and research the possibility of creating a small one in our grandparents name. - Possibly sell a coin or two to get our “feet wet.” - Post any gradings in a NEW part III thread. (Hey - at least I have a plan.)
Oh, “Hot off the press...” I was just informed that the coin article I mentioned several months ago (which will include several pictures seen in this thread) is due to be published in “Coin World” very soon – possibly within the next few weeks. (I would like to publicly thank the author for the time & effort spent writing the article, and for their professionalism while working with me on the photos – it was a pleasure and truly exciting! Grampy would be grinning from one prideful ear to the other! Thanks!)
Again – while the vote was basically to “sell” - honoring our grandparents is the top priority. I’m sure the chances aren’t great, but I would love to get most of what we decide to sell in the hands of true collectors – not to people whose only interest is to “Flip This Coin.” And speaking of that… (I’m not even sure if we touched on this at the reunion) I think it would be really cool to have the very first item from this collection go to someone here – on this board – closed/only available to CU members. Nothing huge, but something nice/neat – maybe some sort of auction-style sale in honor of Irma Linn and Dusty Rhodes!
As always – thanks to all here for comments, help, insight, and great information! Mark
Here’s a shot from of the trouble-makers (minus Deb) at “CR1”!
Nice update Darth and good to hear things are moving forward for you.
If you want the first item to go to a forum member I suggest "gifting" one of the items to Barndog instead of trying a complicated forum type auction. He's good people and you couldn't have lucked into anyone better to help guide you through the process.
What I want to know is which one of the cousins had the big beer can drop from the sky and land on them. Great story to read about and good luck with what ever you decide with the coins.
Comments
Final Set
Thanks again to all here!
36 Proof Set – Yes, more carbon spots.
Miscellaneous Coin Boards (Thanks M&M!)
1939 Proof Set – some nice ones in here!
Mics Buffalos from a roll
1942 Proof Set #2
Spanish Trail #2
Spanish Trail #1
==================================================================
In honor and memory of our grandparents, Irma Linn and Dusty Rhodes.
From your sons and grandchildren.
Love,
Bob, (Jim, John, Bob)
John, (Debbi, Mark, Matt)
====================================================================
Grammy & Grampy in front of their Carlsbad home – Summer, 1981
----------end---------
Thank you Very much for sharing with us, an incredible story and collection. Guard both well , it appears you are on the right track.
Azcoindevil
I'm impressed...it's been a long journey through all the threads but it seems you have quite a collection there...I would definitely approach one of the auction houses such as Heritage, Stacks, etc, and get everything inventoried...and then decide what you want to keep among you, and what you want to sell. If PCGS doesn't grant you a pedigree, maybe one of the auction houses will. You're fortunate...enjoy the ride...your grandfather sure did!
Warm regards,
Dave
I'm so envious! I've been wanting a proof merc for a bit and there are some nice ones there
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
Very impressive collection! I wonder how many other collections are hiding out there just like this, well taken care of, and waiting to be 'discovered'.
10-4,
My Instagram picturesErik
My registry sets
That spanish trail (#2) is a clean 67 to me at least. One very valuable and amazing coin.
The 42 walker proof shows a nice bit of cameo, perhaps not enough to earn the designation, but you know, it is hard to tell through the cello sometimes. In cameo that could easily be a $6,000+ coin, I'd imagine. The value goes up something like 10x.
As you caught in your photo's, there is a certain something about the reverse of the mercury dime proofs... the detailing is exquisite.
As for those nice original buffs, I can imagine those came from the bank. Nice original roll of uncirculated buffs, a few weakly struck, but I don't see wear.
And the rest of it, the modern stuff, etc, just shows that your granddad just kept collecting! As someone said above, great collections start with modern crap, and age into their value, and that is what this collection did for the most part.
It has been one heck of a great ride.
I look forward to 'Recently Acquired Coin Collection - the grades thread' when some of these fine coins come back encapsulated!
cheers,
Richard
I was tempted to play the star spangled banner while scrolling, at various speeds, through that last string of photos...................
agree with tonedbuff, the pilgrim from the page before and the second sp.trail(#1) on this one are absolute keepers.
look forward to seeing them entombed and on the block!
z
We just got back from Vancouver, and haven't kept up with the thread since gone. But I have to say...
That pic of Grammy & Grampy just brought tears to my eyes. My jaw is quivering, my eyes are welling up, and my ears are rumbling trying to hold it all back!!!!
God I loved them!!! Still do, and miss them VERY, VERY much.
Grampy always said, "Always dress your best in public. Keep your shoulders & back straight. Never look down - walk with pride, you're a 'last name'. (sorry) Greet everyone with a smile even if you don't like them.
Words he gave to us to live by. This has been such a great tribute to them both.
I look at the number of coin pics posted and I truly get it!!! Everything Grampy did, he did with heart. Grammy stood beside him, loving him all the way.
Thanks Mark...
JIM
I sent an email request to PCGS requesting to talk to someone familiar with this thread. We’ll see where that goes…
Thanks (once more) to all here. We’ll keep you posted if/when anything significant happens.
Well the cousins are getting together August 18th at Darth's (Mark's) house. He's been in contact with PCGS, and the ball is rolling for sure. Hope all of you are well.
Sincerely,
Cousin2 (Jim)
Steve
Garrow
<< <i>Well the cousins are getting together August 18th at Darth's (Mark's) house. He's been in contact with PCGS, and the ball is rolling for sure. Hope all of you are well.
Sincerely,
Cousin2 (Jim) >>
Hey Jim! Well.. just to add, the ball is rolling but maybe a bit uphill, lol. The response from PCGS customer service was disappointing, but expected I guess. Basically just – “no one here is familiar with threads/posts on this board, but please don’t hesitate to send in your coins for grading…” Oh well...
More exciting news (besides our August reunion) is that we were contacted by a board member here (a writer), asking for permission to use one or two of the early proof-set photographs (seen in this thread) which may be included in a numismatic article in the near future. This is exactly the type thing that would THRILL Grampy. Hope it works out!
Yeah Garrow - if you're in town, just stop by!
You guys/gals have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Mark
Hope all is going well. I hope all goes well with the collection, and I can't wait for part 3 THE GRADES!
Not tryin' to jump the gun or anything, but I am the first to return from the cousin reunion this weekend. The first night we were there, Mark presented each of us with a Buffalo nickle from a roll he found in the aforementioned Carlsbad National Bank bank bag-- (Secured within plastic cases provided by Toned Buff) Thanks Richard that was very thoughtful!-- labeled with our name, Aug 2007, Irma Linn & Dusty Rhodes Collection.
We each got a nickle from our respective father's year of birth. Mine being 1938. All of which happen to be very nicely 'Toned.' I had a great time, and am glad this collection served as the catalyst for all of us getting together again. More to come for sure!!!
And by the way, the cousin vote was still unanimous - 'SELL!" Several of the cousins are thinkin' college education $$$ for their kids.
Noteworthy, Grampy sacrificed his college education to put 2 of his brothers through himself. (Learned that this weekend)
JIM
Cousin2
Hoard the keys.
.
CoinsAreFun Toned Silver Eagle Proof Album
.
Gallery Mint Museum, Ron Landis& Joe Rust, The beginnings of the Golden Dollar
.
More CoinsAreFun Pictorials NGC
This should be a very interesting follow up to Parts 1 and 2.
Is part three going to be a brand new thread?
A new thread for Part 3 would make sense to me, because Part 1 and Part 2 generated so much interest. It takes a while to plow through 20+ pages of replies just to get to the new stuff.
Thanks for the picture of your grandparents, the image gives much more vivid imagery to those following your path. I think your grandfather would be most proud of how you've handled this collection. Its recognition and the praise you and your family have received here, I hope is heartwarming!
As always wishing you well, and many thanks for the photos!-- 53BKid
“Cousin Reunion I” (CR1) was awesome. I think we figured 15+ years have passed since we’ve all seen each other. (Only thing missing was cousin/sis 6 - Debbi - who had work obligations she couldn’t reschedule. Please plan to make the next one, Deb! )
We had Grammy-style stacked enchiladas for dinner one night, and attempted to duplicate a full-blown, grand-slam, Grammy&Grampy breakfast we were so accustomed to getting when we all visited. We didn’t come close to matching that awesome feat from yesteryear – but the chorizo, eggs, bacon, and biscuits smelled a little like Carlsbad!
I didn’t really plan any kind of coin schedule – just decided to “wing-it”. We sat around the table a few times reminiscing, looking at old pictures & memorabilia, and of course viewing parts of the collection. But we spent most of the time just hanging-out, eating, relaxing, catching-up, eating, and even a little eating!
To add to what Jim said, while the overall consensus is/was sell - it’s certainly “sell with options”. We discussed and decided that any of us have first right to “buy” what ever item(s) we choose. For instance: if I choose to “buy” one of the Spanish Trails and/or a proof set – I would just deduct the current market value of those items from my “share” of the total sale. If for some insane, collector-driven reason your “buy” ends-up being larger than your portion of the total - you would simply pay the difference to the rest. We think this approach is fairest to all…
Ironically, just after “CR1” my wife informed me about a local event she read about (just days before,) so I attended – my first coin show! To continue the irony – I spied Barndog lurking around the booths and displays- lol. We talked for only 20 or 30 minutes, but I was astounded at all his thoughts and ideas we should (and need to) consider as we proceed with this collection. The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know. Barndog has graciously offered to assist me (us) with any coin topics/questions we might have – buying, selling, grading, consignment, registry sets, etc. He also recommended a book – which I bought there – on PCGS coin grading. Thanks, Barndog – you’ll be hearing more from me!
So… Summer was crazy and way too fast. I’ve got several home projects I just have to complete, so whether or not I can stick to it - my plan to complete before year-end is this:
- Get a nice 5x loupe, and read/learn as much as I can about PCGS grading.
- Get the PCGS membership and submit 8 coins for grading (proofs and a few commemoratives.)
- Learn more about registry sets, and research the possibility of creating a small one in our grandparents name.
- Possibly sell a coin or two to get our “feet wet.”
- Post any gradings in a NEW part III thread.
(Hey - at least I have a plan.)
Oh, “Hot off the press...” I was just informed that the coin article I mentioned several months ago (which will include several pictures seen in this thread) is due to be published in “Coin World” very soon – possibly within the next few weeks. (I would like to publicly thank the author for the time & effort spent writing the article, and for their professionalism while working with me on the photos – it was a pleasure and truly exciting! Grampy would be grinning from one prideful ear to the other! Thanks!)
Again – while the vote was basically to “sell” - honoring our grandparents is the top priority. I’m sure the chances aren’t great, but I would love to get most of what we decide to sell in the hands of true collectors – not to people whose only interest is to “Flip This Coin.” And speaking of that… (I’m not even sure if we touched on this at the reunion) I think it would be really cool to have the very first item from this collection go to someone here – on this board – closed/only available to CU members. Nothing huge, but something nice/neat – maybe some sort of auction-style sale in honor of Irma Linn and Dusty Rhodes!
As always – thanks to all here for comments, help, insight, and great information!
Mark
Here’s a shot from of the trouble-makers (minus Deb) at “CR1”!
If you want the first item to go to a forum member I suggest "gifting" one of the items to Barndog instead of trying a complicated forum type auction. He's good people and you couldn't have lucked into anyone better to help guide you through the process.
Looking forward to more updates...
<< <i>Wow, what a great thread, was Thread number three ever started?
I don't think so.
Sunshine Rare Coins
sunshinecoins.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
<< <i>Wow, what a great thread, was Thread number three ever started?
What?
<< <i>The Albany may have been whizzed. >>
Blind as a bat, even then. LOL
<< <i>
<< <i>The Albany may have been whizzed. >>
Blind as a bat, even then. LOL >>
Hoard the keys.