From PCGS Website: Stewart Blay Interview with David Hall - Very interesting interview!!! Huge Blay

Goldbully · July 11, 2008 3:49AM

Stewart Blay Interview with David Hall

- July 11, 2008
Rarely do coin collectors get the chance to enjoy candid conversations between two of the leading numismatists of our time. Now, PCGS has made just such an interview available on the company website www.pcgs.com.

In conjunction with the appearance of his legendary Red Copper Collection in the PCGS booth at the upcoming ANA convention in Baltimore, Stewart Blay was kind enough to spend a few minutes in conversation with PCGS founder David Hall. David is certainly a man who knows just what questions to ask Stewart about his amazing collection and coin collecting in general.

Sponsored by the PCGS Set RegistrySM, the entertaining yet informative video will be featured at the PCGS Booth (#1245). For those who are unable to attend the ANA convention, it is now available to view here.

In addition to the story behind the Red Copper Collection, the two experts cover a variety of topics of interest to collectors of all levels, including:

Stewart's first venture into coin collecting
Why he first started collecting graded coins
Lessons learned the hard way
Why he is so enamored with copper
A common mistake made by today's coin collectors
The future of copper collecting
Why Lincoln cents are a great choice

PCGS Link

tradedollarnut · July 11, 2008 3:51AM

Wonder if Stewart asked why they won't upgrade any of his copper?

saintguru · July 11, 2008 4:22AM

He looks like a NYC cab driver.

WTF...Stewart always wears all black....is this some drug induced forced confession?

Great interview but don't think the Copper Fox is telling all his secrets.

etexmike · July 11, 2008 4:22AM

<< Wonder if Stewart asked why they won't upgrade any of his copper? >>

That was a very interesting interview. Seventeen minutes in length but worth the time.

Mike

curly · July 11, 2008 4:51AM

Very good interview, I enjoyed it.

Broadstruck · July 11, 2008 5:08AM

Why wasn't this done face to face, isn't Value Jet still 99 bucks

Couldn't watch the whole thing... did the elevator door ever open

saintguru · July 11, 2008 5:24AM

He's doing quite a bit of bullshltting too.

It's like asking a fox if he likes chicken and what his favorite farm is.

lcoopie · July 11, 2008 7:43AM

it got me interested in copper

Broadstruck · July 11, 2008 7:50AM

<< it got me interested in copper >>

It got me interested in NON Die Caps!

IGWT · July 11, 2008 8:03AM

The video shut down twice at about 2:00 minutes while I was watching, so I missed most of it. I'll try again later, but don't keep me in suspense . . . did the orange underwear come out?

direwolf1972 · July 11, 2008 8:05AM

Is anyone else having problems getting past about the 2 minute mark in the video?

Tried watching it three times now makes it to about 1:45 then closes.

mommam17 · July 11, 2008 8:08AM

You could tell he is a true collector that really enjoys time with his coins. That is the best part of this hobby for me.

MrEureka · July 11, 2008 8:33AM

That was worth the time. I hope PCGS does more of these in the future.

As a bit of constructive criticism, I'll note that Stewart is far more animated, opinionated, controversial, enthusiastic and entertaining in person. Perhaps a different interview format would have been better. If Halfsense is reading this, I'd like to hear his thoughts and suggestions.

lcoopie · July 11, 2008 9:10AM

the beginning of his story is similiar to mine

Ronyahski · July 11, 2008 9:18AM

I couldn't reconcile two comments. On one hand he couldn't recall any coin that he regretted not getting when he wanted it. On the other, hand, he hasn't been too active in buying lately because he keeps getting outbid???

ambro51 · July 11, 2008 9:19AM

I guess all the RD's in the film were Stuarts...but does he own the nicely toned Matties toward the end? His reg set....must of course be RD! Does Stuart also have an eye for a nicely toned Mattie?

MrEureka · July 11, 2008 9:23AM

I couldn't reconcile two comments. On one hand he couldn't recall any coin that he regretted not getting when he wanted it. On the other, hand, he hasn't been too active in buying lately because he keeps getting outbid???

There's a difference between disappointment and regret.

TwoSides2aCoin · July 11, 2008 9:27AM

If you smiled during this interview, you are likely a coin geek.

I'm guilty
This was an awesome interview and I would recommend this over "dancing with the stars" any old day.

Connecticoin · July 11, 2008 9:33AM

Very Interesting, well worth the 18 minutes.

One key theme was the concern over the "in and out" collectors, and that truly great collections are built over several years, or even decades.

mr1931S · July 11, 2008 9:53AM

One key point was the concern over the "in and out" collectors, and that truly great collections are built over several years, or even decades.

I agree with this and its admirable that there are folks,like Stewart Blay,with the sticktoitiveness to actually hang onto their coins for more than just a few years.As was stated in the interview,decades and $$$ is what it takes to assemble a great collection like Blay's and I'm thinking it takes decades to assemble a "not necessarily great" (expensive slabbed mint-state coins) but still,"really nice" collection.However,life circumstances don't always allow for the collector to hang onto their best coins for decades.

I thought the interview was interesting and entertaining. Some of those cents in Blay's collection give me goose bumples!

Elcontador · July 11, 2008 10:00AM

I would like to see a similar interview where Blay interviews Lawrence Stack

MrEureka · July 11, 2008 10:28AM

One key point was the concern over the "in and out" collectors, and that truly great collections are built over several years, or even decades.

When I started collecting 40 years ago, I constantly changed my focus. I don't see why a newbie shouldn't be expected to do the same today. For many of us, that's what it takes to find our way as a collector.

MrEureka · July 11, 2008 10:29AM

I would like to see a similar interview where Blay interviews Lawrence Stack

Sounds even better than lunch with JH! (Sorry, Jim.)

bidask · July 11, 2008 10:41AM

He strikes me as a real coin geek, but then.......

Russ · July 11, 2008 10:56AM

Good stuff. Stewart doesn't seem nearly as dorky in the video as his posts on the forum.

Russ, NCNE

Connecticoin · July 11, 2008 11:02AM

<< One key point was the concern over the "in and out" collectors, and that truly great collections are built over several years, or even decades.

When I started collecting 40 years ago, I constantly changed my focus. I don't see why a newbie shouldn't be expected to do the same today. For many of us, that's what it takes to find our way as a collector. >>

That's fine --- I think the "in and out" guys being referred to are the collectors with deep pockets who buy plastic and build "top" sets, and then sell them quickly and move on to another hobby.

oreville · July 11, 2008 11:33AM

Having too much trouble with the video; will watch it at the ANA.

I never realized that HRH wasn't in the room. I couldn't figure that out!

drei3ree · July 11, 2008 12:06PM

I'll "bet" Stuart is one heck of a poker player too!

MrEureka · July 11, 2008 12:06PM

<< One key point was the concern over the "in and out" collectors, and that truly great collections are built over several years, or even decades.>>

<When I started collecting 40 years ago, I constantly changed my focus. I don't see why a newbie shouldn't be expected to do the same today. For many of us, that's what it takes to find our way as a collector. >

That's fine --- I think the "in and out" guys being referred to are the collectors with deep pockets who buy plastic and build "top" sets, and then sell them quickly and move on to another hobby.

Of course he was. But my point is that it's all the same. It's just strange for the old-timers to see the newbies swimming like pros in the deep end of the pool.

Swampboy · July 11, 2008 12:13PM

Very interesting video.

I feel glad for all the collectors who will get to see Stewart's Collection in Baltimore. It's likely to be a once in lifetime event.

Goldbully · July 11, 2008 12:34PM

<<

He looks like a NYC cab driver.

WTF...Stewart always wears all black....is this some drug induced forced confession?

Great interview but don't think the Copper Fox is telling all his secrets.

>>

The 'Copper Fox".......................................

SanctionII · July 11, 2008 2:37PM

I watched and listened. Very informative and many points made by Mr. Blay resonate with me.

I wonder how the non collecting general public would react if they saw the video clip, with half seeing it before viewing the Baly collection at the ANA and have seeing it after the viewing the Blay collection.

Coinosaurus · July 11, 2008 3:10PM

Cool video & I hope they do more of them. Can't wait to see the ANA display.

LeeG · July 11, 2008 9:33PM

Looking forward to meeting Stewart in person and seeing his collection.

Goldbully · July 11, 2008 10:23PM

I hope Stewart brings his 1938 PR67CA Lincoln Cent to the ANA in Baltimore.

TorinoCobra71 · July 11, 2008 11:15PM

Cool ass interview. Thanks!

TC71

Mark · July 12, 2008 1:36AM

I, actually, didn't like the interview all that much. I wish that Mr. Hall had asked Mr. Blay more questions about how collecting intersects with his professional life (Mr. Blay is a scupltor.) I'd be really interested in hearing how his artist's eye evaulates coins and if he sees any linkage between his collection and his personal life. I'd also like Mr. Blay to share more stories of the "hunt" for a particular coin or coins. As I recall, one of his double die coins (is it a 1959 double die?) took a long time to acquire--I thought the story behind this would be fascinating. In other words, I wish the interview had delved more deeply into Mr. Blay's passion for coins and how and why it developed. As it is, I thought the interview was interesting but I also thought it could have been longer and more in depth.

Stuart · July 12, 2008 3:11AM

Goldbully: Thanks for informing us about David Hall's Telconference interview with Stewart Blay. Although I am more of a silver and gold coin collector, I watched the entire interview and enjoyed Stewart sharing his love and reasoning for his enjoyment of collecting copper coins.

I think that there is a common love, drive and intellectual curiosity that drives true collectors of all rare and beautiful objects, which is very different from the commercial motivations of investors.

Goldbully · July 12, 2008 4:51AM

<< Goldbully: Thanks for informing us about David Hall's Telconference interview with Stewart Blay. Although I am more of a silver and gold coin collector, I watched the entire interview and enjoyed Stewart sharing his love and reasoning for his enjoyment of collecting copper coins.

I think that there is a common love, drive and intellectual curiosity that drives true collectors of all rare and beautiful objects, which is very different from the commercial motivations of investors. >>

You're welcome, and well said, Stuart!!!

rays · July 12, 2008 5:12AM

Interesting interview. Mr. Hall would have been a more effective interviewer if he had been in the same room as Mr. Blay.

TwoSides2aCoin · July 12, 2008 5:15AM

<< Interesting interview. Mr. Hall would have been a more effective interviewer if he had been in the same room as Mr. Blay. >>

Yeah, that's a real "pisser", eh ?

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS · July 12, 2008 5:22AM

Goldbully - The 1938 Proof 67 red cameo cent is the finest Brilliant Proof cent 1936 -1942 I have ever seen.You will fall in Love when you see it.

Andy - I thought the interview went very well .I tried to be attentive and answer Davids questions.The PCGS people did a great job.David Hall called me the other day and said he will be at the show.

I can promise everyone they will not be disappointed if they have to go out of their way to see this exhibit of coins.This will be the most sucessful exhibit PCGS has ever displayed.

BJ Searls ands her posse will be letting people see the coins in hand.I will also be there answering questions,telling stories and sharing my coins.

Stewart

MrEureka · July 12, 2008 5:47AM

Andy - I thought the interview went very well

Stewart - At the risk of sounding like I'm sucking up to a fat cat collector -

- I agree. I just think it could have been more effective if you played with HRH like you might play with Laura on these boards. Not that we needed to hear about full red underwear or anything like that, but some good natured jousting and over-the-top comments would have helped. Remember, this is all about attracting passionate collectors to the hobby, and they want to have some fun more than anything else. (Profits are just part of "having fun".) And the dispassionate investors left the building almost 20 years ago.

Goldbully · July 12, 2008 7:08AM

<< Goldbully - The 1938 Proof 67 red cameo cent is the finest Brilliant Proof cent 1936 -1942 I have ever seen.You will fall in Love when you see it.

Andy - I thought the interview went very well .I tried to be attentive and answer Davids questions.The PCGS people did a great job.David Hall called me the other day and said he will be at the show.

I can promise everyone they will not be disappointed if they have to go out of their way to see this exhibit of coins.This will be the most sucessful exhibit PCGS has ever displayed.

BJ Searls ands her posse will be letting people see the coins in hand.I will also be there answering questions,telling stories and sharing my coins.

Stewart >>

Stewart, I love it in that large TrueView pic, I can only wonder what it will be like "in hand" at ANA in Baltimore.

I look forward to meeting you and listening to some of the Copper Fox's coin stories!!

There are some pretty darn good copper collectors on this forum too!!!

BTW, loved the cap!!

Michael

Goldbully · July 12, 2008 8:49AM

In case you missed Mr. Blay's 1938 PR67CA Lincoln Cent in my earlier post, here it is again........WOW!!!

I can't wait to see it at the ANA Baltimore show....I bet LeeG will check it out!!!

The 1938 Proof 67 red cameo cent is the finest Brilliant Proof cent 1936 -1942 I have ever seen.You will fall in Love when you see it.

Stewart Blay

Mark · July 12, 2008 1:12PM

Goldbully:

Your quotation from Mr. Blay and your picture of his coin shows exactly what I'd have loved to hear Mr. Blay discuss and why the interview disappointed me. In particular, where did he first see this fantastic cent, did he have to pursue it for a lengthy period or was he able to buy it immediately? He has such fantastic coins I'd love to hear his stories about the coins and how he acquired them. For instance, how about his MS69 cent--I'd truly like to hear how he found that coin and his thoughts about it. I'm sure some he found and bought with no problem, but I bet others took some time and effort to acquire. The interview was OK but given its subject and his collecting accomplishments, I thought it could be much more.

TwoSides2aCoin · July 12, 2008 1:20PM

A boost for numismatists.

<< 
Saturday July 12, 2008 2:22 PM (NEW!)

Goldbully - The 1938 Proof 67 red cameo cent is the finest Brilliant Proof cent 1936 -1942 I have ever seen.You will fall in Love when you see it.

Andy - I thought the interview went very well .I tried to be attentive and answer Davids questions.The PCGS people did a great job.David Hall called me the other day and said he will be at the show.

I can promise everyone they will not be disappointed if they have to go out of their way to see this exhibit of coins.This will be the most sucessful exhibit PCGS has ever displayed.

BJ Searls ands her posse will be letting people see the coins in hand.I will also be there answering questions,telling stories and sharing my coins.

Stewart
>>

Lakesammman · July 12, 2008 1:27PM

Can't wait to see the collections, especially the FE/IHC stuff. LMS has a great eye and some great coins. It's worth the trip X-country just to see the 1877 Indian Princess one more time.

The show down in Long Beach was one thing, but to see them ALL??

See you there.

Goldbully · July 12, 2008 2:10PM

<< Goldbully:

Your quotation from Mr. Blay and your picture of his coin shows exactly what I'd have loved to hear Mr. Blay discuss and why the interview disappointed me. In particular, where did he first see this fantastic cent, did he have to pursue it for a lengthy period or was he able to buy it immediately? He has such fantastic coins I'd love to hear his stories about the coins and how he acquired them. For instance, how about his MS69 cent--I'd truly like to hear how he found that coin and his thoughts about it. I'm sure some he found and bought with no problem, but I bet others took some time and effort to acquire. The interview was OK but given its subject and his collecting accomplishments, I thought it could be much more. >>

Mark,

I feel as you do, the interview was quite short.....we surely know that Mr. Blay could not give his all in a limited time window.

As per his response to my post of his exquisite 1938 Lincoln Proof, you got a sense of his passion!!!!

See the collection in Baltimore, and meet the man behind the copper.......that experience will be "much more!!!"

oreville · July 12, 2008 6:58PM

As a collector who has personally viewed the entire Norweb collection and was lucky enough to been given a personal "tour" of nearly each and every coin and medal by Ambassador and Mrs. Norweb themselves which altered my entire thought process of coin collecting back in the 70's, I look forward to this experience in Baltimore and hope that this experience will come somewhat close to the once in a lifetime experience of not just viewing a fabulous coin collection but also, as Mark says, get a mind altering experience by sitting with the collector(s) and getting a distinct feeling of their affection of not only his or her collection but also their beginnings, history and love of the hunt.

Also getting a better measure of the collector behind the collection by watching their eyes as they look and hold and handle their coins (even in a slab or 2x2) is priceless.

Goldbully · July 13, 2008 12:51AM

Also getting a better measure of the collector behind the collection by watching their eyes as they look and hold and handle their coins (even in a slab or 2x2) is priceless.

From PCGS Website: Stewart Blay Interview with David Hall - Very interesting interview!!! Huge Blay

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