Favorite Numismatic Experience of 2010

DonWillis · December 20, 2010 7:20AM

As we approach the end of the year let's look back on our favorite experiences from 2010.

I get to see so many fantastic coins that it's impossible for me to pick just one, so I will jump in this thread multiple times!

Most recently it has been handling the 1943 Bronze cent collection. It is unique. What else can you say?! PCGS will happily exhibit these coins at the FUN show next month.

blu62vette · December 20, 2010 7:26AM

I would not be able to choose. I saw some amazing sets and coins. I saw a couple IHC sets in red, an amazing pioneer gold set, a complete DMPL set and the 67+ 1909 VDB lincoln. In addition spent some great time with some great coin folks. I would not be able to pick a favorite, it was just a dang good year.

BillJones · December 20, 2010 7:27AM

My top achievement for 2010 was finishing my half cent through presidential dollar type with this 1796 half dollar. It took me a little more than 45 years to get this far.

guitarwes · December 20, 2010 7:30AM

My highlights of the year was finally being able to purchase and hold a $20 Liberty and St. Gaudens, both in AU.

AnkurJ · December 20, 2010 7:32AM

My highlight has been completing my Bust half basic date set, and purchasing a choice Fine 15 Flowing Hair Dollar.

DrPete · December 20, 2010 7:52AM

No doubt, for a Barber-aholic like me, the auction of the Dr. and Mrs Steve Duckor set of Barber halves and the festivities associated with that including the magnificent dinner afterwards in Cambridge with the Duckors and Friends and Heritage folk. Oh, and my wife getting into the spirited bidding at the above auction "helping" me get the 1907 half.

Walkerguy21D · December 20, 2010 8:09AM

Spending a full afternoon last summer with an elderly EAC dealer/collector, who had just acquired a complete date/major variety set of large cents put together back around 1960 or so, housed in a National Coin album - talking extensively about large cents, and then getting first shot to buy anything I wanted (except the few he needed), at very reasonable prices. What a great day that was!

JamesMurray · December 20, 2010 8:14AM

I finally sourced and procured a Mary Queen of Scots 6d in beautiful condition with proper paperwork and the woman who executed her Elizabeth 1 , also a 6d and has the rose marking.
I didnt think i'd ever find a Mary Bawbee never mind be adding one to my Dansco.Not the most expensive coins but having been on the Mary trail for some time quite satisfying.

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS · December 20, 2010 8:20AM

I got a + upgrade at PCGS for my 1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Yes even I can get an upgrade !

Stewart

golfer72 · December 20, 2010 8:28AM

Completing my Lincoln wheat date set in MS. Mostly RD, a few BN, some RB. Still a few I want to upgrade. Oh and all but 3 or 4 are in PCGS holders!

STONE · December 20, 2010 8:29AM

Bar none: Discovering and cherrypicking a very scarce Top Pop Bust Dime Die Marriage

coinguy1 · December 20, 2010 8:32AM

Seeing that PCGS had filed a lawsuit against alleged coin doctors.

renomedphys · December 20, 2010 8:44AM

Getting my new avatar:

RTS · December 20, 2010 8:51AM

None, really.

fcloud · December 20, 2010 9:15AM

Finding the last coin I needed to meet my goal of being the first person with a 100% complete Mercury Dime Variety Set: "Mercury Dimes Complete Variety Set, Circulation Strikes (1916-1945)." The 1935-S/S FS-501 is last coin found, and shown below. The grade posted on November 8, which makes 11/8, my completion date. I still have some upgrades to do. This is a very difficult set to complete in any grade. This coincided with my 10,000th post. There is a link in my sig line to the set.

BigMoose · December 20, 2010 9:23AM

My favorite numismatic experience of 2010 extends back a few months to Sept. 2009 when I flew out to Los Angeles to spend a few days closely looking over Ted Naftzger's 750 or so Late Date Large Cents being auctioned by the Goldberg's. The quality of these coins was just astonishing. I was able to win 4 of my favorite 6 lots at auction(then was lucky enough to buy a great 1843 that I was underbidder on from Laura Legend at the Phila. Show a few weeks later at an extremely reasonable markup). Getting out to dinner with good friends Mike Stefano and Andy Skrabalak in Beverly Hills was a special treat. The Kobe fillet at CUT was incredible

ThePennyLady · December 20, 2010 9:41AM

Like, Don, I have had several great numismatic experiences this year and it's hard to pick just one. And this may sound like I'm just trying to score some points but, honestly, one of my most favorite experiences involving numismatics is meeting and getting to know such great and knowledgeable coin people. Though I've been involved in coins for many years, I've only been traveling to shows around the country for the past few years. And this year has been especially rewarding since many of the coin people I encounter actually know who I am now and are always friendly and helpful, especially at the airports since they are veteran travelers! This has meant more to me than even finally completing my Indian cent collection, which I also did this year!

ajaan · December 20, 2010 9:41AM

Mine is darkside. Buying, the same day, a GB 1958 1/2 VIP Proof, I now have 3 of the 5 certified, and a GB 1964 1/2d VIP Proof, the only coin certified (3-5 estimate).

Lakesammman · December 20, 2010 9:41AM

Conversation with Don, where he convinced me to cross over a rare coin from NGC "HIV+" to PCGS "Genuine".

On a more serious note - acquiring a PCGS AU58 Oregon $5 (top pop at PCGS) at FUN after coveting it for roughly 2 years or so.

cmerlo1 · December 20, 2010 9:44AM

Cherrypicking a 1942/1-D Mercury dime, that made AU-58+ FB @ PCGS.

MikeInFL · December 20, 2010 9:48AM

<< Seeing that PCGS had filed a lawsuit against alleged coin doctors. >>

+1

RWB · December 20, 2010 10:01AM

Locating the mint reports on 1942 experimental coinage. Also, speaking to several specialty collectors’ clubs during the ANA convention and the Saint-Gaudens seminar at Aspet.

rare1 · December 20, 2010 10:05AM

aquiring the only pcgs graded 1836 50/00 bust half for my proof bust half set (pf-64)

DieClash · December 20, 2010 10:08AM

I didn't get wealthy this year. I didn't cherrypick anything of value this year. I didn't buy or handle anything really expensive or see anything of extraordinary worth this year. But I did meet a fellow VAM enthusiast from another message board and his spouse and it was the most excellent numismatic experience of 2010 examining many elite clashed-die VAMs as well as socializing with a like-minded numismatic enthusiast.

Cheers!

Kirk

Stew · December 20, 2010 10:08AM

Definitely been a very interesting year.

Finding my first discovery piece and two second specimens known inside a couple of
months time.

Discovery Piece : Die Trails Lincoln Cent; 1988D-1DEO-001T,1988D-1DER-003T

Two second specimen known: 1972 S SB Eisenhower Dollar with Die Trails and a
1974 S Cuni-Clad Eisenhower Dollar Micro "S" mint Mark

Terry

STONE · December 20, 2010 10:08AM

<< aquiring the only pcgs graded 1836 50/00 bust half for my proof bust half set (pf-64) >>

Pics please

DonWillis · December 20, 2010 10:29AM

aquiring the only pcgs graded 1836 50/00 bust half for my proof bust half set (pf-64) .... and a beauty it is my friend!!

Or how about the Friend Capped Bust Halves?

Or the Hesselgesser Bust dollars?

Or more of the Holmes large cents?

Or the Simpson $10 Indians?

ColonelJessup · December 20, 2010 10:45AM

Teaching at ANA Summer Seminar

bidask · December 20, 2010 11:02AM

<< Teaching at ANA Summer Seminar >>

what did you teach? I was there in 2009...

aj2525r · December 20, 2010 11:07AM

Getting a chance to sit down and go through a lot of my collection and take time to enjoy it.

I have a lot of coins, still like them and enjoy getting to look at them.

TwoSides2aCoin · December 20, 2010 11:17AM

My favorite experience for 2010 was telling another local dealer to get out of my shop and to never come back.

I remember his words : "If I walk out of this shop, I won't be back" Then about two minutes later he was knocking on my door screaming "I forgot my keys".

I handed him his keys and said "good bye".

Broadstruck · December 20, 2010 11:32AM

<< My favorite experience for 2010 was telling another local dealer to get out of my shop and to never come back.

I remember his words : "If I walk out of this shop, I won't be back" Then about two minutes later he was knocking on my door screaming "I forgot my keys".

I handed him his keys and said "good bye". >>

Broadstruck · December 20, 2010 11:50AM

For me it was being at the right place at the exact right time

Goldbully · December 20, 2010 11:55AM

For me, it was having President Don Willis process my tiny CC Special PCGS submission at the Baltimore fall show!!!!

cardinal · December 20, 2010 12:01PM

PCGS-Certified 1794 Dollar Sets World Record

drddm · December 20, 2010 12:02PM

<< 

<< aquiring the only pcgs graded 1836 50/00 bust half for my proof bust half set (pf-64) >>

Pics please

>>

I hope rare1 doesn't mind me posting his AMAZING 1836 50/00 PR64 bust half (courtesy of Coin Facts) but I thought that those interested should see this incredible coin!!!

Congrats rare1 on acquiring such a beautiful coin for your set

RYK · December 20, 2010 12:07PM

I think that my personal highlight was attending the March Baltimore show. This encompasses meeting Longacre (and several other east coast forum folks) for the first time, acquiring the dirtiest Dahlonega $5 I have ever seen, reconnecting with forum member, Dahlonega, having coins photographed by Todd, and posing for a photo with the lovely AND charming Charmy.

As for acquisition highlights, the six dirty No Motto Liberty $10's in PCGS OGHs with the assist from forum member Norseman (who must be having a fit as his beloved Vikings are getting killed again) that were received by me in January stands out as #1. A close second would be the 1851-O $20 SSCA XF-45 from Pat Vetter.

yellowkid · December 20, 2010 12:13PM

I enjoy the new pieces I acquired this year, but I have more fun traveling to one of the big shows 4 or so times a year and meeting a lot of the people who post here and enjoying all the great coins.

bidask · December 20, 2010 12:26PM

The establishment of pcgs PARIS.......

DieClash · December 20, 2010 12:26PM

<< For me, it was having President Don Willis process my tiny CC Special PCGS submission at the Baltimore fall show!!!!

>>

Suck up!!

agentjim007 · December 20, 2010 12:30PM

A very uneventful year.

Stupid · December 20, 2010 12:34PM

Starting a type set, with some very nice coins and advice from a great collector/dealer friend.

MsMorrisine · December 20, 2010 12:34PM

reading some interesting historical facts uncovered by RWB.

Justacommeman · December 20, 2010 2:15PM

Easy for me. Boston ANA...............I got to meet old friends and make new ones as well.

The boat ride and coversation with Gregg Bingham, Larry Shepherd, Bonnie Sabel, Richard Schultz and myself at our table was pretty special.
Latter we adjourned for a nightcap and Dale Friend and his lovely wife Stacie joined up with us. It turned out to be a lively and lovely gathering. Gosh, I love the old coin stories and long for smoeone to write the ultimate backstory book on the life and times of dealers, the shows the characters and all the deals gone good and bad...............

I was aso able to pick up a couple of dream coins at Boston ANA which made for a great memory

MrEureka · December 20, 2010 2:27PM

My best guess is that my favorite numismatic experience of 2010 has yet to occur.

Unknown · December 20, 2010 2:45PM

This content has been removed.

krueger · December 20, 2010 3:41PM

Just bought my last coin to complete my U.S./Philippine complete date set including the proofs.
Business strikes in PCGS; Proofs in PCGS and NGC. All but one coin are MS60 or better, which was my goal.
What a difficult goal it was . Some dates are flat out rare in UNC and not cleaned (as they like to do in the Philippines).
Several of the coins I waited decades to find.
I Bought my first one in 1975 last one 2010. Thirty -five years!

Krueger

BillyKingsley · December 20, 2010 5:28PM

2010 was, generally, a lousy year numismatically for me, and overall as well. I was fighting health problems for much of the year, and I had practically no money to spend on the hobby. I also lost several close friends which, while not from this hobby, put a dampener on most of the year.

I would say the highlight for me was the nice gifts I recieved from friends on the boards. Almost every single new aquisition this year was a gift from friends. They mean more to me than anything I bought myself.

Honorable mentions (Essentially my whole year)
Visiting both my local coin shops for the first time
Adding 10 new countries to my world coin collection (Counting German states as indivigual countries, as the issues I got were pre-Unification. 4 of 10 were German States) bringing my country total to 103. Almost all of which came from my two "purchases" of bulk world coins, most recently last Christmas.
Finding two errors while roll searching (2008 cent with minor die rotation, 1978 nickel with lamination issue on both sides)
Getting a nearly uncirculated Hawaii note, my largest currency purchase ever.

TahoeDale · December 20, 2010 6:32PM

Thanks to PCGS, being able to exhibit my Early and Capped bust halves at FUN and Long Beach, and meeting new friends along the way.

Second most rewarding event-- crossing at grade an NGC MS 66 CBH, that is now 2nd finest known at PCGS.

RYK · December 20, 2010 9:58PM

<< My best guess is that my favorite numismatic experience of 2010 has yet to occur. >>

Aki getting you an 1815 $5 for Xmas?

Longacre · December 20, 2010 10:50PM

Clearly the Numismatic Experience of 2010 was the historic meeting between Longacre and RYK at the Baltimore show in March. The press pool was 4 deep.

Favorite Numismatic Experience of 2010

Comments

Leave a Comment