Mike DeFalco Toned Dollars Memorial Fund Auction Sunday, January 23rd - Donation Call

lablover · December 23, 2010 10:02PM

I'm going to set-up a Memorial Fund in honor of Mike DeFalco via Auction. Shane (Kryponitecomics) is handling the auction via his eBay.

Auction date is Sunday, January 23rd.

Those interested in donating a coin (or two) please PM Shane for his mailing address. All proceeds (less eBay/PayPal/Shipping Fees) will go to Laura DeFalco.

I have just one Toned Dollar, but it's one of the first I ever bought from Mike for donation. Here's the coin I will auction in Mike's honor.

This was Mike's description of the coin. He really knew how to describe a coin!!!

1882-CC $1 MS65 PCGS – DEEP GLOWING COLOR, PQ+++

WOW, this is an absolutely incredible coin – particularly in light of its grade designation (which borders on the absurd as far as I’m concerned). The fact is, if this coin were sent to me in a MS66 holder I’d be thrilled – yes, thrilled! It is well struck with pristine creamy surfaces that legitimately deserve a higher grade. The obverse boasts deep luminescent mahogany toning with an abundance of olive, emerald, lilac and raspberry coloration springing forth. The reverse is toned in a circular fashion with bister, malachite, mauve and raspberry surrounding brilliant emerald in the center. This is a thoroughly beguiling coin and one that I would be pleased to own again, and again, and again…..

kryptonitecomics · December 23, 2010 10:30PM

I just spoke with Jim and we are going to change this to Ebay auctions that I will be facilitating so we will let folks know where to send coins they would like to donate to the auctions and all proceeds will go directly to his family in the form of a memorial fund. This is a sad day for me and some of my best toners were purchased from Mike and he was a great guy and a real asset to the toned coin collecting comunity.

DonWillis · December 24, 2010 8:58AM

I received the following email from someone I don't know last Wednesday:

You might be aware that Mike DeFalco is battling esophageal cancer, and it's turning out to be the fight of his life. He's lost over 130 pounds and it's been one complication after another, and is currently sedated on heavy meds most of the time...so it's extremely serious.

He and Laura are also having a hard time making ends meet, struggling to even pay the rent, so I offered to send out a quick email to everyone who knows them and rally some help. They really can use our support, prayers and encouragement.

If you can do anything, please send checks payable to Mike DeFalco as per below. I know Laura will be most grateful.

Mike & Laura DeFalco
13 Mercato
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

You can also encourage Mike and Laura by sending emails to Laura at skrinker@aol.com. And please keep them in your prayers.

Thanks & Merry Christmas

Anyone sending checks should probably make them out to Laura DeFalco now that Mike has passed.

WTCG · December 24, 2010 9:15AM

I had received this same e-mail and was planning to post it here. It's good to see Don already has.

As far as I understand the author of the e-mail is Mike and Laura's priest.

AnkurJ · December 24, 2010 9:46AM

Wouldnt paypal gift be quicker? Less time for them to wait if things are tight.

PCcoins · December 25, 2010 2:19AM

Dang, Its been a rough and sad week on the boards. I remember when Mike was very active on the tccs website... he was one of the first big time toned coins dealers and collector, and a pioneer for toned collectors. I wish the best for his family and friends and hope for a Merry Chistmas.

pakasmom · December 25, 2010 8:09AM

Can anyone (that knew Mike) please confirm that this address is legit? I'll put a check in the mail, too. But seems a bit strange that the email isn't signed...

DonWillis · December 25, 2010 8:25AM

I received this followup eamil today:

I thought I'd follow up my email from couple of days ago to let you know that Mike De Falco passed away peacefully. Please keep Laura and their family in your prayers this Christmas day.

And just a reminder that Laura would be greatly encouraged by any financial help anyone might offer. This whole journey has really stretched their funds. Send money to...

Laura De Falco
13 Mercato
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Merry Christmas to everyone.

--
Drew Sherline

I don't know who Drew is.

TONEDDOLLARS · December 25, 2010 9:49AM

That Is the correct address

AuroraBorealis · December 25, 2010 1:53PM

<< <i>Can anyone (that knew Mike) please confirm that this address is legit? I'll put a check in the mail, too. But seems a bit strange that the email isn't signed...

>>

Link

AB

pakasmom · December 27, 2010 5:04AM

Check sent to Laura today.

Shane, please PM mailing instructions for a coin donation to the auction.

kryptonitecomics · December 27, 2010 6:43AM

<< <i>Check sent to Laura today.

Shane, please PM mailing instructions for a coin donation to the auction. >>

PM sent

kurtdog · December 28, 2010 12:32AM

I'm on a layover for a connecting flight, so I don't have much time. I just want to say, while I didn't know this gentleman, personally, I'm sure there are quite a number of us, here, similarly-situated, whom he had also indirectly "touched," and are as truly saddened as I to hear of his untimely passing. With all due respect, my sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

fullerton1963 · December 28, 2010 1:48AM

First of all, his correct address is: 13 Mercato Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. I sent a check to Laura and hope that all who knew Mike will do the same.
I do not regularly contribute to this forum and have only logged on 2 or 3 times in the last 10 years, but I feel compelled to add something to the comments on Mike DeFalco's passing. I met him in 1978 and he was perhaps the key reason I persevered in the field of numismatics as a professional. We did quite a bit of business in the late seventies and along with many others who used to attend what we called the "dealer's roundtables" many of which were held at his home. (The late David Griffiths was also a very big part of this group). He had an eye for exceptional coins and I learned much about grading---what was typical and more importantly, what as exceptional regarding Morgan dollars and $20 Saints. Mike was a great guy with a gift for gab and a salesman extraordinaire! He created and nurtured a great many collectors over the years and no one should sell him short of his contribution to the wonderful hobby/business of rare coins. I will miss him greatly and trust that he's in a better place now while lifting a glass of fine wine to his memory. Rest easy my friend; your legacy remains, your friend, Don Ketterling

kryptonitecomics · December 28, 2010 2:17AM

Really great post Don....gives us some additional insight into a man some of us knew but were not close with.

saintguru · December 28, 2010 3:23AM

Excuse my lapse, but what was Mike's "name" here?

kryptonitecomics · December 28, 2010 3:53AM

coingame2000

Justacommeman · December 28, 2010 9:28AM

Mikey always seemed larger then life. If you collected toned coins his name would always come up over drinks and stories...............RIP Mikey, you will be missed.

MJ

rkfish · December 28, 2010 10:46AM

Mikey was larger than life.....I met Mikey for the first time about 10 years ago and me being a retired South Carolina Game Warden, we would always sit and talk "fishin" first and "coins" second.

Mikey had a passion for coins but he also had a passion for fishing.

Rest in peace Mikey.......you'll be missed my friend!

telephoto1 · December 29, 2010 6:46AM

Please advise if/when the eBay auction(s) are started. Very nice piece btw. I think it's great how the coin community rallies at times like this.

Boom · December 29, 2010 9:50AM

Wow- Another shattering loss!

RIP Mike

coinman23885 · December 30, 2010 3:18PM

<< <i>I just spoke with Jim and we are going to change this to Ebay auctions that I will be facilitating so we will let folks know where to send coins they would like to donate to the auctions and all proceeds will go directly to his family in the form of a memorial fund. This is a sad day for me and some of my best toners were purchased from Mike and he was a great guy and a real asset to the toned coin collecting comunity.

>>

Will you post here and ATS to let everyone know when the auction will commence?

kryptonitecomics · December 31, 2010 2:44AM

I sure will...I spoke with Jim today and I believe we are planning on having the listings starting on Ebay January 16th as we don't want them running during the time of the FUN show for obvious reasons. More to follow....

lablover · December 31, 2010 9:14AM

Auction: Sunday, January 23rd via Shane's eBay

lablover · December 31, 2010 11:10AM

BG · December 31, 2010 4:57PM

<< <i>Auction: Sunday, January 23rd via Shane's eBay >>

lablover · December 31, 2010 9:26PM

Coppercolor · January 2, 2011 11:31PM

Home from vacation, and heading to the SDB to pick out a toner to be auctioned for the fund

coinhunters · January 8, 2011 1:01AM

Please post a reminder , as the auction date draws closer . I don't know that I can afford anything from those being offered, but I will try anyway . My heartfelt sympathy to mike's family . I lost my elder brother 4 years ago to cancer as well. It's a horrible end for anyone .

BG · January 21, 2011 7:55AM

Is this still a go? What coins will be in this?

Coppercolor · January 22, 2011 1:40AM

Bump for tomorrow's auction!

kryptonitecomics · January 23, 2011 10:07PM

The auctions are up now and I noted Mike Defalco Charity below the descriptions of each auction so collectors interested in helping out can take a look at only those auctions vs. wading through all of my weekly auctions to identify the correct ones. In addition I am going to individually link just those auctions below. We didn't get much of a turnout on submissions for the auctions and I think the timing with Cameron's death and that charity auction played a part but I want to thank everyone who sent coins in and let everyone know that I am covering all of the fees so 100% of the final bids will go to Mike's family so please help out if you are financially able

Charity Auction Coins

1882-CC PCGS MS65 Rainbow Toned

1968-S Proof Lincoln Cent Rainbow Toned

1953-D Lincoln Cent PCGS MS65RB End Roll Toned

1942 Proof Lincoln Cent ANACS PF63RB

1988 1 oz Silver American Eagle

1907-S Barber Dime PCGS VF30

Mike DeFalco Toned Dollars Memorial Fund Auction Sunday, January 23rd - Donation Call

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