Help me get the significance of this...

Another article for discussion. I guess the fanfare is lost on me here, but isn't this just another VAM? I'm not a morgan enthusiasts so that may be what's holding me back. Are these highly sought after? Or is it just, as the article touts "..a great example of how the Summer Seminar benefits the Association and its members"

http://www.coinweek.com/education/c...rgan-silver-dollar-authenticated-zerbe-proof/

 

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Zerbe was an ANA Icon.......you'd do well to know your place, young man.......

 

Been a member for 4 yesrs, first time I've ever heard the name. Guess I'll be researching.

 

He was significant enough to have the mint make him some 21 Morgan proofs. I wish I could get the Denver mint to make me a unique proof set every year.

 

And nothing condescending implied Phan.....just being a jackass.......

 

I meant no disrespect BTW, and should I feel good about you calling me a "young man"

 

Check the post above......

 

coming from you, the quintessential gentleman, I didn't take it that way

I said that for others when they get here

 

Oh dear......Mets/Dodgers on da tube.......Later fellows.

And Phan? That 'gentleman remark is gonna cost ya.......

 

Oh dear, that's tomorrow.......KC/Houston.....

 

I'm a bit surprised that the name Farran Zerbe did not strike a memory bell with our original poster. It surely would be a great honor for me if I were to win the ANA's Farran Zerbe Memorial Award for Distinguished Service. It is the highest honor they award to anyone. Unfortunately I never had occasion to meet him but would have been a very attentive listener for certain. And to educate our poster here's a link to a Zerbe proof.
http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/Coin/Detail/7341?redir=t
A little reading would be of immense benefit. I best stop before I turn on the RANT button and really get myself into trouble.

 

Let's just get the record straight here. The bold in the quote is my emphasis because the entire statement in the article is:
“This discovery is a great example of how the Summer Seminar benefits the Association and its members,” says ANA Museum Curator Douglas Mudd. “By making the collection available for classes and to top experts in the field, such as Dr. Fey, it can be more accurately attributed, thereby enhancing the Association’s educational mission.”
I'll still not turn on my RANT button but when something is so overtly incorrect it begs correction! otherwise random readers could form a negative attitude towards the subject at hand.

 

This would not have happened had the Summer Seminar not gotten those particular people into the same room, and that specific coin not been part of the curriculum. Now, a new Zerbe Proof example is known, and that is a Very Big Thing.

I would dearly love to hear the story from messydesk.

 

Yes, indeed; should be some story.

 

@techwriter I'm trying to figure out how to respond here.

I was genuine when is said I meant no disrespect. I was also genuine when I said I've been a member of the ANA for 4 years and never heard the name. That's not my fault.

I will admit to only being a more religious reader of the magazine with in the last year, but that is due in part to my decision to spring for the cost of the physical magazine and also my desire to become more invested in the hobby.

Not sure the need for a rant is called for, unless it's aimed at the ANA for failing miserably at makeing its self more accessible and meaningful to the collector who is not wealthy enough to make yearly pilgrimages to colorado to learn how to spend even more time on a hobby rather than his family, job, and other responsibilities.

I appologize for being so defensive and blunt, but your tone has set me off a bit. I asked out of a genuine desire to know the significance, and unlike some posters recently out here, have not disagreed with what was said or offered. I think you could have said what you did in a more educational tone rather than attempting to put me in my place as saving me from a rant.

I appologize if I've misunderstood your tone an point in your responses.

 

The 21 is alright, but the 21-s is the king for those
( Zerbe )

 

phankins11--no apology necessary; you spoke your mind and I spoke mine. I'm just a bit baffled that during your 4 years as an ANA member there was not a time when the Zerbe name or Zerbe award were not mentioned in all the ANA correspondence, mailings, etc. and The Numismatist. Oh well, allow me to apologize for being harsh and probably somewhat abrasive. Nothing I said was personal, I never do that as I try to always stay on point.

 

I always appreciate an open and honest conversation like this. A gentleman's conversation if you will. I appreciate your willingness to respond the way you did.

I did some digging around today in my spare time and did find some good information on Zerbe. Will probably continue to dig this evening. While I agree the ANA membership and The Numismatist is worth the money, some times I feel they miss the mark at grabbing my attention, not sure if others feel that way.

For me knowing the culture and past of an organization is just as important as what that organization does. I even went to money.org today and found a link to ANA Presidents...https://www.money.org/ana-presidents. Rather blah...wouldn't you say? LOL. Those names should have links and information as to what they contributed to the ANA along with what they contributed to the hobby. But its just a list of names and dates. SMH

Anyway, your responses are now more understood and it did make me sit up and take notice of some ANA history and I now know more than I did yesterday...which in my book is a good day.

 

ANA Presidents--what a list and such memories I have of many of them. Short history lesson for you: President 1941-43 J. Douglas Ferguson -- known as the "dean of Canadian numismatics"; I cannot say enough good things about him and among my treasures is a GEM BU Canada 1943 "Tombac" 5 cent piece from his personal collection. Oh, full disclosure here: I'm not a coin collector any longer. John Jay Pittman had a phenomenal Newfoundland gold collection. Grover Criswell was one of the first to really bring Confederate and Southern States currency to the heights it enjoys today. Q. David Bowers is a name I'm sure all ANA members know and his contribution to the hobby in both coins and paper money. A great gentleman. John Wilson, great guy and his wife Nancy just give freely of their time and talents to ANA and the hobby. Saw them this year at Memphis paper money show. Walt Ostromecki--can't say enough good things about him, known him long, long time and he's always straight and true. Glad to see he's on the ANA Board after his stint as President. And Steve Taylor--a true friend, confidant and mentor.
Well, enough history. The picture is Grover's autograph in one of his books that proudly resides in my numismatic library.

 

For those on the Zerbe hype train... just know that Zerbe was a controversial character in his time - and the so-called "Zerbe proofs" are equally controversial. They aren't true proofs, as Roger Burdette can elaborate on. They are business strikes, but specially prepared. PCGS actually doesn't label them as "proof" anymore, instead using the more accurate term "special strike."

For a the rest of the story I will refer you to the well-written article here, which lays out the controversy and explains it in more detail: http://www.coinweek.com/education/c...be-proof-morgan-silver-dollars-are-uncertain/