Hey folks. I've been absent from the site for a little while, so might as well share some information on what is new with me. I was taken into Witter Coin U this year after neglecting to apply last year. Well, I'm near the end of my San Francisco trip, and tomorrow late at night I will be flying back to New England. As part of this trip - I finally got to meet our very own @YoloBagels - a delightful young man, and his father, also very kind. No other CT users are here, but I also got to get together with a number of Instagram users I follow, which was also nice to put usernames to faces. Below - myself with Alcatraz visible in the background. Further, I had the opportunity to expand my horizons outside of the coin culture (or lack thereof) in Maine and got the opportunity to handle some stunning coins, and speak to a number of experts including Doug Winter, David McCarthy, and Jim Stoutjesdyk of Heritage. Their speculations on where we stand in the market gave me some long-overdue confidence in my own opinions. Of course, Mr. Seth Chandler of Witter Coin ultimately is responsible for the opportunity I took on, as well as the donators and investors who allowed such a noble program to continue and grow in its second year. Anyways, this here is a thread that I plan to come back to and add more to once I have more time. I would also appreciate any questions, or private messages related to numismatics or this experience. I will be adding more photos soon!
Here are a couple of my pickups this week. Everything not imaged isn’t special. Just an 1816 cent, 1970 D 25¢ clip, couple others. Next post will be photos of some of my favorite items from this week that, plainly, I can’t afford. Forgive me for the poor photos
Calling the one and only John Albanese (who needs no introduction) And finally, the Witter Coin U slab given to each participant. 1922 S Peace. Below is my Instagram post I wrote in haste whilst having a flow of emotion. Finally had the opportunity I’ve been waiting for over the past 12 years of my numismatic journey. Coincidentally, my Witter Coin U week coincides with my 600th Instagram follower. At last, I’ve found a group of young men and women who can relate and share my interest - something which honestly caused me to cry today. I’ve been on the receiving end of so much generosity within this hobby, but nothing compares to what @wittercoin has gifted me this past week in San Francisco. For those YNs living in areas without a ‘coin culture’ as I call it - stick with it. Your people are out there, and although it may seem as if they don’t exist, it just takes some time and effort to find the right people. Finally, it feels as if years of ostracization and sneers have culminated in something I never could have wished possible. I only pray to my God that I can forward this gift on to another generation, but I have doubts I could ever give a gift as large as this. My chats with Mr. Seth Chandler @wittercoin in the shop yesterday (7/28) was just the confidence booster and reminders I needed to get me to travel further for the hobby I hold so dear. Knowing men like Commander Chandler are out there helping to repay what I must assume was what they were gifted as young men, and packaging their experience for another generation is refreshing. Who do I have to thank for inspiring me to apply for this noble program? @Bradley Trotter - your constant prodding gave me just the push I needed. @YoloBagels - without meeting you on our favorite coin forum and seeing your experience last year, I would not have felt the need to apply. @alamocitycoins - a great instagrammer I’ve finally met - his coins and personality are just as great in person
. Hmmmm.... What were your thoughts re. JA commentary on Toned Coins value? The gold $20.00 Old Granite Lady GC auction was a great contribution and Elton John winning over Mr. Elite shows the strong support for YNs by the Numismatic Community. All the Bidders were a Whos Who of the community. It is wonderful that you went. I have always enjoyed your Posts and outlook. The future is in good hands, with persons of your God Given talents.
Him and I seemed to agree on this topic. The market ebbs and flows, and eventually the pendulum will swing in the other direction and blast white will be en vogue again. I like blast white, but I won't touch over-dipped coins. The toning market is so damned hot that I won't touch it with a ten foot pole. The premiums are insane and vary too much for me to feel comfortable pursuing toned coins for myself. JA's comments on the gold sticker interested me more - he was willing to admit that quality coins bring higher prices in the market, but the gold sticker itself gives such a premium that quality coins are selling for multiple grade levels higher. I'm not a CAC denier by any means, but I refuse to pay up very much for a CAC sticker. I've owned green beans before, but never a gold. I consider myself a deal chaser - patience is key in my eyes. On top of this, JA and a number of other reputable sources have suggested big things are coming in 2023. I'm not sure who won the coin, but 24 THOUSAND dollars for what was about a 6 thousand dollar coin really does show the concept of paying forward our hobby holds close to the heart. The tax write-off and lunch with JA himself surely helped. The Witter Coin instagram page live streamed the end of the auction, and you can spot me in the video. Big thanks to the donors and investors allowing young men + women like me to reach out within the community I had only witnessed online. Once again, it was a blessing to have come. Next year, I'm barely eligible but hope the confidence I've gained will propel me by leaps and bounds to secure a spot for a second year. Thank you, @charley ! Although I may not have as much money put into the hobby, or great items, the things I've learned along the way and the research I've put in keeps me content with my collection!
Forgot to mention that this is my first gold. I took the time and waited to grab a $5. Sadly, after CA sales tax (8.6%) I overpaid but it will remain a souvenir for me for decades, most likely.
Maybe, but nope. Yeah it’ll be one that I hold on to for a long time so I don’t mind putting a few extra bucks into it. Maybe someday I’ll get my return.
You will be disappointed with that "nope". But, many will be elated and have already made suggestions to JA (which JA encouraged.)
You will, and sooner than you may be willing to be patient. These types of pieces have been very difficult to obtain, and will continue to be and are sought after.
My understanding was that $5 libs are among the most plentiful and can be acquired closer to melt than many counterparts. I’ve been told the same with the Indians though so I have zero clue what to think. I’ve heard from multiple sources that both are being melted en masse.
Wearing Boxer Shorts in the airport.....I don't know, I don't know. But as a human male, I can appreciate the placement of a cold beverage can after traipsing around an airport.
They are pajamas. Gotta be comfy when you’re waiting on a flight that takes off 4 hours late! I’m now sitting in Newark, NJ. Pilot didn’t show up to work today, we are now 1 hr. 45 minutes past scheduled boarding time. let’s just say I’m not very satisfied with United. Thankfully, Chris’ father was my emotional support last night and was more kind than I could have ever wanted. Yolobagels and family are great people!
I liked you, until your choice of pajamas. You would have impressed me if you were wearing Snoopy or 6 Million Dollar Man pajamas like mine. I won't wear mine to the airport, because I was always afraid someone would steal them. They are classic collector pajamas, sought after around the world. I can think of 2 places not to be: Indian Country and Newark. Both required a weapon, though, so.....
