Now there are 2! Just purchased/received the 2nd coin of my Collection. PICS!

Well I am about 9 to 10 months into this wonderful hobby. As I stated previously, the vast amount of those months (coming up on a full year shortly) was spent strictly READING, finding more books, READING, going to coin stores and picking the brains of those few store owners willing to cough up their knowledge, then I would go home and do some more READING. Im guessing I have read close to 17,000 pages of numismatic literature over the since I decided I was going to really put my heart and soul in this wonderful world of all things numismatics. Besides books, auction catalogs, and other such printed materials, I eventually found all of the wonderful forums that exist here on the "world wide interweb" as I loving call it. CT was the first one I found and in finding it I really got lucky. My first post or second post was a general post with a number of questions on how to go about really collecting, I dont mean just buying a $30 coin here, an MS-70 2012 ASE (not that there is anything wrong with that, just not my cup o tea). I received a few responses that were helpful (as all responses I have ever received have been, everyone here is really outstanding for giving their time and effort to answer questions and help out fellow collectors especially newbies as I certainly was). However, one member in particular took the significant amount of time and trouble to message me and develop a dialog with me on the ins and outs of being a successful collector and most importantly how to really enjoy this great passion of ours. Not only did this particular member help provide me with excellent guidance and thoughtful insight into my questions but he additionally directed me to some of the ABSOLUTE BEST, MOST HONEST rare coin dealers one could hope to have the honor and privilege of doing business with. I wont name this person here as I dont want him to be inundated with messages and requests from the whole of the forum's membership but needless to say he is extremely well-versed in the world of numismatics, is extremely giving of his time and knowledge and I cant thank him enough. This gentleman most certainly knows who he is, and once again I say Thank you so very much for being a great mentor!

Now that I have given much needed credit where it was due, it is time for me to introduce the 2nd coin I have purchased for my collection, which I have decided to name the MKULTRA Collection. Some may remember the first coin added, a 1942 Proof Liberty Walking graded by NGC PF-66 with CAC approval. This coin spoke to me because of its incredibly beautiful toning (ESPECIALLY THE REVERSE, I still start to drool when I look at that beautiful heraldic eagle, though the Obverse is stunning as well). As my mentor could attest to, I hemmed and hawed over where to go from there after this first purchase. Ultimately, I decided that the 2nd coin to be added to the MKULTRA Collection would be a Buffalo Nickel. And by Buffalo Nickel I mean a 1937 Brilliant Superb GEM Proof Nickel. Graded by PCGS as PR-66 and given the green bean of approval by CAC this Proof Buffalo just shouts "LOOK AT ME!" This coin has fields so deeply mirrored you could literally shave with them (though I dont plan on trying this). Additionally these highly mirrored surfaces are beautifully complimented by a light yet extremely pleasing patina in colors best described as glacier blue and iridescent pink on each side. The coin is spot free and has a lovely overall appearance. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this Superb Gem Proof Buffalo and feel so honored to own it. I was fortunate to purchase the coin from the same great dealer who worked with me on my first purchase of the 1942 Liberty Walking Proof. Once again this all stems back to the wonderful CT member mentioned above who really helped to guide and teach me and for that I am truly thankful. I will now shut up and post some pictures, thought I must note that taking good pictures of Proofs (as many of you know) is especially difficult even more so when they are slabbed. I have tried to do my best and will see if I can get better ones when I have access to better lighting but for now here they are. Any and all comments greatly appreciated. Thanks to all of you!

 

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And the Sweet Sweet Reverse... *NOTE: All scratches seen in the pictures are on the holder, the coin is 100% free of scratches, hairlines or any other such blemishes*

 

expensive pieces, but nevertheless worth every penny you spent and more. well done WierdFishes, well done.

 

It was tough but I managed to fit my ENTIRE collection into 1 picture

 

Amazing coins and a great story. Things like this are what make sites like this one so awesome.

 

Beautiful coin. I prefer quality over quantity as well. It means I don't get to buy as many coins
as I would like, but the ones I have, I treasure. Good score WF!

 

yes yes yes 1000 times yes!

 

Really great, IMO you are doing the best thing a collector can possibly do, educate themselves, be patient, and buy really quality coins. Amazing, really great job, I look foward to seeing your collection as it grows.

 

Well stated xGAJx. While my collection is only 2 coins, I cant even count how many coins of the same date and type I looked at before pulling the trigger and buying these 2. I would say I easily looked at 200 1942 Proof Walkers in slabbed between Proof 64 and 66. 140 to 160 on the Buffalo, looking at 65s and 66s. As you surely know grading is so subjective and there are many undergraded jewels out there just waiting to be picked up. Ultimately though the these were the 2 for me, both from the same dealer who is an absolute pleasure to deal with. While he doesnt have a massive inventory (probably no more than 40 or 50 coins or less at any one time, the coins he does have are ABSOLUTE GEMS, hand picked by him for their appeal. His prices are so incredibly reasonable and fair, he is the go to guy... Much thanks for the Like!

 

Looks like a beautiful freakin' coin!

 

Beautiful coins.:thumb: Great approach too!
I'm following a similar path, but starting at a different point. After rediscovering my childhood collection, then adding two family collections, I stopped and focused on reading. I'm only about 2 dozen books into my reading journey (plus periodicals, forum, websites, etc.) but enjoying the hobby so much more for what some would consider a detour. CT has been invaluable - the advice, the recommendations, the generous and helpful members - priceless.
Again, beautiful coins, and thanks for sharing!

 

Beautiful coins!

 

very nice.

 

Wow! Going straight for the gusto I see! Wonderful pickups!

 

I will admit buffalo nickels are not high on my favorites list (I know, I don't know why either) but this one just floored me. I've never seen a proof buffalo in high grade and that one is just oozing with the IT factor. Awesome pickup and kudos to your mentor. Love this site.

edit: WeirdFishes - Are you going for some sort of Proof Type Set?

 

MKULTRA, indeed! Are these for a 7070, or do you have a couple series to collect?

 

Awesome coin and I am totaly on board with your collecting style. I also have small collection and focus on quality.

 

I can just imagine LostDutchman's collection, hundreds of quality specimens such as this.....

 

The obverse of that Buffalo is just sweet!

 

Well weirdfishes, no one can accuse you of not having good taste.

It sounds like you went about it the right way by educating yourself and making well thought out decisions.
The route you took is much different than many of us take, but that is the great thing about collecting, you can do it however you want as there is no standard.
I'm on the other end of the spectrum. I enjoy collecting raw coins and filling up albums, for various reasons, including the involvement of my kids. I am not sure if your motivation for buying these type of coins is purely investment, or future returns, but your satisfaction is what really matters.
Good luck with your collection and I really look forward to seeing the next installments in the MKULTRA portfolio.

-greg