I interviewed a strange coin collector I met a few years back for my online coin blog. I had chatted him up at several auctions we both attended and after getting to know Ed, I had to tell his story, with his permission of course, with the caveat I not use his last name. An eccentric numismatic deviant has brought back the “ penny”. EDITED The spin to this new numismatic deviation is that he does it to Morgan and Peace Dollars. When asked why he does this he simply stated he was “bored with the current state of the hobby.” And that he “wanted to add a level of risk to coin collecting that is so badly needed.” Apparently he was jilted by a series of fake PCGS coins and is seeking revenge on what he deems as an apathetic and uncaring coin collecting community. When asked to elaborate on which coins he targets, the response was simply staggering. Ed stated that “I usually put my Butt Wipe Wheaties into circulation buy leaving them in Coin-Star return slots or paying for stuff in change. That way, it finds its way into coin hobbyists hands faster. Ed says that he targets key dates like the 1909 VDB and 1931 S wheat pennies. He says it’s “karmic justice because numismatics in and of itself is an evil hobby. It’s controlled by hoarders and greed.” He also stated that he sacrificed more than a dozen 1885 CC Morgan Dollars to urine trays then had them certified by PCGS and all came back in Grade MS 62 or better. Unbelievable, that he would waste thousands of dollars on such a dastardly pursuit. He expounded upon other coins he has started circulating since 5 years ago. Here is a line-up of names straight from the middle ages. The list is as follows. The “Urinal CC Morgan Dollar” EDITED: LANGUAGE..PLEASE READ THE RULES! And his favorite the “Toilet Bowl Mercury Dime” because he can dip hundreds at a time this way. Ed stated that he has dumped into circulation about $12,000 in face value coins that he has abused in some way. Its hard to believe but I was shown ten 5 gallon buckets full of Morgans, Silver Dimes and Wheat Cents. And yes, he keeps track with a log book. Strange. His is a cautionary tale about greed and righteous retribution. As misguided as Ed’s philosophy of defiling silver coins and Wheat Pennies is, it makes him feel like a social justice warrior. His story lends credence to always wearing gloves when handling loose change. Ed is a sick man with a lot of money and time on his hands. That makes for a dangerous formula. His actions have caused me to quit coin collecting altogether. Let’s hope the next coin you get doesn’t have old Ed’s DNA on it. I have no idea what possessed or gave origin to this idea. I no longer talk to this bizarre person.
I can only imagine what some of his other hobbies might be, other than completing the hepatitis alphabet
This is one of the top five most odd-yet-entertaining threads I’ve seen on this site since I joined three years ago. Honestly it’s top three. Maybe even #1.
Sorry, you gave up coin collecting, If yall remember we used to put those coins in our mouths. Adds a whole new meaning to washing my hands!
I don’t know what to say about this tale, other than I knew there was a good reason I prefer slabbed coins.
I am not sure who or what is worse: Ed or the OP for posting this long-winded account akin to literary toilet paper. To say Ed and his actions are why you quit collecting makes this tale even less believable, and/or illustrates your lack of an ability to see there is no sensible causation for one thing to lead to another. It is tough to make money in this hobby, and even tougher to do so as a career. In my experience, I have come across very few honest dealers who haven't at least once tried to dump a coin they know is junk on me. Many have sold or tried to sell me PVC damaged coins, or those which were improperly cleaned, or showed photos at angles to purposely hide bag marks, wheel marks, rim dings, die cracks, scratches, or other imperfections. And I don't care what anyone says, an educated buyer is the worst thing for most dealers. They depend on stupid people to buy the bulk of their inventory which they overprice and overly exaggerate markets because of the need to sell. I find this to be especially true of those who sell error coins, which I love collecting. But I don't give up the hobby despite that I find most dealers or sellers to be deceptive. Why? Because there are a few great dealers, including people like Fred Weinberg and Jon Sullivan, who give me faith that there are not just great dealers but good men with good hearts who love promoting this fun and incredibly interesting hobby. They will be the first to give honest opinions and steer you in the right direction. They take the time to chat with you despite the demands and time constraints of being called upon as experts by those who spend thousands more, yet they make me feel just as important and worthy of their time. You gave up the hobby because of Ed? My friend, you are a fool (if this story is even true, which I doubt).
This was originally an (admittedly hilarious) skit from an old sketch comedy show called Upright Citizens Brigade. The guy on there "cheeked" a dozen rolls of "stinkin'-Lincolns" everyday for years on end and released them into circulation. His motive? The psychological dominance he maintains over anyone he meets, knowing they've likely handled his butt pennies at one point or another in their lifetime.This skit was obviously retooled here with an appropriate numismatic spin.