No, I wasn't. That specific coin, I carried in my pocket every single day for a bit over 7 years. Your memory is pretty good because you're pretty close with that date. And this will help you understand my previous comment a bit better too LA_Geezer. For about 2 decades I carried a 1 oz AGE in my pocket. That 2002 example was merely the last of them, there were several others of different dates that I carried before that one. I'm thinking it was about '89 when I first started doing that, carrying an AGE in my pocket. I did it for several reasons, one, I thought it was just cool as all get out to carry a 1 oz gold coin in your pocket - in the modern world. I'd never even heard of anybody else who had done it. Second reason was I did it to help promote coin collecting. Ya see, most folks didn't even know that the US still made gold coins, so whenever I pulled that AGE out of my pocket - it got people's attention in a big hurry. Everybody wanted to see it, wanted to hold it, wanted to talk about it. And in the process I would explain to them that I collected coins, and that if this coin caught their interest - maybe they should too. But why would I ever pull the AGE out of my pocket to begin with ? All kinds of reasons, sometimes I was just pulling change out when I bought something. Other times it might be a bet where flipping a coin decided the winner, or who was gonna pay for dinner, or who went first in a game, or, or, or. But yeah, the AGE was my flipping coin and it was used a lot, a whole lot - because I'm a gambler at heart. So why'd I need new ones from time to time ? Because whenever I went to a coin show, if I ran out of cash but still found a another coin I wanted to buy - well, out would come the AGE and I'd flip it to the dealer. And I'd use it to pay for that coin. So when I did that, well, I had to go buy a new one when I got home. As a result I think there were 4 AGEs that I had carried in my pocket. That 2002 was the last one. In late 2009 I sold that AGE to another forum member because he wanted it because it was mine. And because it had cost him dinner at the ANA show in Phoenix when we flipped to see who would pay for dinner. To him it was a keepsake. And @Islander80-83 - the reason I said you should get one and carry it in your pocket is because that's how you could - "bring up the subject in a general conversation promoting the hobby, without diminishing it at the same time." - just like I used to do with it edit - forgot to add this. Carrying an AGE in my pocket was directly responsible for getting quite a few folks interested in coin collecting over the years.
Yes, that would be an excellent subtle but effective tool to spark someone's interest. I wish I could afford to carry one of those around with me. I have however given wheat cents, old Buffalo's or Roosevelt dimes out to friends, kids or casual acquaintances. I would say: Hey, look what I got in change today!...and pull out one of these coins and show it to them. They would say: Oh, can I have it? I would say sure, here you go.
I get that. But maybe ya could afford a smaller one - just an idea. Of course what you're doing works too. But nothing really grabs their attention like gold
I think Jimmy Buffet sang it best "If we weren't all crazy we would go insane" I don't know if I'd do Dougs thing and carry around a 1OZ AGE, however I do have a 2004 1/10 OZ AGE that I wear on a gold chain around my neck
Ive carried assorted early problem coins at times. Just to wear off cleaning etc. seated half’s even draped bust dollars early quarters etc. just Is fun
If the coin is worth keeping it goes in my right front pants pocket. If it's not worth keeping it goes in my left front pocket. Once I'm home, the coins on the left pocket go on top of my dresser to be spent on another day but the right pocket coins go straight into a box to be added to my collection.
Really ! Cool, first time I ever heard of anybody running across one in the wild as it were ! And if you post pics of it, I can probably tell ya if it was one of mine or not.
This is no different than when I spent TONS of money on African Chiclids and the equipment to keep them alive and healthy.People would say "it's just a fish" i'd say but "it's RARE and BEAUTIFUL" LOL same thing with my collection of Morgan's and Proof sets. What ever Bloats your Foat.
As a lifetime collector, I have done crazy, nutty and stupid stuff. For the most part, I learned from it. Those that have never been in the hobby will never understand the joy and passion.
Heres an example of how nutty some of us are. Back in the early 80s I found a half a dollar in the cellophane of a discarded cigarette pack. Since then I've grabbed any little pieces I've come across. You would think I would put them in a nice frame. Nope. With me every day. I also collect coins tho they all stay home.