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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;clembo, post: 345075, member: 8033&quot;]<b>A VERY long answer</b></p><p><br /></p><p>To effectively understand my thoughts one must go back to the beginning.</p><p><br /></p><p>In ancient times coin collecting was easy – for those in power. It was called taxation. Send out government goons to collect coins from the squalid masses then pick what you wanted. Simple for an Emperor.</p><p><br /></p><p>As time progressed coin collecting was still easy. It was called taxation. King, Queens and Nobles sent out government goons to collect coins from the squalid masses. They could pick out what they wanted. Once again simple.</p><p><br /></p><p>Oridinary people could not afford to collect coins as they were all given up for taxation and the occasional meal.</p><p><br /></p><p>Ever so slowly this began to change. Some people actually began to make money without being an Emperor, King, Queen or Noble. They could actually afford to set a few prime examples aside – still at the expense of the squalid masses.</p><p><br /></p><p>Leap forward to more recent times!</p><p><br /></p><p>“Ordinary” folks began to set aside coins for a “collection”. This seemed to be catching on so Mints started making Proofs. These were stellar examples of coins meant solely for “collectors”. </p><p><br /></p><p>Now the fires burning! People with a few cents/dollars to spare are setting aside examples for future generations. These people really appreciate the beauty&nbsp; and history behind a coin. The design, the symbolism!</p><p><br /></p><p>As this “revolution” progresses coin dealers come into play. They not only COLLECT coins but will SELL them at a profit! These are enlightening times but also dark ages. Many of these coins are harshly cleaned to increase “eye appeal”. Many are lacquered to preserve. Many beautiful coins are irreparably damaged at this point.</p><p><br /></p><p>At this point a lot of Coin Dealers are the only source around. They may have an inherent interest but will doctor a coin in a heartbeat. The information channels are not yet flowing to the increasing number of collectors so the collector takes what he/she can get with very little knowledge. Just a love for coins.</p><p><br /></p><p>&nbsp;Now let&#039;s leap forward past the first days of the Blue Whitman folders but we must mention them. Seems ALL collectors had a Blue Whitman. Usually “pennies”. These could be pulled from circulation to fill the holes.</p><p><br /></p><p>Next we have two DRASTIC changes! Third Party Grading Services (TPG&#039;s) and the internet!</p><p><br /></p><p>Now serious collectors can have their coins “professionally” graded and encased. Now we can also have “investors” who don&#039;t know the first damn thing about coins buying the slab and not the coin!</p><p><br /></p><p>This is a real blow to the hobby because before you know it EBAY pops up! Now “investors” that know nothing about the hobby can sell coins to the newer, uninformed buyers by touting a piece of plastic with some metal in it.</p><p><br /></p><p>Now during this period serious collectors have gotten wiser too. More information is available to them. They read, learn how to grade and do research. At this point newbies are a lost cause but the REAL collectors know differently.</p><p><br /></p><p>Meanwhile, Ebay has grown to a monster! New “self slabbers” appear on a regular basis. “Investors” buy into this only to be disappointed in the long run. Oh yes, it&#039;s good for a while but lurking in the shadows are the “real” collectors.</p><p><br /></p><p>“Real” collectors start to openly question and criticize the TPGs (especially the self slabbers). Now ebay is actually feeling a bit of heat. Seems they are contributing to fraud and people are ACTUALLY questioning it.</p><p><br /></p><p>Solution? They only “recognize” five services.</p><p>Next solution. Hide bidder ID&#039;s.</p><p>Next soulution? Who knows?</p><p><br /></p><p>Bottom line is that a monster HAS been created and it&#039;s not just ebay or TPGs. It&#039;s TV, Media, Internet – name your poison.</p><p><br /></p><p>On the good side we still have sites like CoinTalk where serious collectors get together, help new collectors and fight the BS.</p><p><br /></p><p>The hobby will do just fine in the long run.</p><p><br /></p><p>Clembo</p><p><br /></p><p>P.S. I reserve the right to edit this post as it&#039;s really long! <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie2" alt=";)" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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