eLetters -December 20, 2023

My 2023 highlight was the final auction of California Gold Marketing Group artifacts recovered from the fabled “Ship of Gold,” the S.S. Central America, that sank in 1857 carrying tons of California Gold Rush-era treasures.

That March 2023 auction conducted by Holabird Western Americana Collections marked the culmination of happily working for nearly a quarter-century with California Gold Marketing Group Managing Partner Dwight Manley and scientist Bob Evans to publicize the fabulous sunken treasure items. The PR voyage took me across the country for multi-million-dollar “Ship of Gold” exhibitions and several auctions.

It was an honor to be part of the crew.

Donn Pearlman, Las Vegas, Nev.

My collection of circulated barber dimes has finally reached the #1 rank in the NGC registry! I’ve been collecting Barbers for a long time; started gathering certified coins about ten years ago, and I now have a nearly complete set in VF-20 to AU-58.

Name and address withheld

This year I got into foreign coins, getting burned out on American coins and high prices for stuff I didn’t think was rare.

I discovered Canadian coins and French Jetons or medals and loved doing research on the history of France. One of my top finds was this gorgeous toned Rainbow Jeton that I sent to PCGS, and it was graded MS-65. I call this numismatic archeology, and it is very satisfying finding raw coins, sending them in to be graded yourself, and feeling like you are creating something while preserving history.

I started writing about them in my local club's newsletter and did a presentation for the Grand Rapids, Mich., coin club.

Jim Burdick, Address withheld

From a coin acquiring perspective, finally purchasing an MS Capped Bust quarter.

From a gratification perspective, the half-dozen youth presentations were given at our local shows this year. So wonderful to see so many kids interested in coins. Afterward, they tend to visit our coin club show table. We provide them, and all other youths, with examples of the coins discussed at the presentation. It is very satisfying to see the awe and gleam in their eyes when given a related coin. What is more amazing is how much they know about the coin(s) discussed in the presentations. Ahh, the upside to the internet!

Lorne Lavertu, Herndon, Va.

I would have to say that delving into varieties this year has added a spark back into collecting for me. I have just found a 1958-D RPM-001 in BU condition. I have also learned a lot about true double die and mechanical doubling. All this started with a fantastic Christmas present last year from my son. He gave me a video microscope, and I have been searching with it since. I also found a vendor that sells fun rolls made up of various kinds of mint-issue coins with DDO, DDR, and RPMs. I have also found a lot of cud coins. All in all an exciting year for my 40th in the hobby.

Thanks for the great publication.

Mike McGuire, Address withheld

My highlight is finishing my Centennial 1876 proof set, excluding the gold, which is prohibitive. The last coin was a very nice PF-66 Trade dollar I was able to get at a reasonable price

I picked 1876 because it’s such a historic year. Custer’s Last Stand and Wild Bill shot, the election of Tilden and Hayes, and of course it is our centennial year.

Roy, Address withheld

I found a Roman coin from the year 270 in a supermarket parking lot. No one ever claimed it. I’m always looking.

Michael Emmerson, Connecticut