Who was you mentor when you started collecting varieties?

[uglycent]

I never really had a mentor, but I recall in 1974 looking at a bank wrapped roll of cents I traded for a half dollar(we use to use those) and was amazed with my hyper focused mind that each shinny cent had its own intricate beauty to it. This developed into a passion for collecting that faded for a long time as my kids grew up. But now I don't have to chase all those problems anymore and with the information put out on the internet and great Authors producing some wonderful text drew me right back into the hobby(compulsion). Being of an addictive nature this has helped me turn my destructive behaviors into a wonderful way to share and learn. In short all the fine people here have been my mentors and encouragement. Thanks all Anthony

[atarian]

I always wanted to promote my chips/crack area of the hobby. Most sites just poo poo it and dismiss it. You guys and gals embraced it. So on some level you all are mentors by way of supporting it. But Seeing how others do their areas of collecting on here also taught me a thing or 2 i can apply to the way I do my collecting.

[corroded]

My mentor was gene Nichols (discovered the 95D 3-0-V), I found one also and went to ebay to look there
to see what i had, saw one of his items to sell, sent him an email and we are good friends to this day, we
and our wives do stuff together. He lives 115 miles from me.

Bill

[onecent1909]

My mentor and a very good friend, Michael Cockfield who passed away on May 27, 2013.
He started teaching me about varieties in 1999 and shared his copies of coin world and numismatic news. Born in 1959 in Rhode Island he lived in Ocala, Florida for the last 22 years. I would see him with his wife by his side at 4 or 5 shows every year, with a laugh that would make everyone smile. Always searching to buy silver bullion, key date coins, and some varieties
He would go dealer to dealer examining and buying the right ones for him.
He occasionally pointed out variety coins to dealers, so they may be able to sell them for more money. Always willing to help anyone who asked, he was a quiet giant among mortal men.
Mike you will be missed my friend, this one is for you.

[coop]

Mine was Charles Daughtrey. We called him "CD" then on Ebay chat. That was several years ago. We chatted a few times on the phone, but mostly on the chat lines. I was always glad to help out when I could.

[jhcons]

Mine was Charles Daughtrey. We called him "CD" then on Ebay chat. That was several years ago. We chatted a few times on the phone, but mostly on the chat lines. I was always glad to help out when I could.

Yeah Coop I remember the chat room. we would have to hit refresh or something everytime. Mine was Chuck and Coop. As he said it was a while ago. As short and direct as chuck is he was a very good friend and teacher as was coop who had a tad bit more patience than Chuck did. Oh yeah Gene Nichols was very helpful to me also as he lives not far. We used to travel to shows with him and his wife. He would bring scope to motel rooms.

[simonm]

I must have missed this thread 2 years ago.
I have pretty much everyone to thank on this forum, as they all helped me get to where I am now.

I've always looked up to Bob and Chuck specifically, as I would like to pursue a "career" of being a well-known die variety attributor in this hobby.

Chris and I have also been in close contact, he has helped me immensely and answered so many questions I have regarding cherrypicking, key dates, grading, buying, selling, etc. He has provided me with many educational pieces that really helped me understand how certain die varieties and errors occur.

But I also have to thank all the members of this forum. It seems like every day I'm learning new things.

[flyhi3]

For me, I would have to say it is Bob and Chris. They have helped me SOOOO much in this wonderful hobby, and I feel I would be lost without this forum, and all of its great people, so to all of you I say:
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

-Alex

[hasfam]

Glad to see this thread resurrect and due acknowledgment be given to some wonderful mentors including our very own resident experts such as Bob, Chuck and Chris.

[Petespockets55]

This is a great thread I stumbled on and thought I'd give it a "BUMP"!

Do any newer members want to chime in? I will when I'm done imaging coins. LOL

[WaterSport]

When you're specifically talking varieties - the push came from a collecting friend on the PCGS Forum who I will just name as Mike. Not only was he encouraging me to collect proofs, then Matte proofs, etc. What was left? Varieties! - so he got me down that road and directed me here! And like others have said, with out the help of all of you past and present, my knowledge nor my collection who have grown.

Bob

[makecents]

Nice thread, Rock and thanks for bringing it back, Cliff! I have never really collected, at least as many of you do but have enjoyed my crazy coin journey. I guess I would have to roll back to VAMworld though, for my original mentor. It was Mitch Hill ("Mhomei" on VAMworld). The patience he showed, while I stumbled around, trying to figure things out, was absolutely amazing. After moving to Lincolns and coming here, I found that there were the same folks, always willing to help and unbelievably patient. There are so many on here, I'm not even going to list, just say, The Lincoln Cent Forum. Thank you all!