Login
The ANA was founded to promote and protect the hobby of Numismatics. It is an organisation whereby all are welcome who share in the passion and joys of collecting. Whether coins, tokens, medals, currency or script, originating in the United States or from around the globe. On the ANA website there are two places where topics, subjects, questions or comments may be posted for others to read and reply. One, the member blog page and the other a member forum. However, due to an ease of adding images the former seems to be the more used of the two, despite a lack of understanding in the purpose and intent of each. Recently, there have been many repeated postings from membership who clearly acknowledged their intent to collect points. This is not, nor has it ever been, the purpose as to why we are here. They mean absolutely nothing. Posting is not a competition of prizes or status as being better than another. This in no way means that you are limited to a number of postings to share. In fact it's the opposite, they are strongly encouraged, no matter how many or how often. The point is, reflect for a moment as to what you are a part of and why you are here. If you are merely here for points which win you nothing, then you misunderstand why the ANA exists. I know that this topic has been discussed, and commented on, private emails exchanged to the fact and so forth. I strongly suggest that you read the terms and conditions found at the link on top of the page or at the very bottom. The very first being, spam which this behavior borders on. Again, in no way am I or anyone discouraging participation in the blog or forum postings. I read each and every post, and although I do not always comment on them, this in no way means I am not interested or dislike what has be posted. Yet to be told it was posted for points is insulting, not only of myself but the membership as a whole. -Longbeard.
The blog subject of the week arose setting at my desk re-reading book which I had bought a few years back. With winter's chill outside of the window this seemed like a good thing to do to pass the day, as I got older outdoor activity tapers off dramatically. With that, I would like to present a review of a most fascinating book. Enjoy!
January is a month where as collectors we begin new things, largely from New Year's Resolutions we've made pertaining to our hobby. Like most of you, the first weeks were spent adding a few missing coins or sets to finally complete a series run many years in the making before delving into something new. In the process, sorting through and looking at the many beautiful specimens amassed over 49 years I stumbled across a coin which instantly became the subject of this weeks blog. The Classic Head Large Cent. Enjoy!
Last weeks blog received both the expected and surprising responses. Expected in that most of us, or so those who participate on the ANA website, are true collectors. Meaning, collecting a coin or coins without being graded is generally the manner conducted as opposed to the investor type with deep pockets looking for a maximized profit first and passion for the design or reasoning they exist second. Surprising in that none seemed intent on making a case for graded coins. In either event, the subject of the week is the flip side to the previous. Grading. Enjoy!
The title of this week's blog was sure to draw your attention, the term I personally have used to describe any coin not yet reaching the third party graders. Many within the hobby call them raw, the subject of the week. Enjoy!
Mention the name Franklin Mint and visions of plates depicting cats dressed in Victorian attire that you're grandmother collected are likely to appear. To us seasoned and aged collectors we are surely to remember the multitude of coins, medals and other numismatic products available. Many of us are also likely to have a piece or two, the U.S. Bicentennial issues of 1971 to 1976 being the most common and popular, found in our collections. But what do we really know about this long all but forgotten and shuttered mint? Enjoy!