While many coinage designs stand the test of time in the general sense, few hold up when serving the purpose of their creation.� More so, one man's designs across multiple denominations and several countries is unmatched.� The coins of Charles E. Barber, 6th Chief Engraver of The United States Mint.� The subject of this week's blog looks at not only the reason but myths surrounding the man.� � � �Enjoy!�

Coin collecting can be broken down into two main types of collectors. Those who do so out of enjoyment, history or artistry and the challenge of completing a task.� Others who� focus on highest quality, often the rare and unique with intentions of both bragging rights and investment potential. A third group of collectors, those of us who chose both paths although budgeted far lower than those with seeming unlimited funds. So the subject for the week focuses on the third,� using a specimen which has now been entrusted to myself for future collectors to show the reality versus the perception of rare coinage.� Proving that anyone, on practically any budget, may obtain rare coins.� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Enjoy!

The subject of the week focuses on getting the most out of coin collecting.� Particularly the beginner, who more often than not collects coins at random which pique their interest for a variety of reasons. More than likely none of us seasoned collectors began with higher graded coin specific series or denominations, rather we pulled from loose change, roll hunted or were simply left a few coins by a relative.� As a result, this at times becomes overwhelming filling boards, albums or ring binders full of 2x2 flips containing no specific denomination or series, rather quite simply coins which appeal to us.� So making sense of things and bringing order to chaos is the weekly topic.� � � � � � � � Enjoy!

The subject of the week is far from the usual posted over my years as an ANA member.� One which has literally been years in the making. So as always, Enjoy!

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.