Knowledge through Education!

[animater9]

I am a new paid member to CONECA and I have been collecting for roughly 9 years now and I have to say that this coin collecting thing is something Special to me. I made it over the so called 5 year hump as discribed by Coin World with very little trouble. With all the coins and paper money that our country has placed in our hands to admire and drool over, and I have been lucky enough to finally settle on a few coin types that has caught my eye and made me want to put away for further gandering.
I joined the ANA about 4 years ago and have yet to actually get involved in due to lack of k owledge, but that will change. This Christmas my girlfriend gracisiously purchased my a membership in a very worth while group called CONECA. She said if I was going g to stair at coins so long and hard ( learning coins to better my education and grading knowledge) that I should be a member of the Greatest error and varieties group so I can further my knowledge and stop trying to figure out what was wrong with my little jewels that I call my collection (on November 2014 I found my first really good FS-50-1961-801 [013], then shortly after that found another of the same(( yes Franklins are one of my Favorites)). This is how I ended up in this fine group.
Im not a trouble maker (yes I do speak my mind) and I Love to help people with less experience then I have in our love of coins. I have since I have been a member found the we have questions on our boards with sometimes 1000's of views and not one comment. I have asked a couple of questions and I have at least one (other then the one just posted tonight) that was never addressed. I have had a board member ask me (almost demand) to go against my word for which I live by. I was this board member about the questions that weren't ever answered, I was told to go to Coin Talk to get my answers that people there were more sociable.
I went to the state representatives page of our group and it hit me that some day I'd like to be on this list when I get a bit more knowledge. Then I went to our group guide line and by laws and I noticed that is Stated this:
We were to promote CONECA and it Goals of
1) Furthering the Knowledge of Numismatic Errors and Varieties
2) Provide Mutual Help and Cooperation of numismatic errors & Varieties
in the US and Elsewhere
3) Acquiring and disseminating accurate information in a this area (state rep.)
4) Promoting Interest in Numismatics , Especially that of mint errors and varieties.

This was a Grand reason why This was the Best Christmas present I had received ( I also got a couple of gold dollars I had been wanting), (but this was the Best).
The I looked at our MOTO it states: KNOWLEDGE THROUGH EDUCATION!!!
That's a Great thing. Knowledge Through Education!!!!
Yet I'm told to go to coin talk by a Board member and We have questions that haven't been answered?
Am I missing something? Is it that these questions are by new people and people come and go? I really don't expect an answer to my question but I thought I would put it out there and see if when people view if they actually read the questions?
If I knew more I would make sure there were answers because Knowledge is Through Education and I'm woundering? Well I'm just wondering.
Thank you (if anyone reads this) for your Time and Trouble. Just know if you have a question or if there is something g I can do to help you Please don't feel foolish ask! If I can help you (and it doesn't go against my name or word) I most assuredly do so.

[Stachowski]

Questions On Cross-Reference numbers

My question is, who's in charge of ( Cross-Reference Numbers ) there is a big issue between the error companies, I'll show you some examples.. First let use coneca 1984-D Lincoln Cent, its DDO-001, and coppercoins DDO-002, they both have the same cherry-picker number, but the descriptions are no where near the same .. Here the link for conneca http://varietyvista.com/Variety%20Ma...96.htm#_1984-D and here's the link to coppercoins http://www.coppercoins.com/lincoln/d...&die_state=lds Heres the second one, its wexler DDO #42-#46 .. Wexler DDO says its cross-reference number for this DDO is coppercoins #20, coppercoins doesn't even have a #20 for this DDO, but coneca does, and it DDO #20, which matches wexlers.. Heres the link to wexler site http://www.doubleddie.com/307701.html heres the link to coneca site http://varietyvista.com/Variety%20Ma...1962.htm#_1962 and last, heres the link to coppercoins site http://www.coppercoins.com/lincoln/d...type=do&page=0

[Jamez]

Animator, yes Sharing knowledge is VERY important to CONECA. But keep in mind that alot of (MOST) the experts have jobs outside of coins and visit this site perhaps once a day for some, others once a week, some have been burnt out on coin forums because of the arguing that comes with answering a question. Its a very difficult task sometimes to answer a question because some users already have a preconceived answer in their heads and then argue their case with a person who has seen what they have 100's of times. ( these people burn out. ) Now I am not saying that every expert always has the correct answer in the error/variety world as they certainly dont. But rest assured that more times than not you will get a true honest answer to any question you ask. Now, as for this forum. Its a slow paced forum, If you post something here dont expect an immediate answer. Like I said we dont have operators standing by.. : )

If you look at the back of your errorscope you will see the officer team for CONECA. If you have something that needs immediate attention, a new find etc.. feel free to email somebody from the team. I know I get emails everyday from members asking questions about coins. Even the person who posted here below you has emailed me before. Now, I have only been doing E/V's for about 40 years so I dont consider myself an expert but I can answer alot of the questions. The ones I dont know, I will find the person who does know the answer. One thing I will tell you is that I have yet to find a CONECA Person who was not willing to share their knowledge with another person. Mention your a member of CONECA. Yes it does make a difference. I cant speak for others but I will tell you that if you say that to me, it tells me that you have a serious interest in this portion of hte hobby vs. somebody who wants to get in on something because there is some money to be made.

Also, a great way to learn about the beginnings of the E/V world is picking up a few books as you can. Cherry Pickers, Strike it Rich with Pocket change, also on the Variety Vista website there are alot of cheap ebooks by Dr Wiles for sale rather cheap.

I hope this answers some of your questions. email me if you would like. My information is in every issue of the Errorscope.

[Jamez]

Rick, There is nobody in charge of cross reference numbers that I am aware of. When I first got on the Board at CONECA one of the things that I wanted to do was get some type of an understanding amongst all of the (Players) in the EV world that we could get on some type of a universal numbering system. Basically I was laughed at. Never going to happen, to many people are out on their own trying to make names for themselves instead of bettering the hobby. (my opinion)

Now, some have taken it upon themselves and have created "some" cross reference material but it certainly isn't inclusive. I have found a person who has the same passion for the hobby as I do and one of the things we are talking about is coming up with a master database listing (CONECA) then having all the people out there assigning their own numbers an opportunity to add their numbers as a cross reference number. HUGE stretch again because of the "My way is the best way" But its something that I as a hobbyist would certainly like to see at some point and hope that one day we can all come to terms, stop the my way is better and do it for the betterment of the hobby.

[animater9]

Jamez- I do understand the things you are saying and I'm not sure if I agree with the answers you have presented. I think there are ways around some of these problems.
What about when you have an actual board member telling you to ho somewhere else to get answers? Almost demanding that a person go against there word to do something for them? That may just be that person. I don't know and it really doesn't matter. It kind of fits right in with the rest of the problems.
I do have a paid membership and I am here to learn, someday to be an educator it isn't about the money to me as it is with many in this hobby. I mean money isn't the driving force behind my addiction to my hobby. Some claim to love this hobby but I love what I get our of it and what it gives me because I like to work at it, (the knowledge that is).
I'm in this hobby to stay! It doesn't matter how many crooks, thief's or money hungry people and big named firms try to get in the way.
I am a member of the ANA and haven't gotten involved because I haven't got the experience and knowledge that so many do, but that time will come. If this association, Our association finds a way into my heart and it proves worthy (not just to me but to the members I know as well that seem to have somewhat the same thoughts as I) I will hang out. When I get the knowledge that makes me feel comfortable to start speeding what I have learned around, I will do that. My knowledge comes from helping others.
If that time comes I will step up and do whatever I can to help improve the things that I complain about! I am one of those people that pay my own way. I'm Not a taker, I believe that when people are in the position to better things they do. I understand about jobs most of us lucky people get to work, we don't take from the ones that do.
Again I am a member of this group and when I join a don't sit all the way back in my chair and just laugh at the ones that werent lucky enough to find this great hobby sooner. I will do my part and it doesn't matter who does or doesn't like it. It is my place to better what ever I canto better things. Isn't that why we join, or is it so we can throw around the name so we can puff out our chest? I will ride out my first year helping the ones I can (which won't be many). I will do MY part without puffing out my chest, I will do it because that's what I signed on for. Then we will see how things work out come next December. I love our Moto. I thought that is what this hobby was suppose to be about! Knowing those less knowledgeable. Knowledge through Education!
Maybe I'm just in the wrong time zone? Lol
Again thank you for your reply!

[Stachowski]

Rick, There is nobody in charge of cross reference numbers that I am aware of. When I first got on the Board at CONECA one of the things that I wanted to do was get some type of an understanding amongst all of the (Players) in the EV world that we could get on some type of a universal numbering system. Basically I was laughed at. Never going to happen, to many people are out on their own trying to make names for themselves instead of bettering the hobby. (my opinion)

Now, some have taken it upon themselves and have created "some" cross reference material but it certainly isn't inclusive. I have found a person who has the same passion for the hobby as I do and one of the things we are talking about is coming up with a master database listing (CONECA) then having all the people out there assigning their own numbers an opportunity to add their numbers as a cross reference number. HUGE stretch again because of the "My way is the best way" But its something that I as a hobbyist would certainly like to see at some point and hope that one day we can all come to terms, stop the my way is better and do it for the betterment of the hobby.

Sounds like this is a good place for a union lol... Thanks Jim...

[Ray Parkhurst]

Cross-references are tough to manage. I've created my own spreadsheet for Lincoln RPMs and have tried to be diligent but I still have errors as attributions do change over time. Wiles' eBooks cross-ref to the CPG, top 100 lists, etc. Coppercoins attempts to cross-ref to all the popular references but has not been updated in a while.

I like the idea of a master CONECA listing with cross-references, and would volunteer to help with this effort.

[Jamez]

Jamez- I do understand the things you are saying and I'm not sure if I agree with the answers you have presented. I think there are ways around some of these problems.
What about when you have an actual board member telling you to ho somewhere else to get answers? Almost demanding that a person go against there word to do something for them? That may just be that person. I don't know and it really doesn't matter. It kind of fits right in with the rest of the problems.
I do have a paid membership and I am here to learn, someday to be an educator it isn't about the money to me as it is with many in this hobby. I mean money isn't the driving force behind my addiction to my hobby. Some claim to love this hobby but I love what I get our of it and what it gives me because I like to work at it, (the knowledge that is).
I'm in this hobby to stay! It doesn't matter how many crooks, thief's or money hungry people and big named firms try to get in the way.
I am a member of the ANA and haven't gotten involved because I haven't got the experience and knowledge that so many do, but that time will come. If this association, Our association finds a way into my heart and it proves worthy (not just to me but to the members I know as well that seem to have somewhat the same thoughts as I) I will hang out. When I get the knowledge that makes me feel comfortable to start speeding what I have learned around, I will do that. My knowledge comes from helping others.
If that time comes I will step up and do whatever I can to help improve the things that I complain about! I am one of those people that pay my own way. I'm Not a taker, I believe that when people are in the position to better things they do. I understand about jobs most of us lucky people get to work, we don't take from the ones that do.
Again I am a member of this group and when I join a don't sit all the way back in my chair and just laugh at the ones that werent lucky enough to find this great hobby sooner. I will do my part and it doesn't matter who does or doesn't like it. It is my place to better what ever I canto better things. Isn't that why we join, or is it so we can throw around the name so we can puff out our chest? I will ride out my first year helping the ones I can (which won't be many). I will do MY part without puffing out my chest, I will do it because that's what I signed on for. Then we will see how things work out come next December. I love our Moto. I thought that is what this hobby was suppose to be about! Knowing those less knowledgeable. Knowledge through Education!
Maybe I'm just in the wrong time zone? Lol
Again thank you for your reply!

Sounds like you and I are on the same page as far as the hobby and I am also impressed with this discussion. As to who on the board told you to go elsewhere, I cant answer that because I dont know who it was.. I know who it WASN'T! (ME) This portion of the hobby (numismatics in general) is a specialized area as we both know. There are tons of people jumping on the bandwagon. Here is a great example for you.. Recently I was at the CONECA table in Michigan answering questions etc.. as a state rep. Had a guy walk up and sit down, hands me a coffee can full of coins and says... " Can you tell me if there are any errors in there?"

I said there might be.. Have you looked at them? He said no.. he didnt want to waste HIS time going through them. I asked if he had an interest in the hobby, NO, just want to know if I have anything worth anything if the can. I directed him to the supply dealer at the convention and advised him to purchase a few books. Was that wrong of me for doing that? Probably was... BUT.. he wasnt there to learn anything, he didnt present me with a coin saying I suspect this.. He was there looking for a payday. Now, Rick (above poster) can tell you first hand how many coins I look at during these shows and how much people do learn when they visit a CONECA table. I am not the only one. I can tell you that BJ Neff spent alot of time at the CONECA FUN table and shared his knowledge with anyone that would listen.

Just keep in mind that the people who are running CONECA are doing this on their time away from their regular jobs. I know that I spend well over 100 hours a month donating my knowledge and skill sets to various aspects of the hobby. Its a great group of people that are willing to share their knowledge for the most part. I know that if I have a question that I can call anyone of the people listed anywhere in the ERRORSCOPE and they will talk coins with me if they have the time.

Hang in there.. Like I said, if you have a specific question about something shoot me an email, be happy to answer them but don't expect an answer within minutes. Sadly I have a mortgage to pay and my regular job provides me the ability to pay it..

I look forward to the day when your comfortable enough to email me and say.. Jim, I am ready to be a Rep.. then you can sit on the other side of the table. Its very rewarding, but at the same time.. You do get the coffee can kickers. But I am sure you have already figured that out.

[Jamez]

Cross-references are tough to manage. I've created my own spreadsheet for Lincoln RPMs and have tried to be diligent but I still have errors as attributions do change over time. Wiles' eBooks cross-ref to the CPG, top 100 lists, etc. Coppercoins attempts to cross-ref to all the popular references but has not been updated in a while.

I like the idea of a master CONECA listing with cross-references, and would volunteer to help with this effort.

I've got your name now Ray.. You cant Hide.. : )
Thank you.

Jim

[Stachowski]

Sounds like you and I are on the same page as far as the hobby and I am also impressed with this discussion. As to who on the board told you to go elsewhere, I cant answer that because I dont know who it was.. I know who it WASN'T! (ME) This portion of the hobby (numismatics in general) is a specialized area as we both know. There are tons of people jumping on the bandwagon. Here is a great example for you.. Recently I was at the CONECA table in Michigan answering questions etc.. as a state rep. Had a guy walk up and sit down, hands me a coffee can full of coins and says... " Can you tell me if there are any errors in there?"

I said there might be.. Have you looked at them? He said no.. he didnt want to waste HIS time going through them. I asked if he had an interest in the hobby, NO, just want to know if I have anything worth anything if the can. I directed him to the supply dealer at the convention and advised him to purchase a few books. Was that wrong of me for doing that? Probably was... BUT.. he wasnt there to learn anything, he didnt present me with a coin saying I suspect this.. He was there looking for a payday. Now, Rick (above poster) can tell you first hand how many coins I look at during these shows and how much people do learn when they visit a CONECA table. I am not the only one. I can tell you that BJ Neff spent alot of time at the CONECA FUN table and shared his knowledge with anyone that would listen.

Just keep in mind that the people who are running CONECA are doing this on their time away from their regular jobs. I know that I spend well over 100 hours a month donating my knowledge and skill sets to various aspects of the hobby. Its a great group of people that are willing to share their knowledge for the most part. I know that if I have a question that I can call anyone of the people listed anywhere in the ERRORSCOPE and they will talk coins with me if they have the time.

Hang in there.. Like I said, if you have a specific question about something shoot me an email, be happy to answer them but don't expect an answer within minutes. Sadly I have a mortgage to pay and my regular job provides me the ability to pay it..

I look forward to the day when your comfortable enough to email me and say.. Jim, I am ready to be a Rep.. then you can sit on the other side of the table. Its very rewarding, but at the same time.. You do get the coffee can kickers. But I am sure you have already figured that out.

Jim, I remember the ANA show in 2013, when that guys show-up with the pocket change book that was missing, and he had no ideal how he got it, but he was very honest, and brought it back, there are good people out there, but don't get the hobby, mixed up with the sales part of the hobby, that part is all about the money..

[Stachowski]

Cross-references are tough to manage. I've created my own spreadsheet for Lincoln RPMs and have tried to be diligent but I still have errors as attributions do change over time. Wiles' eBooks cross-ref to the CPG, top 100 lists, etc. Coppercoins attempts to cross-ref to all the popular references but has not been updated in a while.

I like the idea of a master CONECA listing with cross-references, and would volunteer to help with this effort.

Thats where the internet comes in ( cross-reference numbers ) its a great tool, books are ok, but images suck trying to match from a book ..

[animater9]

Jamez,
I understand about coffee can kickers. I don't think youbwere wrong handling it like that. I love helping people, but I have a personal rule "I will be more then happy to help ANYONE that have the balls to help themselves". I get people that are always asking "what's this worth"? I don't mind after it keeps on referring them to the red book and Coin World weekly (with the monthly). Then you get the people that say well I collect coins Not books. Lol I like the internet but I find that for me I can find out more with a book then on my phone. I would (and probably will) someday sit on the other side of the table.
I have morals and an honor code I learned while in the military and it bothers me when you find that people turn there backs to you just because they don't know you! I feel that is what has happened here. The questions I have had answered was always about if the coin was worth something or not? When I ask about a coin or paper I don't really care if its worth more, I want to know about the situation (let's be real I have already paid for it so I know what its worth).
What really bothers me is when a person that is supposedly trying to better OUR hobby is telling people to go somewhere else for there answers! Not to mention that since they sit on the board of a group I belong to I should put my morals and my word to the side! I understand that these are things that we learn with time and age and that (hopefully) with age there have morals and a word to call there own.
I have wasted your time long enough BUT I do appreciate you reply. At least I know someone is listening. About the work thing I do understand that as well. I earn what I make and I do have a job. I know that people have bills to pay and that this is ONLY a Hobby! And when I speak I don't demand that people stop to hear what I have said, I do however think that when there are so many posts with so many views and not one answer that people get the idea that they paid for a membership to get the rights for the name! It could run prospective new members away! It could make members leave! If the post are not worth answering why can't they just be taken down? At least people would get the hint. Although I am a firm believer that the most stupid question is the one that was never asked. I'm just living in the old world I guess. The one that a mans handshake was his word and his word was the only thing he had. Coins and objects can be replaced but your word is your heart and soul. Yet so many people believe that if it doesn't have money attached to it they don't need it.

Have a GREAT DAY! Again Thank You!!!

[Stachowski]

Cross-references are tough to manage. I've created my own spreadsheet for Lincoln RPMs and have tried to be diligent but I still have errors as attributions do change over time. Wiles' eBooks cross-ref to the CPG, top 100 lists, etc. Coppercoins attempts to cross-ref to all the popular references but has not been updated in a while.

I like the idea of a master CONECA listing with cross-references, and would volunteer to help with this effort.

Heres an email I received last night, ever interesting : Hello all, Have been very busy with the Wexler files, John Wexler and I have been clearing all RPMs some require a full write up and picture lay out - some files have some information while other files are missing all data - hence clearing all the Wexler files.
John Wexler will announce shortly on his web site that I will be the new attributor for the following titles - all - RPMs & IMM & OMM & RPD, all overdates and MPD.
The new IDDD site is devoted to Ikes and more plus our new chat box. http://idddvarietyattributors.com/
Hope you all join in.

Tom K.

[animater9]

Congrats Tom K

[animater9]

Guess the Congrats goes to Ray P!