Click for Coin Articles
Numismatics and the Electronics Age (1986)
Personally, I prefer the one-to-one, head-to-head transaction of collector to
dealer. Not only is there a give and take but also an exchange of ideas and
information and a certain camaraderie that can add to the pleasure of
collecting. However, there's no denying that numismatics is heading headlong
into the Electronics Age.
Two recent developments add to the already existing systems. Perhaps the most
significant is Teletrade, which utilizes the telephone to expedite transactions.
Bernard Rome, founder of the firm, says: "We are not a dealer or an investment
firm. We are simply an exchange for bringing together buyers and sellers. In
this respect, Teletrade is a numismatic equivalent to the New York Stock
Exchange."
Participants use the system by calling a toll-free number and giving the
computer a special code. Callers then will be given the lowest asking price and
the highest bid price for coins they inquire about. Only coins graded by the
American Numismatic Assn. Certification Service will be traded on Teletrade.
Participants will pay $20 monthly for Teletrade's services. For information,
contact Teletrade at 375 Park Ave., New York, N.Y. 10022 or telephone (800)
223-5554.
Another recently announced service is the International Collectors Network,
which utilizes a computerized bulletin board for buying and selling everything
from coins to baseball cards, post cards, old books, autographs and other
collectibles. Computer bulletin boards are not new, but utilizing them in an
organized fashion as a buy-sell outlet offers yet another electronic dimension
for those with personal computers. For information, contact the International
Collectors Network, 2265 Westwood Blvd., No. 801, Los Angeles, Calif. 90064;
telephone (213) 204-0646.
Question: Could you please advise me of the value of U.S. 1865 3-cent and 1868
2-cent coins? I rarely have seen these coins. Why is it they appear unpopular
with collectors?-S.S.G.
Answer: Your 3-cent piece, undoubtedly nickel rather than the rare silver of the
same date (but different design), is one of more than 11.3 million issued. Your
2-cent piece is one of more than 2.8 million. Both are worth $3 each and up. But
the point is that they're in plentiful supply and, as you indicate, unpopular
with collectors. Well, I'm not sure of their unpopularity, exactly, especially
with type collectors. But it's true that certain denominations will appeal to
more collectors than others. Right now, silver dollars and gold are big. Next
year it could be commemoratives, and, who knows, maybe after that the 3-cent and
2-cent denominations will have their day. Some of it has to do with collector
tastes. Some of it is due to promotional manipulation.
1987 Coin News:
A souvenir card commemorating the American Numismatic Assn.'s midwinter
convention in Salt Lake City, Wednesday through March 2, is being issued by the
Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The card depicts the reverse of a Series 1901,
$10 U.S. note (pictured). The central design features an allegorical vignette of
"Progress" in the form of a woman. Souvenir cards cost $4 by mail. Order item
No. 920 by check or money order made payable to "BEP." Send to Bureau of
Engraving and Printing, Mail Order Sales, Room 602-11A, 14th and C streets,
S.W., Washington, D.C. 20228.
Veteran Los Angeles and Orange County coin dealer Joel Rettew
Current Location:
Joel Rettew
23685 Moulton Pkwy B-1
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
949 609 0110
This is an article from the LA Times where Mr. Rettew was a contributor for over
17 years.
|
|
|
| Contributor |
| to the |
| Red Book |
|
Joel
D Rettew Rare Coins
23685 Moulton Pkwy B1
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
© 1992-2007 Coins, All Rights Reserved
