Bearlyoung's Silver Commem Collection
Private
Updated:
3/23/2026
Views: 3,650
This started 30 years ago when I revisited the coins I collected as a paper boy, which were stuffed in dusty albums in my attic. I regrettably started buying raw coins on eBay, which I somewhat offset by wisely purchasing every mint and proof set, including all the gold and silver eagles ever made directly from the Mint.
I was still looking for a collecting niche when I stumbled upon the commemoratives because I discovered they had coins from my birth year (1946).
I started slowly over the past 10 years with MS 63's and then had to have 64's and 65's. Well you can see the rest of the story below.
Most of the credit goes to my wife Diane, who has been so supportive of my passion for this hobby. She is such a kind, giving person that every day I look at my collection it stands in tribute of her love and support.
Secondly, it's one thing to have beautiful coins, it's another to be able to share them. For that, I have to thank Todd Pollock of Blueccphotos.com. Here's the web site: http://bluccphotos.com
I couldn't believe the best coin photographer in America lives in my hometown, Sacramento. On top of everything, Todd, is a wonderful person.
I stumbled around this hobby buying aimlessly uintil the gift of the internet let me hook up with JVD from Florida--one of the icons of the commemorative world. John changed my outlook and my collection. Instead of collecting slabs, I started collecting coins. I will forever be grateful to a man I have never met. He has taught me to appreciate the beauty of toned coins. I now collect the coin, not the holder or the number associated with it.
I would be remiss in not mentioning Dave Schweitz, who I just recently met. Dave is the purveyor of giants. My true monster coins have come from him. Dave is abrupt and frank and is unabashedly honest. If you aren't prepared for a direct response, don't ask. I love that about him. It's so refreshing and without pretense. I truly enjoy his company and am awed by his wisdom.
Of course, full recognition must be given to Dan and Kathleen Duncan from Pinnacle. If there was a Pantheon of great coin dealers, Dan and Kathleen would rank at the top. They are truly forthright and honest whether you are selling or buying.
Finally, I do want to challenge those who claim that all the great commemorative coins must rest in PCGS holders to have maximum value. To me the true oracle of commemoratives was and is Larry Shepherd. Among his cardinal rules of collecting that we should all heed are:
(1.) No major grading service (PCGS, NGC, ANACS) has a monopoly on over graded coins, or a monopoly on great coins.
(2.) If you buy only one holder (grading service) you will never have the best set.
In closing, let me say that many of my friends buy only PCGS coins because "they're worth more when they sell them."
This is perhaps where my approach to collecting is misalligned. Frankly, I never buy a coin thinking I'm going to sell it. I'm a collector, not a seller. If I like a coin, I buy it without regard to the holder. It may not lead to the best set, but I will enjoy the coins I own to the their fullest. (8/9/2011)
Read more...
Bearlyoung's Silver Commem Collection
By Bruce Young
Owner Comments:
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The NGC Registry is not endorsed by or associated with PCGS or CAC. PCGS is a registered trademark of Collectors Universe, Inc. CAC is a trademark of Certified Acceptance Corporation.
Add Coin
Join NGC for free to add coins, track your collection and participate in the NGC Registry. Learn more >
Join NGC
Already a member? Sign In
The NGC Registry is not endorsed by or associated with PCGS or CAC. PCGS is a registered trademark of Collectors Universe, Inc. CAC is a trademark of Certified Acceptance Corporation.
There is never any charge to contact us. To reach a customer service representative, call, text or WhatsApp (+1) 855-472-3310 or use this form.
