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 Replies: 16 / Views: 1,305 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
718 Posts |
I'm 73 and have been collecting off and on since I was about 7 and got my first Whitman folder for pennies. I have a father-in-law who's 96. He doesn't have a whole lot of money to invest in coins, or more specifically silver bullion. About twice a month he calls me to ask about a "deal" he saw in a magazine. I've told him, "Dad, if it's in a magazine, or on tv, it's a ripoff." That only deters him until the next time. Today he calls to ask about buying I-K-E dollars. Only $7 each. Comes in a roll of 15. These are touted as coins from the mint that were used (drumroll please) in ......casinoes! Surely there's no better cachet than casino use. Not only that, but they're........OLD!! What a deal!!! I explain to him that I-K-E dollars have no numismatic value, that there are some dates that are 40% silver, but these won't be it. In all the years (I've been married to his daughter for 50 years) he's never come up with a legitimate "deal." At least he's never purchased anything after talking to me. I think.
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Moderator
 United States
54280 Posts |
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At least he's never purchased anything after talking to me. I think. If his daughter is in his will, you may find out some day. Show your financial support of the Coin Community Family (click here)See my topic on Mexican Numismatic Medals (click here) |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1229 Posts |
At least he is still asking and not just buying these (bad deals). Hopefully he keeps asking and you can steer him in the right direction. Good luck.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6476 Posts |
A lot of poor souls get snookered by those gold plated "commemorative" versions of ordinary coins. I remember there were always ads for those in the Parade magazine insert in the Sunday paper.
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Moderator
United States
15400 Posts |
Sorry - I can not get through your wall of text presented in a single paragraph asking about something. Was there a critical comment you intended to make?  Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Moderator
United States
34397 Posts |
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At least he is still asking Really great point here. Some folks don't ask while others ask, but then ignore learned advice. "If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
Just buy what you thinks he likes on his behalf, and give those purchases to him as a Christmas or birthday present, or just because you think he is a good guy !  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4589 Posts |
Honestly, if he likes all those bogus TV and Magazine deals, I can't think of anything quite as silly as buying one of them as a gift. It just validates the stupid. If he likes the idea of coins, give him something legit. The large print Red Book and a legit circulated Morgan dollar. -----Burton 50+ year / Life / Emeritus ANA member (joined 12/1/1973) Life member: Numismatics International, CONECA Member: TNA, FtWCC, NETCC, EveryCountry (online) coin club Owned by three cats and a wife of 40+ years (joined 1983) Author: 3rd Edition of the Sample Slabs book, https://www.sampleslabs.info/ |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6476 Posts |
If he likes shiny stuff, maybe some ASEs or a 40% silver proof or business strike Ike or Kennedy. Some of the modern commemorative strikes are quite nice, too.
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12260 Posts |
I would let him purchase one of his "deals" - assuming it's not too expensive and won't cause financial hardship - and then educate him about his purchase afterwards illustrating how he overpaid. I used such an approach to great effect with co-workers over the years. It broke them of their mass-market coin promo "habit" and made them aware of other purchase options if they were truly interested in coins. Nothing changes mindsets/habits like a good ol' hit to the wallet! Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6476 Posts |
Speaking for myself, I would not take it kindly if someone encouraged me to do something dumb for the purpose of shaming me after the fact. The dude is 96, I think he's well past the age where he needs a scolding from his son-in-law, even a gentle one.
The right thing IMO is to either 1. Tell him so up front, with the option of an "I told you so" if your advice is ignored (although that is still in poor taste), or 2. bite your tongue and let it sail past uncontested because it's not worth an argument. I would cut to the chase with: 3. Help him to buy something relatively nice that is essentially worth the money.
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Moderator
United States
187938 Posts |
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At least he is still asking This is true.  It is also a good thing no one is asking me about those Ikes.  |
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Moderator
United States
95254 Posts |
Yes, the main point here is that he is interested and is asking. Considering his age, he probably got used to the TV ads, and that is his fall back on how to get something..
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2703 Posts |
Maybe he's lonely and looking to find something interesting to talk to you about.
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Valued Member
Canada
402 Posts |
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Replies: 16 / Views: 1,305 |
Posted 07/15/2024 7:30 pm
