My 20$ For $20 Collection

Thank you for your good words! With so many new NCLT releases every month I definitely had to change my habits...

For once in a long time, I am definitely interested in collecting coins just like 'in the good ol days'.

As a kid I used to sort out coins from the jar at home, or skim through my father's pocket change. I felt like this was a really cool way to gather wealth without actually risking anything (unlike tee spoons, baseball cards or stamps). At best I could find gold, at worst I would break even. I could always use the cash if necessary. The whole idea made sense. A safe bet.

Regular circulation coin boredom (beaver, caribou, etc..) paved the way to NCLTs and the excitement followed! novelty coins, proof sets, paint, etc., etc. BUT At a premium. Things got out of control since the early 2000's. We know the story.

Then came X for X's.

They remind me of the good ol days in terms of risk and offer the benefits of NCLTs in terms of design.

They are a unique blend between "face value" and NCLTs. The best of both worlds.

I use them at the local gas stations and convenience stores. I explain what they are and they do take them. They know me as they guy who spends half dollars and $1 bills though so that helps.

I imagine tellers or the owner snatch them up and they do not circulate. I really wish they did though.

Back in 1977, my father went to the bank to withdraw cash and the teller showed us a 1976 $100 14k gold coin "take it she said" ... and you bet I told my father to take it. I was only 14 at the time and had been collecting coins for a few years already.

X for X...

You all know what happened to gold in the following years.

But regardless, for me this was the first experience with "X for X" and it was a good one.

The coin is long gone, sold in 1980 and my father passed away in 1987. Flashback to this time... My father agreed to take the coin instead of regular bills and gave the coin to me. This was an amazing moment. I will always remember that.

You see, almost 40 years later and X for X still makes a lot of sense to me.