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Coin Collecting/Expert Profile

Ronald Fern

U.S.

Available

Expertise

I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.

Experience in the area

Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently st my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.

Organizations

ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG

Publications

Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News

Education/Credentials

AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964 BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968

Awards and Honors

1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

User	Date	K	C	T	P	Comments
Betty	11/23/09	10	10	10	10	Thank You very much!
Thomas	11/22/09	10	10	10	10
judi	11/22/09	10	10	10	10
Dave	11/22/09	10	10	10	10	Mr. Fern, I want to thank you .....
John E Gring	11/21/09	10	10	10	10	Quick response and valuable information on where .....

Recent Answers from Ronald Fern

2009-11-22 Civil War token:

Hi Dave: You have a Patriotic Civil War Token. They were struck by private mints to help the coin shortage merchant's were facing due to hoarding. During the war, people started to hold gold and silver

2009-11-22 1913 gold 2 1/2 dollar coin:

Hi Thomas: The approximate retail value of a $2 1/2 gold coin, according to "Coin Values" is in the $275 to $360 range, but with gold "hot", and trading at the $1150 a troy ounce level, the coin

2009-11-22 2000 Virginia State Quarter misprint:

Hi Debra: It is hard to give you a precise answer without a photo or actually examining the coin. It sounds like you may have a minor off center strike. State quarter errors are very collectible

2009-11-21 DOUBLE SIDED QUARTER:

Hi Tove: Your coin is likely a "magic coin" used to trick people when you guess heads or tails, for you always loose when this party picks "heads". It is an interesting conversation piece, and they

2009-11-21 1934 Wheat Cent:

Hi John: The first thing to do would be to compare your coin to a normal coin in the same group. Look at the diameter, thickness, and weigh the two coins, if possible. A plated coin would weigh slightly

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